For nearly six months, I have been working on creating a cohesive body of work for my upcoming gallery exhibitions. So, I was rather surprised when one of my new paintings became a joke on Facebook!
Here’s what happened…
My FineArtTips Facebook fans enjoy commenting on my latest painting endeavors. Recently, I posted a new still life painting of an owl on a red vase and asked my fans to help name the piece.
On my easel the painting looked great. But (no pun intended), as soon as I posted it on Facebook the painting looked rather unusual – especially as a thumbnail.
The comments started rolling in and before I knew it, my newest oil painting had become a BIG joke! You can read the whole thread here, but these are a few of my favorite responses…
“To succeed in life you needthree things. AÂ wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone.” ~Reba McEntire
I truly agree with Reba! But, although I had a sense-of-humor about this thread I also took the Facebook comments seriously. Facebook is a great testing tool, and I really learned a lot from my fans. My Facebook friends’ honesty saved this painting.
So, that night I repainted it and completely changed the vase. I was much happier with the new piece…and most of my Facebook friends were too. I got 165 ‘likes’ and 50 comments!Â
Sometimes it is difficult for ‘us’ artists to put ourselves ‘out-there’ on Facebook and risk criticism from our peers and fans. Although I was a bit embarrassed by this whole thing, I was able to laugh at my public ‘mistake’, joke about it, and then correct it. In fact, Kneeland Gallery is using “Gazing” for the cover of the exhibition, “Poetry & Place” Â invitation!
PS. You can join in the fun at Fine Art Tips Facebook Fan Page and let’s meet on Twitter, and on Google Plus, and Pinterest! Please check out my art too LoriMcNee.com. And please take a moment to view my fine art prints and notecards on Fine Art America. Thank you. ~Lori
You have a lovely blog 🙂
Many thanks for the visit and comment…
Dear Lori – What an experience, tons of feedback considered a ‘critique.’ Our eyes can play tricks on us, but our universal consciousness can also let us know how the world views our paintings. Adding that bit of clarity with a ‘realistic’ recognizable vase, puts the owl into context. Now the colors harmonize on the canvas. Beautiful bird. Hugs, Debby
Hi Debby! It is really fun to receive your comment here. I like the idea of our ‘universal consciousness’…this is easy to see happen on Facebook! Thanks so much for your thoughts about my painting and for stopping by.
Funny, I didn’t see the crack the first time I viewed the painting, but this time when I first glanced at it, I too saw the crack with the tattoo. Funny what a day can make in your perspective. As for the new rendition, it is really fabulous. I love the blue tones in the background and the vase. Makes those spots on the feathers look like little jewels. So great that social media can help a person in such a great way. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Susan,
Yes, isn’t that funny? Thank goodness for Facebook – it saved my painting! I appreciate your feedback and love that you think the feathers look like jewels. Cheers!
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Lori it just goes to show that there are more philistines an more art critics out there than artists…
Lori you can’t let your happiness be determined by what’s going on in someone else’s head.
Hi Chris! What a nice surprise seeing you here. I am behind on my comments because my mom was very ill and then suddenly passed a few weeks ago. We are all so sad. Anyway, I agree with your comment. However, I do like my revision much better! Wishing you continued success. Would love you to contribute a guest post someday https://www.finearttips.com/contact-me/submit-your-guest-article/
Cheers,
Lori
To be quite honest, I have trouble seeing the “butt” of the joke! I suppose my mind just doesn’t work that way. XD
Well, you aren’t alone! Obviously, I didn’t see it at first either – until I was the “butt” of that joke. Gladly, my mind generally doesn’t work that way either. However once it was pointed out to me, I saw it. And…I am happy with the change I made. Thanks for your comment.
Hi Lori, I do love the change on this painting, it is lovely. Thank you for sharing, and for your sense of humor… but sometimes, comments can be hurtful. Beautiful painting! 🙂
Hi Cindy, yes comments can be hurtful and I have learned to find the humor and help in them. Anytime we put ourselves ‘out there’ we have to be ready for the attack! Thank you for your nice words…
funny post!!
i really like the changes you made to the vase…it looks great! and look…it led to being the cover of an exhibition invitation…that’s pretty awesome!
Yes, I’m glad it all turned out in the end – again, no pun intended 😉 .. Thanks for stopping by for a comment.
Cheers!
just go ahead with the paintings ,people love them . and you have a sense of humor . so lovely .I am not an artist or know much more about the painting tips , but I love your blog here