Caren Krutsinger Poet Light Verse

Criticizing My Stuff

Had to erase the chin, then the left eye.
Right eye looks wrong now.
Erasing it too. Erase. Erase. Erase. Erase.
Why do I always draw so deeply?
I know better, and yet I consistently make this mistake.
Redraw the eye.
Erase the other one.
Redraw both of them.
Shoot.
The right eye was better the first time.
Erase. Erase.
Redraw, redraw, redraw.
Everything is worse now.
Pick up a new canvas and begin again.
This one is too far gone to be saved.

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Rhona Mcferran October 20, 2018 at 5:54 PM This is why I rarely paint now... I have to break the "habit" of criticizing my art to death before it's even done! Well expressed! ;) Caren Krutsinger October 20, 2018 at 9:31 PM I have to say I am happier when erasing than when finding it looks rather awful after I have completely painted it which has also happened.

P.S. Awtry October 20, 2018 at 5:42 PM i find myself wanting to see the painting that would have been... with mismatched eyes and such, in the psychedelic colors you mentioned in your comment. Caren Krutsinger October 20, 2018 at 9:31 PM I wish I knew how to upload photos on this site, and you would see it for sure P.S.

M. L. Kiser October 20, 2018 at 1:01 PM I do that too, not only with eyes but, with ears, as well. Of course it still takes me a long time to do a portrait; I've never been one who could crank a halfway decent one out in 25 min or less. Great piece though all too familiar.

Barry Stebbings October 20, 2018 at 10:05 AM Yes, Caren, I know exactly what you mean. I have given up portraiture now. Nicely expressed. // Barry Caren Krutsinger October 20, 2018 at 11:16 AM Thank you Barry. I am quite critical of my art, but love it nonetheless, even the mistakes which are many.