Well, this past weekend was supposed to be a lot of fun. Every year, the artists’ group in my area hosts a 24-hour art-making contest. Entrants have from Friday morning to Saturday morning to complete a piece of artwork using the medium of their choice. This was my fourth year entering, and I was really pumped. I was going to create a great piece of art the judge would love! I had the day marked on my calendar, and for a while it was the only commitment I had.

Until we had to schedule two appointments for my daughter. And since we were going to be on “that” side of town, my other daughter wanted to use her gift card at Barnes and Noble. Then daughter #1 had a return to make at a music store. By that time everyone was hungry so we grabbed a bite to eat at a fast food restaurant. Then I had to get a frame for my artwork (even before I started) because it had to be able to hang on a wall. We were home for about an hour, then off again to a a friend’s graduation party.

Well, it was 10:00 pm before I even got started. I stayed up until 5 am working on it, at which time I decided I didn’t like it at all. I went to bed for an hour, then got up again to try to “fix” it. I worked on it until 9:30 am; it was time to leave if I was going to get to the contest on time. I didn’t even get a chance to take a decent photo of it to post.

I thought about it all the way to the contest site. I still didn’t like it very much. And I was so tired, I didn’t even make it to the awards reception that night. It didn’t win, but it’s on display with the other entries for the next month. That’s when I’m supposed to pick it up again. I’m really not sure I want to. 🙁

BUT — it wasn’t a waste of time, though it may certainly seem like it. I learned a lot in the process, not only about the medium (16″ x 20″ scratchboard) but about the subject matter (nature) and my attitudes towards my art in general. I thought a lot about color and composition as I was working on it. And I pushed through to the end.

When I see my art students are struggling with a piece they’re working on, I know how they feel. Out of all the artwork I’ve done over the years, I have only a handful of favorites; with most of it, I see a lot of flaws. But each piece is valuable, even if it doesn’t turn out how I intended. Because each time you draw, or paint, or write, or build, or create anything, you learn from the experience. You get some extra practice in. And you know how to do it a little better the next time.

What will I do with the piece when I get it home? I don’t know — I think I’ll probably just stick it in a closet somewhere. Or maybe my mom will want it. Mom’s are like that, you know. 🙂

What do you do when you don’t like your artwork?