Today, I began working on the brick building in the center. The details weren't fully realized, and were crooked. I worked on the shadows and highlights, then added the stonework details. I think it reads a little more clearly now.
Then, I moved on to the arched building with the column. Rather, columns. And an odd mix of columns at that. I debated simplifying the details for the sake of an easier painting, but I'm up for a challenge, so I'm seeing what I can do. This has been my approach throughout my artistic pursuits: Take the difficult route. If you always take the difficult route, you will be better prepared for whatever comes your way.
Not everything is difficult, so you are guaranteed to find the rest of your endeavors to be easier in comparison. And remember, it's the journey, not the destination. If you don't enjoy the act of painting, and you're always rushing to get to the finished piece, what's the point? You're going to spend more time painting than doing anything else in your artistic career, so best to find enjoyment in the process.
I try to find enjoyment along the way. I'm excited when I prep a canvas, even if I don't know what I'm painting. When I begin a painting, I have fun sketching and figuring out where everything will go. Then, I have fun mixing colors and blocking in the masses of colors and forms. Once this is all done, the best and hardest part, is refining all the details. And that's where I've been stuck on this one for some time. I've put it down and painted three other paintings, but this time I'm committed to finishing it. Whatever it takes!
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