oil on archival panel
© Anita C. Miller 2013
After spending an hour on this, the painting was accurate, but lacked movement. So, I started taking “swipes” at it pretty much out of desperation to make something happen. I think it has some energy to it now, so I’m happy.
Anita C. Miller 
Swipes made in desperation often lead to something good happening!
Annerose, I second that! I got into trouble early by defining the boat too much. Happy painting and have a great weekend!
I find at times that if I try to “correct” , I find I have overdone my painting. Not in this case, beautiful. Mind if I reblog?
Yes, I know what you mean and I have overdone paintings. Usually, for me, they’re “overdone” when too many details are put in. In this case, I eliminated the details… and believe me, I think it was touch and go and I almost wiped it all off to start again! Thanks for the reblog!
Reblogged this on Heartafire's Blog and commented:
I find if I try to correct, I sometime over-do. Not in this case, stunning painting, Anita.
Effective swipes!
thanks, elena!
Those weren’t “swipes” that was effective use of your free brush-stroke style! – and it works with the subject matter too. Did you put a layer of paint under it? Have you noticed paintings progressively go through finished and unfinished stages? If you overwork a picture keep working on it till it gets to the next finished stage – which is exactly what you did. Cherio. Tony
Tony, thank you for that! With these little paintings, I strive to keep the strokes fresh and the painting alive and finish it alla prima in about an hour. Not too much time to consider stages (which the large paintings definitely go through). I don’t usually give up, but there are a couple paintings that I overworked so badly I can no longer look at them : ) Best, Anita
Do you offer your paintings for sale anywhere?
Yes, I sell my work from my Chicago studio… please see my “contact” page for more info. Thanks for your interest in my work.
Thank you!
Phenomenal!
Thank you, soonie!
Swipes you say? Keep swiping, please. This painting moves. It is a wonderful and living thing.
Thank you, Elizabeth. I shall keep swiping : )
It has really good action, and I see that the photos doesn’t have any. I’d guess desperation is really good.
Thank you, Robert. When I get desperate, usually something good and unexpected happens!