The Art of Reworking Older Pieces

Ever sort through your inventory of [older] unsold pieces and rework them? I do...and am always glad I did. Well, except for that one which was better off before its extreme-makeover, lol. Probably shouldn't have been quite so enthusiastic about changing-up the original, but c'est la vie; live & learn. Seemed like a good idea at the time...and, I still can work my magic on that particular canvas if I want to 'go there' again.

You would never recognize the 'before' of some pieces found in my gallery! For example, my 30 x 40 acrylic 'Imagine' [see via the comments below w/added border & title], formerly titled 'Deeper Love', was a flowing floral painting! Now, with its new title & imagery, it has become one of my most popular 'winningest' works of art.

Currently, I'm working on 'Second Wind', seen here, which is an original mixed-media piece, 10+ years old, one of 12-piece exhibit I lovingly called 'Females, Fruit, Flowers & Flying Things'! Each was a combination of soft pastel, colored pencil, collage & more, [matted & framed], an all-time favorite show and a successful one, I'm happy to say. It was during an especially creative time of my life, so every piece held & holds a special place in my heart! This particular one did not sell, thankfully. Odd to hear, I know. But, it gave me the opportunity to breathe new life into it ~ as in more energy, color & movement. Plus, I kinda like[d] having it around to be honest! In fact, I've hung at least 10 of my favorite originals to decorate the walls & rooms of our home. Just can't bear to let go of any of them at this juncture...and none need further tweaking, yay!

Going through some other stored canvases & framed art, I also pulled out a couple of pieces that, to my now more-discerning eye, could use a little extra help, a flourish of color or some shading here & there...or more. So, when 'Second Wind' is finished, I will start updating those, beginning with another beloved painting, 'Place of Origin', which I've kept over the years for my own selfish pleasure. It needs a little freshening-up ~ like the rose in its center, for starters, could use some more definition. Just my opinion. Then, perhaps, I'll offer it for sale, so that someone else can enjoy its beauty & sensual delights, too. Or, maybe, I might consider willing both it & 'Second Wind' to certain family members who I know will treasure it [almost] as much as I do, and have. Such is the dilemma & joy of being an artist.

There are always a host of unfinished canvases standing around the studio that need my [undivided] creative attention, it's true. I hope to start tackling that project come summer, if not before, one of many on my 'to-do' list. Wish me luck...I'll need it!