This was a carefully drawn, then painted, illustration of a gila woodpecker I did to go with an Audubon birding blog.
“Writing is a socially acceptable form of schizophrenia.” – E. L. Doctorow
This was a freehand watercolor I did quickly, spending maybe 15 minutes on, and with no advance drawing. I love it.
Not Sure If That’s Good or Bad
When I was a reporter, I learned to talk to everyone from the homeless guy on Ogden, Utah’s 25th Street to Congressman Jim Hansen in his Washington D.C. office. I loved my life because it was always different and never boring.
And this is a piece I agonized over for days because I had a bright idea of a fish in a bowl of flowers, and which in my opinion is a total flop. I hate it.
But I eventually developed a voice as a journalist, not so much my own voice but as a style of writing in which I let readers see the world through my eyes. It was more difficult after I retired and began writing personal essays. I had to work to develop my own voice, and that took time. I finally decided that I write with an old broad’s voice, and I say that proudly, who is a wandering wonderer.
Lately I’ve become more active in art, particularly watercolors. This morning I looked at three recent pieces and realized, as far as technique and style, they had absolutely nothing in common. I keep experimenting hoping that I will discover an artistic voice, just as I have a writing voice.
Right now my artistic efforts are clearly schizophrenic. But then again maybe that’s my real art voice. What do you think?
Bean Pat: Paths of Color http://tinyurl.com/pyosgg3 Now this is an artist with a distinctive voice, and its one I love.
Pat Bean's blog 
Hi Pat,
I really like that freehand watercolour.
Have a great day,
Pit
Thanks Pit. You’re a kind person
Ah, my dear Pat, there is absolutely nothing schizophrenic about your artistic efforts! This is how us artists work! We discover things each time we create. It’s a journey to the unknown! Beautiful work, my dear and I find your ‘voice’ wonderful!
Thank you so much for mentioning my Paths of Color and for your very kind words! 🙂
Your kind words touched me. I don’t consider myself an artist, a statement that just last month I was criticized for making by my sketching group. It’s an echo of a criticism I’ve given to many writers for years who say they’re not real writers, and years after I finally accepted that I was a writer. Your comment is a confirmation that I shouldn’t make that statement about not being an artist again, even if its schizophrenic art. Thanks for brightening my morning Marina. I do truly love your art. .
🙂
I love the freehand watercolour! I’ve done the same – worked away on a painting for hours and been disappointed with the result. The ability to be ‘free’ seems elusive and I can’t seem to summon it at will. But I guess that’s why we keep painting… 😉