On February 1, 2007, Kathy's House was pronounced done. Left on the table, I would go downstairs daily making changes, adding colors, lifting shadows, reworking. People think you can't change watercolor once it's on the paper. That is only partly true. This painting is worked to death. I didn't like it much and midway, I wanted to put it in a drawer and forget about it. But I chose to finish it on principle. I do not feel confident in what it means to finish a painting. I want to learn, so I made a commitment and continued. I did like it better as I worked on it, but the style I want is fresh and simple. I want to put down the layers the first time and be done with only minor corrections. This work is nothing but one big correction!
It was hard to leave it alone once declared done. I removed the tape. Note: do not use that kind of tape, it leaves a layer of glue and is very hard to remove. I think I like the edge to be drawn, not made with tape.
Having declared it finished I am glad the burden is off my back. I think Kathy will like it and I hope her sons will as well. I'm wondering if John Q. Public would be drawn to it at all.
The main thing I know from doing this work is that I will not choose this type of project if I want to use my gift and get the best to come out of me.
