Turning a Good Painting into a Better Painting (and I Need Your Help!)

Hi everyone! What do you do when you have a good painting that everyone else likes, but you're not happy with? I was working on a painting recently... and you'll get to see the whole process of its creation in this video, but when I was done I wasn't happy with it.
So, I decided to I scrapped everything and start over. This is where I need your help, let me know in the comments what's working and what isn't. Once I have all of your feedback I'm going to continue on this painting and show you the progress in an upcoming video.
As always, if you have any questions, topics you'd like me to discuss, or anything else, please reach out or leave them in the comments below. Don't forget to like and subscribe and ring the bell to be notified whenever I post a new video.
Hugs,
Gwen

[@patriciastephens-ch2us]

Love love love it!!! Bold, exciting, free!!!!

[@yeshuaiscomingbackrepent2357]

Yep! The pink and light yellow green did it...and great composition. Beautiful.

[@susancurley5220]

Yes, it has much more energy/excitement! I love how you blew up the lower flower and just abstracted/suggested the rest of the bouquet. My eye just travels through the color field! Thank you for doing all these videos; you are so genuine and warm!

[@cindymacphee1268]

I thought I loved the first painting till I saw the final one! Beautiful, vibrant and just WOW!

[@happycolorsart7632]

Yes. Love it, amazing the difference you made.

[@marlacarr3871]

Wow! Absolutely stunning. I literally gasped when it came on the screen. The new image doesn’t even compare to the originals. Amazing.❤

[@GwenFoxArtist]

Thank you so much for that comment....love it!!!

[@m.dulcineydasilva8642]

Hi from Brasil. I just loved, so much. Thank you.

[@deniselini1366]

Great energy!! And def more exciting!!😄👌🏻👌🏻

[@msese7386]

Wow! I feel the blooms comi g off the page. So much more energy!

[@lindabray5393]

Super wow!!!! I’m with you. The last one is outstanding.

[@lynn-mariekara2628]

Ohh, now *that* is an exciting, beauty of a painting!!! You *rock! I would give a year of my life if I could paint something as wonderful as this!

[@marlazeidenberg5247]

Hi Gwen, I have been watching your videos for months now. I love this painting. It feels like you are stretching, changing, growing as you move through the evolution of this painting. Your comments and experience have allowed me to move and stretch and grow as well. Thank you for sharing. For some reason I felt like I needed permission to move in a new direction, your videos gave me that permission. Thank you so much. ❤

[@danalangford982]

Yes. there is the definite transformation that you and your intuition we’re seeking ❤

[@GwenFoxArtist]

Love that!

[@jennwilliamson3133]

I love the energy and drama in the new version. It resonates with your spirit - vivacious and bold! Yes, I'm 'circling back' after a long pause, dear Gwen. I will send you a message in the next few days to tell you more about how this video impacted me. I do miss you and thank you for your big and beautiful heart. xoxo

[@GwenFoxArtist]

I can't wait to get that email.....it is so great to see you...

[@kathylechman]

Hi Gwen, What a transformation! The new painting is much more exciting. I love how you changed it. I am new to abstract painting and have watched your videos. They have been so helpful to me. Thank you so much for sharing your love of painting and expertise with us.

[@kphillips2929]

Definitely more bold! Awesome.

[@karenbrielan202]

Love the lesson you gave us by showing your process of trusting your gut and giving more freedom and beauty to your expression. You are such a joy and inspiration to watch, Gwen. Thank you for all the lovliness you share in your works and in your being!!

[@mariakapatos9545]

Bravo! Gwen now your painting is speaking to you! Can feel the energy of the Flower it is so Beautiful❤❤

[@robinray961]

Wow I love the black that you added. It’s richer in color and I would buy this one. Love it ❤

[@addrendoss7114]

Love it!!!! Beautiful color and contrast.

[@marymacneill300]

Fabulous now!!

[@tendr247]

It’s popping

[@alinanaeem6003]

I think the painting looks much more energetic and it has some movement too. ✨🌺

[@GwenFoxArtist]

I was dancing while I was painting....do I dare share that?

[@katherynsutton9624]

I love the energy in the last painting. It’s looser and just flows. You can tell Gwen that you were in the zone💗

[@kimroyles4477]

Qwen , you added dark , and eliminated to create space , you love the contrast , I love your work

[@fionajenkins5047]

Hi , I did like the first one but definitely the second has energy .🤩

[@mariond3634]

Love this one, it's bolder, brighter and full of energy. The previous painting pales in comparison.

[@ewasylwia572]

first and last both amazing ;)

[@MelissaBrauen]

'The final cut' is full of energy for sure. I think part of what makes it better is the composition. Your shapes are varied and that always makes it more interesting. The contrast is palpable. Good job - love it.

[@grozdavranic6972]

It does have more energy...But I loved second part whit white and lilabit yellow color...It is Amazing what you do. Thank you Gwen...

[@donnamontgomery7563]

Hi Gwen, I love listening to your story of how your painting evolved. You are so honest and we all are so able to relate. I feel the final painting has everything that you wanted... boldness and energy. I love it!

[@nsdavisart]

Well Gwen- I watch and seldom comment. After your intro I will definitely try to comment more. I appreciate your authenticity, and can actually feel your care in your voice. As for your painting it’s definitely more exciting and energetic.

[@GwenFoxArtist]

Oh please comment more as I loved your words of wisdom. Also,....thank you so much for watching my videos....without people like you there wouldn't be this channel.

[@shellienoyes100]

Yes it has more energy!

[@abaciaart]

Hi Gwen! This is definitely bolder and has more energy than the circle version. I really like that you decided to make one of the flowers enormous. I would love to see the petals softened. I think the softness against the very dark background will be reminiscent of some of the masters. I do hope you will start a new painting with the intention of recapturing the very first version of this that you fell in love with. I absolutely adored the simplicity and energy in that version. One of the things I love about painting is that, as long as there is paint, we can make all of the versions we want of something and learn from each one!

[@GwenFoxArtist]

Thank you so much for your comment....since it isn't done I will take your advice and see how to soften some of the petals....thank you again.

[@amyeart]

The energy came out in the new. Version😊

[@ElsbethF1]

Hi from Austria! That was so interesting to watch. What do I think, what do I feel? The first version was nice and I'm not able to paint such nice blossoms. But your last version looks stunning. It makes me smile and I am so excited about the tremendous change. Your bold big blossom makes me speechless. I look at it and smile, smile, smile..

[@anikindarji875]

You are just amazing & so naturedly painter.... be yourself always & do whatever it takes for you know everything & good at it. Thanks for being such a person on u-tube.& keep up with your beautiful amazing works. You are the right person in it's right place!

[@GwenFoxArtist]

What a kind thing to say.....thank you so much.

[@anikindarji875]

Btw all of them are beautiful! The three!

[@carollenolin7249]

I liked to first one, but when I saw the last one, I fall in love hihihi. I love the energy of it, the color, the background, everything. Wish you were in Québec. I am a beginner and I have so much too learn. Have a good day.

[@cmawleart3938]

I totally felt your pain! I was squirming in the first part like you not sure what was wrong. Then when you decided to scribble over it the first time I thought OOOH!!! Yes! Then as you moved along it was like ohhhhh….the circle you were talking about was circling back to where you were before. I can totally relate. I live the BAM! 💥💥In the newest start. You blew it up and are now on the right track. Lol!!

[@darlenebaldwin1398]

I couldn’t understand what you didn’t see in the first rendering, it was beautiful! The second, very nice too. This version…stunning! Vibrant, alive…definitely full of energy…joy! Love it! I’m new here…but I’m thrilled to have found you! 😊💖

[@GwenFoxArtist]

I am so happy you found this channel...please subscribe as we are growing in leaps and bounds....all because of wonderful people like you. Thank you so much for your comment....

[@joanpowell5653]

Hi Gwen. Joanie here and new to this world, but I must say your second painting is so cheerful and holds my attention. Stunning! You adding the red or maybe it's a darker orange, but it adds such interest and POW to your picture. The first picture was a little bit of sad because too many drips, maybe. You are amazing and love the vulnerability about you!

[@ingunnelverum]

Love the change😍😍😍😍

[@louskywalker5570]

¡Oooh! ¡Qué energía tan bonita tienen tus nuevas flores! Ese contraste de valores es muy atractivo y sugerente. Me emociona.

[@GwenFoxArtist]

Muchas gracias por su encantador comentario...

[@louisegibler477]

I like it much better.

[@fatimagrocki386]

I’m so happy to see you again! It’s so true we do change. I’ve signed up for several courses with different artists. It’s good to learn new techniques. I love your work but I’m so bad in abstracts. Love love the painting !

[@katalinfincza4950]

Hi Gwen, Thanks for the videos - I love all of them, your energy is incredible and love your voice ! Thanks for doing these videos I’ve learnt a lot about them. I had the same feeling with the original paint what you had. It is beautiful but something disturbed me in the middle - I love what you made about it - more energy definitely! If I were you I would give a little contest to the ‘little bear‘ on the right side! I would love to hear your thoughts about it! Thanks again to share your struggles as well ☺️

[@2513629]

Hi from Quebec, Canada. Your latest version is much bolder, with the dark background, the large flower dominating the composition and its fiery red center. While my eyes travel through the composition in curiosity, they’re always drawn back to your dominating flower. I prefer this version much more and would have it my home anyday! But as you mentionned, only you know when it will be finished. 😊 P.S. Thank you so much for your videos and words of encouragement and guidance! Love, love, love.

[@GwenFoxArtist]

Thank you so much for your comment....love that your eyes traveled through the painting and you were not bored.

[@LotteSchulthess]

It has now everything it needs to be a star, it¨s dynamic and fresh and unexpected (sorry, English ist not my lanuage!). I saw it e few days ago on Pinterest and fell in love with it. Thank you for your generosity of partaging your knowledge, your thougts, your doubts and your painting skills!

[@wendynuttall9058]

Great transformation - love it

[@GwenFoxArtist]

Thanks so much!

[@SharonLynnWilliams]

Here is what I noticed: in the first version, the green is a bit disharmonious as it is so cool. In the revised version, the same issue is happening with the cold blue. What if you mixed warmer versions of the blues or greens??? I also noticed that you begin with the flowers grouped in the starts and then proceeded to separate the blooms, so they were not making varied interesting shapes any more (My idea is to make 2 flowers together to make one interesting shape, and then a second smaller one). The final one is energetic, but I think the dark cools are still too cold. The violet in the upper right is the way to go IMHO. Thanks for asking, and I hope this helps!

[@sheilatrunzo4423]

What an impressive video! It is so refreshing to hear an artist's search spoken eloquently and with conviction. I was surprised and, of course, happy to see the final version of the re-doing of the painting. My first thought was that you emphasized the small flower, and that was the image that had been precious to you. In fact, I woke up thinking about your project, and thought I would chime in and add my compliments, and my encouragement. Well done!

[@GwenFoxArtist]

Thanks for adding your thoughts as they mean the world to me....

[@NarcArtTherapy]

The painting is stirring, as florals are generally not in my opinion. Vibrant and moving work ❤

[@GwenFoxArtist]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@vahunter752]

I adore the new version! Not everyone will but that’s not the point. Comparing the two, the first was niiiiice but uninspiring- well executed and “non offensive”. The redo says, “ Here I am, take it or leave it”. Art should inspire emotion, give the viewer something to think about. You accomplished just that. Hooray🎉

[@GwenFoxArtist]

I love your comment of "Here I am, take it or leave it"....You are absolutely right that art should inspire and give the viewer something to think about. May I use what you said as I really do love it.

[@vahunter752]

@@GwenFoxArtist of course you may; I’m flattered. Here’s another one that a teacher said to me many moons ago- “If you don’t go forward, you go backwards”. How true.

[@nolaclutterbusters1]

Gwen! Bravo! You got it! Its more you! Abd what you wanted! Thank you for your teaching I just found youa week ago. Im an abstract Student in New Orleans. - Tami

[@GwenFoxArtist]

Tami....love New Orleans....let me know if I can help you in any way...

[@nolaclutterbusters1]

Awe. Thank you so much! Im doing an Art Market this weekend! Ive been working all week on smalls. Fingers crossed!

[@BirdieB12]

@gwenfox This is electrifying,magnetic and full of the abstract magnetic energy you were wanting to achieve-I love it and want to know your technique!!!!

[@GwenFoxArtist]

I think my technique is being totally disgusted , 8pm at night and a glass of chilled white wine then attacking the canvas with the I don't care attitude. I think it worked!

[@BirdieB12]

@@GwenFoxArtist It worked beautifully, the hardest part for me is totally obliterating a piece but the good thing is photos can be taken of the parts you love, that is the part of the painting process risk and unearthing parts of yourself,the techniques and process -it turned out beautifully and hopefully you are pleased with what you were wanting to achieve.

[@SharonLynnWilliams]

So I stopped the video to really have a look at your final painting. I love the energy in the large flower, but it is pointing out of the bottom left. Perhaps if you decreased the contrast in that area and added a touch of that hot red to the upper right it would balance itself better and we would be less stuck in the bottom left??? Those petals on that left flower are really taking us out of the composition! Another thing is the dark negative shapes on the right -I would lse one of the small dark bits as they are very similar. I wish I could post a photo here, but you will see that if you decrease the contrast in the bottom left and sparked some increased interest in the top right, it works! Anyway, what do I know -but you asked ❤

[@GwenFoxArtist]

Love your suggestions.....will let you know how it ends up...

[@lyndawoods1144]

Hi Gwen No there was nothing wrong with the first painting but a bit chocolate box and your not in it Last painting is full of light energy bursting off the substrate I can almost smell that flower love it. Frist one formulaic second one singsI my opinion.

[@joeblow6786]

I like the progress you made on that. One thing I find myself doing when I get real with my own work is that I try to include more darks, lights, and mid tones on a more diverse area of my canvas. I know it shouldn't be too uniform but how extreme are my contrasts? To me, contrast creates more interest to the eye. So, if you have good contrast, like this painting does, what about more mid-tones within the spectrum you have represented? Why isn't there more (sub) contrasts within the range I have represented? Sure, maybe you don't want any more.. Maybe more would muddy it up too much. I find there's always room to expand your perspective even with a painting you feel is ready to ship... It might just mean the difference between a good painting and one you can't let go of except for a great price. Remember that field that was bought for a life's savings with the pearl of great price. With this sort of thinking in your mind, you might go that extra mile to make it sooo endearing, if not for you, for someone who loves your work!

[@joeblow6786]

I might consider more lights in areas, more darks in areas, and more mid tones in areas.

[@joeblow6786]

I'm still in learning mode too... So don't cast me away too quickly!

[@joeblow6786]

I might consider using greater definition in the foreground view. Or, I might consider indications of a clearer view by adding more clearer blooms in a foreground space. Making my comments, I assumed your painting was of certain floral images. If you had one or two more painted to the left and/or right of the large one in the apparent foreground, it could make a greater communication of depth to the viewer.

[@GwenFoxArtist]

Joe....your comments are entertaining but I think you "think" too much. Paint, Create and let the painting flow from within you. However to answer one of your questions...if you have equal number of contracts, mid tones and lights you end up with a boring painting.....just a thought.

[@joeblow6786]

@GwenFoxArtist Hey, I understand you're the teacher here, but instruction lends itself to thought, doesn't it? If I can think a painting before I actually paint it, I feel like I'm wasting less time, but I still may not like the results as much if I just start painting.

[@thalie9048]

Composition and design proportion…. You found what was wrong 🎉!

[@torillrevheim]

Hi from Norway. I have a question, can i use cald wax+ oilcolors on topp on a old oilpainting? Love watch you💐

[@yeshuaiscomingbackrepent2357]

Yes

[@simplyme135]

I know you said it is not finished. Please do not do anything to the final version. That's the painting ( in my opinion) should be your stopping point, otherwise : circle again. Somebody mentioned , to develop, if you wish , of course, the first version on the light background. Agree. I am usually in love with my paintings for the first 20/30 min and after that ....I start " improving"....and ...the rest is predictable. Somebody on the other channel says, do not get too attached to your paintings in the first stages.....so I am trying....