The first idea may not be the right one

    As I wrote in the blog entitled “is it an oops?” I talked about different wood stains and how much of a learning curve there was. I also talked about how I explored airbrush painting in the blog “something missing.” I must admit that choosing colors and figuring out “what matches,” I have never been good at it, nor really been interested in figuring it out. I tend to like simple colors and themes.

            When I concluded to “redo” the paint of a project I was honestly nervous. Considering the question “what will make it look better?”  I started sanding, and more sanding which can seem never ending. I initially did not think I would be able to remove the glass and epoxy inlay. Guess it had other plans because it came out relativity easy. In the rest process it came obvious crazy fast that it would be incredibly difficult to take the entire project back to raw wood. Especially considering all the small spaces in the carving. I got the project sanded and paint stripped off the best I could. I concluded the biggest thing that made me not like the initial paint job was because “it was to dark.” This has been a challenge even when I use wood stain. Conclusion the project was reprimed with white instead of black.

            Pondering different color combinations and consideration. The first theme of colors was still going down the gold and dark colors, like blue. I continued to think. I opened the door for suggestions from people. I was getting different opinions as expected but the honest answer was “I don’t know exactly.” I continued to think through different options and the one decision that continued to stick was “I need to have each part stand out.” That concluded that very deep parts would be a dark color. I first was going to use black but changed to brown. Because I wanted the outer border to be dark brown.

            A few suggestions I received was “I’m not good at paint colors.” “I like the raw wood, or elegant and natural colors.” She then gave me the suggestion to look at nature. It was the best advise because “it stuck.” I know it became the best suggestion because “I haven’t tried this before.” I am of course not a painter, and I don’t claim to be. Plus, professional painters work is breath taking and rightful so.

            I learned with this project is that “I don’t have to rush to decided.” I also don’t have to “paint the entire project in one sitting.” So, since I knew I wanted the deep parts and the border to be a dark color, perfect place to start. This gives me the chance to slowly see my vision come to life. Having the theme of nature, I went for more fall colors. As I worked on the different shades of brown, I envision using orange, yellow, and red colors as “hints.” Used to give life to the elements that were carved. When I told a friend of mine about my current idea, her response was “see how your mood goes.” Ow No, she knows my secret to my project’s success.

         

   I initially wasn’t sure when I was going to complete this project. Guess my project motivation had other plans. I finished other projects I was working on and then started on the clock. I finished painting it today and love how it turned out. I feel each element is independent and cohesive at the same time. I have appreciation for each lesson that I learn through my projects. From not rushing to make a choice. And the first choice may not be the right one.

            Speaking of your first thought might not be the right one. Another project, I was considering painting it. I finished the sanding and was in the process of tapping off where I didn’t want to paint. As I was at that step, my heart kept telling me “It’s not right.” My heart took over and thankfully won. I took some time and reconsidering what I wanted the final look to be. I went another way of burning the center art and staining the edge. The final look was perfect.

            From redoing a project or stopping in the moment when it doesn’t feel right. The right answer will come. You just have to be flexible, and willing to try. Especially if it’s an idea you haven’t tried before and might be nervous too. It’s important to remember that if your first idea doesn’t work, there is no harm with trying again.