I recently submitted two watercolor paintings to a juried art show for members of the New Mexico Watercolor Society, happening in Las Cruces, New Mexico this fall. The theme is agriculture and farming over the history of this region. It took me some time to figure out what to paint because it’s not my usual vibe but I finally found inspiration from photos I’d taken on my aunt’s property. 

The first painting, a an old pitchfork standing near a pile of mulch just flowed. There was something about the the colors of the fork, the play of light on the metal, and the hint of green foliage that felt natural to me. I had fun getting the textures just right, building up layers of color to capture what I felt was a sun-baked, well-used look. I felt really good about it.

Then there was the wagon. The reference photo was fun and I loved the play of light on the wheels. But something about it just didn’t click for me. I tried three separate times to get it right. Maybe it was the composition, or maybe it was the colors. Whatever the reason, I filed it under the “not my favorite” pile. 

That said, when it came time to submit to the show, I included both. The pitchfork was a no-brainer – I was excited to share it. The wagon? My daughter (my trusted and honest art critic) said it was decent so I figured it couldn’t hurt to have a second entry. 

When the results came in, the wagon had been selected for the show. The pitchfork, my favorite, didn’t make the cut. When I opened the email, I laughed and laughed. Isn’t that just the best way to keep an artist humble! What a valuable lesson about art, subjectivity, and the importance of just putting your work out there.

I don’t know an artist who can’t see a mistake or something to be improved in their work. If they don’t admit it, they’re probably faking it. And what we see as flaws in our work might be the very things that others like. And sometimes, the pieces we’re less emotionally attached to can speak to viewers in ways we never anticipated.

So, I’ll keep creating, keep submitting, and try not to get too hung up on what I think is my “best” work. Put it all out there and let go of the need for control. 

I can’t wait to see the painting hanging on the wall at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum in Las Cruces — October 11- November 18, 2024.