Deb Ward, GWS, OWS, PWS, WSI - WATERCOLOR/WATER MEDIA - My passion is teaching adult “beginners”. Weekly classes in my home; workshops; classes for Cincinnati Recreation Commission. My work is nationally recognized and published - see “Featured” on my sidebar. I’m a Signature Member of Georgia, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Indiana state Watercolor Societies, Cincinnati Art Club, past-President of Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society. Contact info below under “Class Information”

Friday, December 30, 2011

ORIENTAL PAINTING - 5

I knew the colors I wanted in the flowers from the get go. I allowed the colors to blend in every individual petal and added a touch of violets and blues in the petals. I believe Nick refers to this as “cell painting”.

Then I put the flower colors over all of the corner medallions.

It was at this point that I reviewed some of the kimono ideas and realized that other artists had similar ideas to what I am trying to do. After looking at the kimono photos from the internet, there appeared to be a painting done from the same fabric I was using. Even the figure placement remained the same. Then I found another painting that must have also utilized this fabric. There were changes, but when holding the fabric up to the painting the similarities were obvious.

Now, this is a dilemma.

I don’t know if the other paintings were ever put into shows, but if my painting turns out good enough, can I, or should I, enter it into a show? I swear my idea stemmed from the ideas noted in Step 1 – well before I looked at the online paintings. My concept was original to me, but after viewing the other paintings, would this really be considered “original” as defined in a show prospectus?

I’m curious to hear your opinion.

5 comments:

Nancy Van Blaricom said...

This is going to be absolutely dazzling.

I had a hard time visualizing where it was going in the first couple of posts, but I can see now that this is going to be one of your very best.

Can't wait to see it finished!

RH Carpenter said...

Judges will only see your work and, if they have seen the previous works, will think it is a copy somewhat. That's not good. Perhaps you could change the kimono colors and look more? Think about colors that would sing against the work you've already done on the painting - I have some photos I'll send you of geishas that might help with changing the kimonos enough so you don't have a hint of worry about the painting (because I do think it's going to be a winner).

Christiane Kingsley said...

Deb, this is looking so beautiful. As for originality, I certainly would say that it is original: it is your idea, your colors, your composition; you did not copy anyone's painting or use their photo reference. If you were painting a car, it would not have to be a car that nobody has ever seen...this is the same with a kimono...

Jeanette Jobson said...

I think we are all influenced by other images, either consciously or subconsciously. And, in certain images, there aren't always endless ways to depict what we're trying to say, so there may be similarities.

You researched and created this. Its from your hands and mind. Put it in a show if it matches the vision in your head. Its yours, no one else's.

debwardart said...

Nancy, sometimes they start off really messy!!! But they usually get where I want them to go!
Thanks, Rhonda.
Christiane and Jeanette, thanks for your input. It remains to be seen if it's going to be show-worthy anyway but I'm enjoying the process.