Friday, January 2, 2009



Cloudbank

Watercolor on paper, 6" x 6"
$125 plus $6 shipping in U.S.
SOLD


I'm kind of on a watercolor run lately (pardon the pun.) I enjoy shifting mediums from time to time to shake things up a bit. I've never found the "perfect" paint, or the perfect brush or surface, for that matter. I end up in a kind of love/hate relationship with my tools and materials. For me, each medium has its own set of challenges, pleasures and frustrations. I'm always dissatisfied to some degree with virtually everything I do--always feel it should be better. I'm quick to blame the medium or tools, but in truth it's probably not the paint, it's the painter.

14 comments:

Pierre Raby said...

So beautiful Don!

Anonymous said...

Cloudbank is lovely, Don. Really lovely.

And regarding your not being satisified...I know the feeling. Even on paintings I've done that have received tons of praise, I always know their weakness or just one area I didn't pull off as I wanted. That one area is what sticks in my memory.

I think that's the nature of the beast and one of the reasons we artists keep on pushing.

Unknown said...

This one has an overwhelming immediacy.
I feel the clouds churning, hear the wind.
I am right THERE.

John Vander Stelt said...

Found you via Mick McGinty's blog. Nice work. I especially enjoyed the terrific murals on your website. Wishing you all the best in 2009.

Robert Ross said...

I think this is one of your best!

Don Gray said...

Thanks, Pierre!

Don Gray said...

Thanks a lot, Brian.

Wouldn't it be nice for once to produce a painting and then sit back and just genuinely enjoy it, without feeling any need to search out those weaknesses you mentioned?

You're right--nature of the beast.

Don Gray said...

Thanks, Susan. I'm thrilled it evokes that response in you.

Don Gray said...

John, welcome to the blog! I'm happy to discover your fine painting. Thanks and Happy New Year to you.

Don Gray said...

Rob--very kind, thank you!

Frank Gardner said...

I think we are all more critical of our own work than we are of others Don. I usually can find things I wish were different in my work, but if I tried changing them all I would ruin the piece. I've tried.
I love the softness of the cloud compared to the sharp shapes of the grasses sticking out of the snow.
Happy New Year.

Don Gray said...

Much hard-earned wisdom in your words, Frank.

Making paintings is kind of like raising children: they don't always listen to you and often don't do what you think is in their best interest. But at some point you realize it is time to step aside and let them be who they are.

Thanks and Happy New Year.

Steven P. Goodman said...

I feel the exact same way about my work. For me, being an artist means always trying to go beyond my capabilities, resulting in a constant state of frustration.

Don Gray said...

Nature of the beast, isn't it Steve? Thanks for the visit.