If you have read this blog or followed my art for any time, you may have figured out that I have a thing for the Oak Grove Bridge. The sign on the bridge reads “East Fork of the Kaweah” or “Kaweah River” or something, but Trail Guy told me it is the Oak Grove Bridge back in 1985, and so that’s what it will always be to me.
I have painted and drawn it many times.
In 2011 I did a large-for-me oil painting of it. 18×24″ is huge when one is accustomed to painting 6×6″ or 8×10″.
It started out rather disastrously, when an easel in front of it dropped down and ripped a hole in the canvas. Upon the brilliant suggestion of a blog reader, I turned the torn canvas into a tote bag, and began another painting.
The new painting turned out so well that I have been using it on my business cards.
But, it didn’t sell.
Why not? Too much money? Come on! Paintings of this size sell for thousands. My bridge painting is a bargain at $500.
I know. This is Tulare County.
So?? It is a good painting.
Time passed. I finally decided that after 4 years my abilities have improved. Growth is good. Admitting it is hard, because it feels as if I am telling those who have bought my earlier paintings that I ripped them off.
(Do you feel ripped off? Would you like me to retouch a painting you bought earlier??)
I decided to rescue it from the gallery where it sat unappreciated and bring it home to study it. My first thought was, “Wow, this looks good”.
Then I realized that I am blinded by love for the bridge, so somehow had to find a way to be objective.
I thought about it and found a few things to improve. Because my style of painting is to paint layer after layer, this wasn’t too difficult. I ended up repainting most of it, right over the top, sharpening edges, increasing contrast, exaggerating colors. This is the result:
Oak Grove Bridge, oil on wrapped canvas, 18×24″, $500
NEW AND IMPROVED OAK GROVE BRIDGE AT SAME BARGAIN PRICE!
Maybe I don’t even want to sell this painting. I could auction it on the premise that anything is for sale if the price is right.
Do I hear $550?
4 Comments
Wow, Jana, I love the changes you made. Amazing! And a good lesson for us all to keep on looking for ways to improve our work!
Hope all is well with you. Things have been hopping for me and looks like it will continue that way for a while. Onward! 🙂
Thank you, Cheryl! I don’t buy into that theory about not overworking paintings. My theory is that things can always be improved. (or “nevah nevah nevah give up”)
Wow, bumping up the contrast on your painting really makes it shine! Good job figuring out what to do to make it better.
Thank you, Diana! Approval from you is like a gold star. 😎
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