On selecting a subject –

I often wonder if other individuals encounter difficulties when deciding what to sketch, draw, or paint, or is it just me?

Although I have taken numerous photos for use as reference pics, I find they do not necessarily appeal to me in the same manner as when I took them. Obviously, when viewing the photos after they’ve been taken, I’m looking through a different lens.  I have to look closely to determine why the scene appealed to me, creating a first impression. Then I have to determine if I can replicate such an experience for the viewer.

Throughout the selection process, I discard many photos for various reasons. Perhaps the scene no longer appeals to me, or the subject has become irrelevant. I am thankful, however, for SD cards. In a previous life, one wherein film would have been required, discarding photos would have been costly in terms of purchasing and developing the same.

At this point in my artistic endeavors, I’ve relied heavily on my imagination for subject matter. In direct contrast to reproducing an actual scene, creating the subject allows me to be flexible. True enough, when reproducing a scene, I am interpreting that which is already in existence. When creating a scene, I can allow the work to take on a life of its own.