Kolene Spicher Original Mermaid Circus Painting - an UPDATE from 10/01/14

The Noblest 

of 

Art is that of making 

Others Happy! 

If you look at Oct 1, 2014, you will see a very different version of this painting 

So this morning, I got thinking about this painting.  I've had it for a while.  I decided that the painting (not this one but the first version of this one THAT I JUST FIXED) looked really FLAT.  It lacked what I call POP.  So, I sat down on the floor and began the process of tearing it apart.  It was time-consuming to fix but well worth it!  The first thing I did was replace the frame.  I had a really nice gold leafed one tucked away and decided that if it made this painting feel "happy" it might be worth the extra effort to fix it.  I began by painting a drape.  

The drape had to be blue because it compliments the frame. 

Next I added a stripped flag.  Remember, I wanted things to POP. 

Thirdly, I added a saying in the water "If you are Smiling, I've succeeded." 

This painting is so happy now.  It makes me want to keep it.  You know, sometimes when things aren't the way they should be, you have to take the extra time to fix them.  Ask someone to do the parts that you don't like.  For instance, I had my son Ian tear the picture apart.  I hate removing the framers points.  

Recently, I received some bad news, I said to myself, what can I change about the way I am looking at this that is making me unhappy??  I decided that I need to switch my focus.  So I am focusing on making others happy.  Like life, No painting is perfect.  But sometimes if you add something colorful and intricate, it takes your eye and focus away from what is flat and, forgive this word, dead.  That is what I am doing, focusing on something different!  My perspective has changed and I can't wait to see who I make happy (through this painting). 

Finally, I painted the HULL black.  Wow, that really brought it together. 

This was the way it WAS.  What a difference! 

Finally, I wouldn't be telling the whole story if I didn't mention that the saying on the flag came from the circus man, himself,  P. T. Barnum. I think it would make him happy to know that I felt this painting needed some of his wisdom.

Enjoy! 

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Mermaid Ship Painting

The Flying Circus

You are welcome to read this, but I have updated this painting.  Sometimes, a piece of art isn't finished (when you think it is finished).  Sometimes, just sometimes, it needs something more.  I'd like to think that it hadn't fulfilled its mission…TO MAKE SOMEONE HAPPY.  Please read February 16, 2015's post!  I think you'll understand why I updated it. 

This  painting was briefly talked about a week ago, but now that I have a few moments, I wanted to talk about it in greater depth.  As I was painting this, I kept thinking circus.  When I see those old ships in the harbors of Annapolis or Philadelpha, I wonder about all that roping.  My thoughts go to the movies  like Pirates of the Caribbean because that is what I have been exposed to.  While I think that a seasoned sailor can swing from the ropes, the average JOE cannot! 

The title is down on the right side  THE FLYING CIRCUS

SO my favorite thing about this painting is the fresh white flag.  I almost painted it a color and then decided not to the very last minute.  I am so glad that I did because I love the contrast of the white against the green/blue sea.  

This painting is 18 1/4" x 22 1/4" and is featured in a simple black frame.  

This is a tad bit brighter than the original but overall captures the painting's colors

The frame is an antique and more primitive but very simple 

I think that one of my favorite things to paint is happy.  Happy, happy, happy is what we all need.  This world is too scary to have artwork that doesn't make you smile.

Enjoy! 

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