The Creative Process: Pushing Past the "Ugly" Phase

(<<today's image shows our artist depicting The Creative Mind in Distress and in Bad Need of Some Time in the Saddle, or at the Very Least Some Ice Cream)


A piece of art seems to go through an "ugly phase" before it evolves into a something resembling the artist's vision.

Layers of paint, drying in textures and shapes. Add more, maybe take away a layer by dabbing, maybe add texture here, maybe add a crazy shade of violet there--do not get discouraged by the Ugly Phase. Keep pushing, you WILL get past it!

Ways to defeat the discouragement of the Ugly Phase:

1. Step away from the piece.
2. Leave the studio.
3. Close studio door behind you so your siamese cat does not sharpen her claws on the piece. (speaking from experience, here)
4. Do an enjoyable activity. I like to take a walk, garden, crank some Ramones, or better yet--get in the saddle!
5. Have some Cherry Garcia ice cream.
6. Take a nap.
7. Vent to a friend. I have not one, but two friends on speed dial right now--they listen to my woes patiently, offer suggestions and may even just show up at my house with french fries.

After two-three hours have passed, go back into the studio. DO NOT BE SCARED.

Look at the piece with new eyes.

Pick up pen/paintbrush, etc, and go to it.

Refreshing your eyes is very important--if you continue to stare at an Ugly Painting you may do something rash--like throwing it out. NO NO NO. Walk away, stay away for a while, go back to it. You will find the piece may be salvaged after all!

My portrait of UC Ringmaster got past the Ugly Phase last night, I am happy to report. Whew.

And I will be entering the world of PRINTMAKING! I am so thrilled! My printmaking teacher and mentor (and dear friend!), Maggie Kendis, will be giving me a much-needed refresher course in linoleum cut printmaking next weekend. She may even give me some of her incredible split pea soup for lunch.

here's Maggie's impressive bio (how blessed am I to have her teach me???):

Maggie Kendis was born and raised in Los Angeles. She studied art at San Francisco State College, then graduated with a degree in Fine Arts from the University of California, Irvine in 1970. Her main focus was in printmaking. She also spent time studying watercolor at the Laguna Beach School of Art, and photography at the Institute Allende in San Miguel. On returning to California, Kendis began working with various interior designers and architects, doing painterly batiks for many clients such as Bank of America, Kapalua Bay hotel in Maui, as well as many residential commissioned works from San Diego to Palm Springs. In 1980 she moved to Lebanon, Connecticut where she continued to do commissioned batiks for various hotels and hospitals. Over the last several years, she has concentrated mainly on monotypes, linoleum prints, pastels and painting.