It’s not very often that I say I REALLY like a painting. I’m loving this painting thus far!
I have a confession to make.
When no one was looking, I went back to that pear painting
and decided to darken the pear just a little. Long story short, I ruined it. The pear lost its translucency and organic flow. Now it’s just blah. It’s bothered me for two days now. I shouldn’t have touched it. The perfectionist OCD in me came out and I ruined a perfectly sweet painting…not to mention the time wasted :(
With that said, I gave myself a little smack across the face (A la Moonstruck with Cher) and forced myself to “SNAP OUT OF IT!” Loosing a painting because of myself stinks, but what could I take from it? How could I turn it into a strength instead of a loss? The answer is, I have now learned the hard way, I need to walk away. I need to let things be. TO JUST LEAVE THINGS ALONE!
Going into this dahlia painting, I am carrying the knowledge of this mistake. Currently, with each tiny petal, I am giving myself one shot. There will be no over glazing of other colors, no adding, no deleting. One shot.
Today I had shadows to tackle on both vases. I took a deep breath, filled the areas with paint, let them meld and mingle and I did not touch them again.
I think my work looks stronger already by sticking to my guns and not fussing.
I guess overworking in art is a form of self-doubt. You’re not trusting your gut to lay down your intentions the first time around.
Today, I listened to some beautiful classical music and quieted my mind. I’m on Day #276 and still trying to master listening to myself. My inner self. So much jumble, so much angst, but when I quiet myself, focus and work from my heart, the desired outcome can make its way through.
Once in a while, I catch a glimpse and it’s just enough to keep me searching.
Be Creative Mary 
Wow, Mary, I’m in LOVE with the vivid colors in this painting. And the reflections on the red vase are spectacular. Great job!