Part 25 — Futzing IS Part of Painting!

I have been working on the pond area of Barnyard Adventures: the flowers under the Jacob’s Farm sign, the rabbit, the three geese, the swimming ducks, and the pond itself. Lots of little objects that I completed rather quickly.

Once again, I wanted to make sure I was balancing the colors of the geese with the white bunny in between them. The little turtles are remaining, and I am looking forward to painting them because I want to make the turtle on the left look happy! I also plan on adding some vegetation near the log.

But then there is the pond itself. This is where the futzing begins. (Is “futzing” a real word? Apparently it is! And it seems like the perfect word for what I do!) I find myself continuously futzing with the pond colors and the dirt and vegetation around it—never being completely satisfied. A little lighter here. A little darker there. Trying to make sure the brown goose doesn't disappear into the brown dirt. Trying to make the water look like it is reflecting the colors of the sky

Then stepping back and deciding something needs to change again. And then changing it. And changing it again. I'm pretty sure I will continue doing this until I leave for the printer!

That's just part of painting for me. Sometimes the big things happen quickly, and the little adjustments can go on forever.

And honestly?

Futzing IS part of painting!