My wife has always been forthcoming with her observations about my work. More than that, her opinions are backed up with reasons, and usually well-founded. Rarely, however, have I been on the receiving end of quite such a forceful plea (yes: a plea … or was it an order?) that I should not exhibit a piece of my work.
Recently I have been exhibiting in our local church a series of pictures I did several years ago on the theme of “creation”. About every three weeks I change the item on display, accompanying each with a brief comment which I hope will add to the viewers understanding of it. Yesterday I dug out the next item in the series and put it on the easel in the studio, in order to assess it, and to think about any accompanying remarks I might make.
My first impression re-enforced my recollection of it, that although the idea is an interesting one the figure-drawing is rather weak. As I was trying to decide whether the situation might be remedied my wife came in and delivered her judgement. Thumbs down!
I am still trying to decide whether some remedial work might be possible on the figures, although I lean towards the view that tinkering is no longer possible. I do have another piece in the series which I might use instead. In fact, I’m exploring the possibility that I might re-do the picture, starting from scratch. After all, it is a good idea. I’ve never done that before. Either I keep a work or abandon it, with no ifs or buts. It could be an interesting and instructive experience.