You might think that artists bare their souls with each creation they share with you, regardless of the depth of that soul. You might not be all together wrong with that thought, but for the most part, be it a soul in bliss or a soul in turmoil, or any point in between, what you witness with a work of art is an artist baring his soul only when project is deemed successful. You rarely see an artist who has bared his soul in failure, which is what I’m doing here, with you, by sharing this piece.

Bear in mind that my only criteria for success is my own – it is one I impose on the painting. I will presume to know what is best for the painting, so when I claim it as a failure, it is by my own standards, and thankfully not by standards imposed upon me by others who might claim to know better (such as the dreaded art critic). The interesting thing is that a painting I feel has failed might be one that receives some level of acclaim or credit by those who follow and sometimes purchase my work. This doesn’t lessen my own feelings of inadequacy at failing in my job, at creating a painting that I feel is a failure.

It doesn’t sound fair, does it, that I should impose my own standards on something that exists just well-enough on its own, without my critical mind putting it down. But that’s what we artists do in the privacy of our own studios and minds. We decide what is best, what is to be shared.

My point here is not to share anything so grand as self-indulgent histrionics, but to share with you the idea that an artist who bears his soul to his audience usually does so, be it in bliss or torment, in his own comfort of success, so when he does bare his soul, it is not always a candid affair – its chosen and calculated.

Below is another 1 meter by 1 1/2 meter unstretched canvas, my 5th in a series of 6 and my first failure of that series. I call this one A Particular Rendezvous. I will admit now that it looks better in digital form, and so reveal that maybe all is well with this one, and I’m actually just in a hissy mood, a mood that I’m bound to bring into the realm of preparation for my next one-by.

So, its off to cut another slab of canvas from its roll and get to it!

I always welcome likes and comments from you, and will always appreciate your shares to your favorite social channels and stations. Just click on the icons below for any outlet that you’re plugged into and blast away. I love you all – stay happy and always give a smile!