BIRTHING QUADRUPLETS

Apparently this summer I had quadruplets.  That is four art surfaces that were planned to make a group of four pieces all in a similar style working harmoniously and happily together.  I would diverge from my recent textured work and, instead, start with four differently colored abstract grounds–very simple, cloud-like, soft backgrounds using elegant shimmery metalics and iridescent surfaces.

I thought I had finished the backgrounds and was ready to go on to the next layers.  The backgrounds weren’t speaking to me in any clear way. Were the backgrounds as they were enough?   Do I stop?  Or keep going?  If I keep on, will I mess up a good thing? Or make them more interesting? Maybe.  Yes.  No.

I started begging my Muse.  Muse, Dahling, speak to me.  Silence.

No, I decided and strove on adding layers of squares on them.

In hopes of getting some help, I took them to my Critique Group.  They made some good suggestions, and the clear message was “Not Working Yet”.

What a struggle I created for myself trying to keep these babies as a family of four–like, I need them all four to be wearing little matching outfits.  It got worse.  I became so  frustrated I started blaming it on my Muse.

I just  started bitching, whining and complaining–I took two of them two steps further,  and I still don’t like them.    Muse!!!!  Come on now!  Enough!  I want something to work.  Now I’m stomping my feet?!  *!!%##!~?#$%&$!  This is not fun.  This is supposed to be FUN!!!
My Muse!  My Muse!  My ##$%^& Muse.  She’s not coming through! (Blog Muse, yes.  Art Muse, no!)  And further more, the other pieces I’m working on aren’t working either.

At last, one of the siblings–I’m calling her “First Born”–comes forth.  Her squares are the only ones that work.  What if I just worked on her?  Yes, try some flowery elements.  If I can just get her to work, I’ll feel better.  Then I’ll still have a family group of three all in their matching outfits.

OMG, here she comes in her feminine splendor.  She’s got her own personality.  She has spread her wings and left this dysfunctional family!  She struck out on her own and is flying in her own direction.

Just two days ago, Sibling Number 2, took on a textured background and went completely metallic on me–taking on a whole different process–texture, paint and paper.  Yikes!
She’s revolting like her sister and doing it her way too.

What’s happening here?  This blows my whole family program.  I’m left with a pair.  What can I do with a matching pair?  Not fricking much.

Truthfully, I’m really proud of them.   And can’t wait to see what the other two want to be.  See their first photos below.

See more work at PatriciaForbesArt.com .