Challenges and reflecting back on a Harvest Moon by Linda Young

Harvest Moon

Watercolor

Challenge:
This painting is the result of doing a negative painting with a few positive shapes. I really liked the colors in this when I painted it; I loved the soft moon and dark sky and the colorful fruits ripening in the summer night. This is not the whole story, though; it is the beginning of the negative thoughts that crept into my head later about it.

I began to doubt the painting’s value at all. The perfectionist in me had taken over all rational reasoning and it all changed. I began to not like it; I criticized different aspects of it. So, I did something drastic!

I cut it up into pieces and decided to make signed bookmarks out of this entire painting. I wrapped each one in a protective plastic cover and put them out for sale. Several were purchased by my salon clients, some by patrons at Mt. Gretna and a few remain still for sale. Some of these were even given as stocking stuffers for Christmas.

Reflection:
As I looked through photographs tonight on something different to post, I stumbled across the photo of the "uncut" painting of "Harvest Moon". It wasn't until I saw it again after many months, I regretted what I had done. I should have waited and put it aside for awhile; but I was too impulsive and didn’t. What’s done, is done and I learned a valuable lesson!

There is a bright side, though. Cutting up the painting has enabled someone to purchase and take home an original, signed watercolor painting that they otherwise might not be able to do. It made me happy knowing that even though it wasn't a whole painting anymore, the Harvest Moon might be enhancing someone's life. As a bookmark, a token and in a small way they have taken a part of me with them. To that, I am blessed.

Linda Young watercolors
Contact the artist HERE