PineShoreStudio/Paintings by Helen Harris

Much like stretching before exercising, pull out an old "failed" painting and just "have at it". I stated this in my last blog. Robin Maria Pedrero commented "...PS recently learned a "failed" piece can be labeled a study, where we learned something." I can't tell you how many times I've told my workshop students or demonstrated that these amazingly poor paintings can emerge as accomplished work. How often have you given up on a piece too soon?After that question ,please ask yourself ,"Why?" Now switch that thinking to "Why not?"and simply pick up a new color, tear some rice paper,dip into acrylics,slash a broad pastel stroke across that muddled tone. Rebuild, reshape that composition and have at it ! " The amateur is afraid of boldness,the professional is afraid of timidity."-Ed Whitney

On the left is the original painting "Sugar Pines" painted in 2005. It has gone through a few shows unsold. Never a favorite of mine. I frequently repainted it in my minds eye as I passed it each day in my home. This week I took the framing apart and revisited the piece. On the right is the revised version of "Sugar Pines" painted in 2007 and just placed at the Main Ave.Galleria,Ocean Grove,NJ. It immediately attracted interested buyers. It's always a risk to repaint a piece. Sometimes it is just destroyed and replaced . There are those pieces that you know have some value. The idea was good or the composition was just right but your eye new something was flawed, yet you hesitate.... Remember it's only a piece of paper. Take a chance...PAINT....and know that you've learned and come a long way.