On my recent solo art trip, I had two successful paintings and one failed painting. With the failed painting, the rain got a bit heavy and flooded my palette, turning the paint into a gluggy, unworkable mess. And I transferred this mess and my frustration onto the surface.
As frustrating as failed paintings are, there can be much to learn from them. Sometimes more so than the successful ones.
The successful ones tend to confirm what we already know. But failed paintings show where the boundaries and limitations and shortfalls are. They show how far we can push our paints, brushes, style, and skills before things break down. They show where our comfort zone is and how far we can stretch out of it.
My failed painting (I didn’t get a photo of it sorry) showed me:
- That a little bit of rain is fine, but too much and the oil paint becomes unworkable. Perhaps water-mixable oils may be more effective in these conditions?
- Painting a subject that doesn’t particularly interest you tends to produce lacklustre results. It’s as though the lack of enthusiasm and direction is transferred onto the surface for everyone to see. I don’t think it’s any coincidence that my two successful paintings started with strong ideas and subjects that I was excited to paint. And my one failed one started with a weak idea and no excitement.
It’s helpful to put a positive spin on failed paintings like this. Though it still hurts!
It’s also worth noting that a few failed paintings here and there are just part of the journey. A painful but important part. If you’re not failing enough, then perhaps you’re too far in your comfort zone.
If you ever want to learn more, you might be interested in our new Sunrises and Sunrises Workshop.
Regards
Dan Scott
