Against All Odds

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I was standing in the garden this morning feeling exasperated with my painting (see my last post). I know paintings often go through an ugly phase, or a phase that seems hopeless but it seemed that whatever I tried, I wasn't happy with it.
 It's been very grey and dull here for what seems like ages but I looked around and saw it hadn't put off the little flowers in my garden. They were full of faith for what was to come despite the cold weather.


 It made me think how I could do the same. So with renewed optimism, I went back to my awkward painting


and decided I really didn't like that green hair. It looked cold to me. The only answer to my mind was to use bright shocking pink! :)

Nice warm pink - yes!


I added some more flowers and voila! It is finished.
It's now listed in my Etsy shop for sale. It's another 10 x 10 inches (25 x 25cm) and is on a box style canvas, ready to hang on your wall. Please click here to see more details. :)

Against All Odds, 
call me cheesy but I love that Phil Collins song!

Comments

denthe said…
I liked it with the green hair too, but the pink makes the flowers jump out much more, which looks great! Love those pictures of the blooms in your garden, and how they inspired you to get back to your painting and change what you didn't like!
28 February 2013 at 12:58
Flotsam said…
Strange how sometimes all it takes is to 'stand back' for a while. Talking of ugly phase, I am having a personal one right now. Need some sun. If we all close our eyes and wish hard enough, do you think it will come? X
28 February 2013 at 14:17
Silke Powers said…
Isn't nature amazing after a long winter. And equally mysterious is he painting process when things seem stuck and suddenly everything comes together. Love your painting!! xoxo Silke
28 February 2013 at 17:00
Carol said…
The pink hair brought it to life, beautiful.
My pictures arrived safely, many thanks Jess - I love them!
Carol xx
28 February 2013 at 20:24
Introverted Art said…
Jess these photos are beautiful. I love the bright shades of pink, red and orange in the panting.
1 March 2013 at 01:11
Ana M.F. said…
I like the change, pink definitely makes the flowers stand out.
Most of my drawings go through an ugly phase too...sometimes they never leave the ugly phase to my eyes but I think being dissatisfied really helps with future creations so it's not a bad thing after all.
I love your garden so much!!
1 March 2013 at 04:34
Kyra Wilson said…
It's always tricky finding the right feel, but it's so nice when we do! Lovely painting! :)
1 March 2013 at 18:42
Young at Heart said…
wow...nature worked its magic.....gorgeous!!
2 March 2013 at 11:37
Annie Lightbulb said…
Love how this painting as been created through your frustration and natural beauty giving you that spark again. Your so beautiful and your art too!
2 March 2013 at 19:07
Annie Lightbulb said…
Didn't mean I was glad you was sad, proud of you sharing and growing strong through it! Much love!
2 March 2013 at 19:08
Unknown said…
Jess, I love this post! I totally understand what you had been going through with the ugly stage of a painting. I am going through that now with a large canvas. Seems that just a little bit of time out and thinking a bit more simply makes it work for me, too.
13 March 2013 at 14:43
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