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Mar. 26th, 2005 03:29 amYesterday evening I started revising chapter 2 in reader's mode. This is where I don't think techniques or grammar, but jot down my reader reaction to the piece. This time my comment included phrases like terrible, awful and rewrite!. Chapter 2 is bad compared to the prologue and chapter 1 - well, it's bad compared to anything, I suppose. I can't believe this is a 3rd - 4th draft! The underlying plot is good and the characters are where they should be - the writing, on the other hand, is pathetic. If chapter 2 is an indication of the quality of the remaining chapters, then I'm in for a lot of work. :(
The drow picture is coming along nicely, although it is taking a lot longer than I had anticipated. I need to practice more to gain speed and experience, otherwise my hourly wage will be peanuts. Next painting will be done with oil-pastels, which should be much faster. Speaking of speed and talent: We went out to dinner the other night with another couple. The discussion turned toward art. They insisted that my drawings looked good because I was talented. He would like to do landscape water-colour, but since he had no talent it was no use. This is an edged compliment. In my opinion, drawing and painting is a craft that can be learned like any other craft. I doubt that there was ever an artist who could create a masterpiece the first time someone put a paint brush in his hand. Art is 90% hard work. Talent will determine only how fast you learn and how easy the lessons come to you. They didn't believe me, and in not doing so, they are down-playing the hours and hours of drawing I've done to reach my current level. I am at this level because of hard work - and consequently, I am not at a higher level, because I did not practice enough. I have no illusions about my skill. My paintings are accepted into Epilogue, which means that judged by professional artists and people in the business they are of publishing quality. On the other hand, I am not a Linda Bergkvist, a Jean-Pierre Targete or a James Browne. That might come, but certainly only if I work for it.
The drow picture is coming along nicely, although it is taking a lot longer than I had anticipated. I need to practice more to gain speed and experience, otherwise my hourly wage will be peanuts. Next painting will be done with oil-pastels, which should be much faster. Speaking of speed and talent: We went out to dinner the other night with another couple. The discussion turned toward art. They insisted that my drawings looked good because I was talented. He would like to do landscape water-colour, but since he had no talent it was no use. This is an edged compliment. In my opinion, drawing and painting is a craft that can be learned like any other craft. I doubt that there was ever an artist who could create a masterpiece the first time someone put a paint brush in his hand. Art is 90% hard work. Talent will determine only how fast you learn and how easy the lessons come to you. They didn't believe me, and in not doing so, they are down-playing the hours and hours of drawing I've done to reach my current level. I am at this level because of hard work - and consequently, I am not at a higher level, because I did not practice enough. I have no illusions about my skill. My paintings are accepted into Epilogue, which means that judged by professional artists and people in the business they are of publishing quality. On the other hand, I am not a Linda Bergkvist, a Jean-Pierre Targete or a James Browne. That might come, but certainly only if I work for it.
