Painting Challenge

1:00 Cherries   oil/canvas   8 x 10 x 1.5

I believe that it is beneficial to set one goal each time I paint. For me, that keeps me reaching beyond my comfort zone. I usually focus on what I believe to be my weaknesses. Our local art club has meetings devoted to painting challenges..........a great idea thought up by our programs chair Jana Volkmer. Tonight's challenge is "alla prima" or a painting done in only one session. That is especially difficult for me, as I usually ponder paintings for days, weeks, and even months. I'm not sure that is always a good thing. I'm not certain that I trust what is initially laid onto to the paper or canvas. I am wondering which work I can bring..............there aren't many, as even quickly done watercolors are often given a couple of extra strokes back in the studio. The last time we had this challenge, I created a painting in one hour.........whew! It had to be done quickly as the composition included a shadow, which changes minute by minute. If it hadn't sold, I would probably still be considering it.