Living with Indigo Hypnosis

Have you ever “finished” a painting but the more you looked at it the more uneasy you became? Well, that’s exactly what happened after living with Indigo Hypnosis.

First, let me start by telling you about a comment on Facebook from a friend of mine. She asked me, “I’m so intrigued by the creative process. How do you know when you are done with a painting?” I replied, when I’m happy with it and wouldn’t change a thing”.

I thought it was ironic because I believed I was done with Indigo Hypnosis, however, I kept her in my midst and looked at her several times throughout the day. Something about her just wasn’t right. I decided I wasn’t completely happy with the painting. Even though she was well received when I posted photos of her online. I had two people contact me hoping to purchase the painting. However, as the creator of the art, I just had to put her back on the easel and “fix” her.

Here are the results…..

“indigo Hypnosis” acrylic on cradled board ©Teresa Kogut, all rights reserved

“indigo Hypnosis” (close up) acrylic on cradled board ©Teresa Kogut, all rights reserved

Big difference, right? The two obvious changes are the background color and the additional Indigo Bunting. The composition of this painting was one of the biggest issues for me. I didn’t like all the space above her head. I was going to add a bird in a nest on her head but decided just an additional bird was enough. I love that he’s singing her a song, too The second sore spot for me was the dark background. I felt like she was being consumed in darkness and I didn’t like the pattern of flowers I had painted. The new lighter, dry-brushed background adds movement and makes her hair even more badass 😉 I also shortened the flower stem, fixed her wrist & knuckles, put more shadows in the dress and a couple more little tweaks here and there.

Now, I’m in love with her. That’s when I know I’m done!

The take away from this post is to live with your painting….hang it somewhere you can see it every day and ponder it. Maybe you love it just the way it is….yay! Or maybe you can make a few changes and go from liking it to loving it.

Blessings, Teresa

PS – Go to the original post and see how she looked before her makeover, here.