The Process
by sandihester
Sandi Hester, oil
Thought I’d show you some of the process I go through with my paintings. Sometimes I feel like something just isn’t working with a painting- sometimes I know what it is and sometimes I don’t. USUALLY I leave things alone because I USUALLY ruin a painting when I start trying to fix things, but lately I’ve been trying to have more confidence and fix what I feel is wrong. In other words, trying not to let fear hold me back from making an ok painting into a better painting. The painting above is my “fixed” version and the one below is the one I felt like something about the background was off.
One of the reasons I usually just leave it alone is because I’m a TERRIBLE judge of my own work!!! You may agree and feel like the first one was better!
Sandi Hester, oil
Sandi Hester 
Yes. I do agree. I think the first one was better. I did the exact same thing with a painting not to long ago. It’s still sitting on the shelf waiting for me to help it…
Do you mean the first one I painted (light background) or the first one on the post? After sleeping on it and looking at them again – I think I shouldn’t have reworked the background – I think I like the lighter background with the chair in it – oh well!
I meant the one with the light background. I thought it looked great, and like I said I’ve done the same thing. Perhaps it’s better to step away sometimes, and get fresh eyes before we change something. You can see mine here… https://30daystopaintinspiration.wordpress.com/2017/08/18/major-mess-up/
I like the first one more. The lightness of the background gives it an airy feel and the chair back gives it a little more depth. One thing that gives me confidence to go back and “fix” a painting is to remember that I did it once, I can do it again.
Oh Amber – I like this advice and “self talk!” After sleeping on it and looking at it with fresh eyes (which I should have done in the first place), I like the lighter background and chair better also! I will probably just move on, but then again I may try changing it up. Thanks for taking time to comment and look around!
I love them both! But the important thing is that you are bold and courageous in overcoming fears!