Painting Idea Help

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I do a bit of painting and would like to take it further and perhaps make a bit of pocket money. In order to kick start my ambitions, I''ve decided to enter a painting in an art exhibition/ competition and the closing date is 9th September. The theme is 'Hopes and Dreams'. The appliction form says it can be something, someone or somewhere you aspire to or long for. I do landscapes mainly, so I think it would need to be somewhere. Most of my paintings are of places in Canada (where I've been 11 times and love). I've been using photos that I've taken and from holiday brochures, as a basis. I tend to copy the structures almost as they are, but change the colours quite radically, making them a little surreal. If there are any experienced artists on here, could you tell me if you think it would be OK just to submit a landscape painting like that? I long for the emotions I feel when I see a majestic and spectacular landscape or seascape (I don't necessarily want to go back to the same place, I just want to feel it again) - do you think that's what this theme means? I intend working on a new piece instead of submitting one I've already done. I just don't want to spend ages on it to be then be asked, 'So what's that got to do with hopes and dreams?'

Thanks

I paint too. Have you tried geometric abstraction? Or, if you are into landscapes, what about a scene based on the Sumerian Stele of the Vultures? These are things that have influenced my painting, so maybe they could help you.

I think that is a wonderful idea. It is "your" interpretation of someplace that is special and by creating it as you described, would create a response and therefore, be a success. If you must defend it. You could say it is your dream interpretation of that particular place. If you have confidence in your skill you can usually defend against most critics.

IMHO your concept fits the bill perfectly. I wish you good luck with your submission

nothing in the description say it must be REAL. just person. place or thing

go ahead and be creative, strut your stuff....

if you like more than one image or aspect combine them.

I went to Alaska a few years back and took 500+ pics. alot of them have just a little something that is missing or something out of place (ie power line in backround of log cabin)

Thanks everyone for your responses. I'll stick with what I do best, as most of you have suggested.

Abgal64 - I like your idea too. I didn't know what it was, so googled it. I was on a course last year and the instructor thought that my paintings might work well with a Celtic theme (which appeals as I'm Scottish). It's from a similar era, but tends to be more abstract. Thanks.

Just to let everyone know - my painting was accepted for the exhibition and I've been invited to the launch tomorrow evening. This is a really big deal for me and I see it as make or break, depending on what the comments say in the visitor book, over the next month. There's also a prize for the best work, but given that the competition is open to professionals as well as amateurs, and I'm inexperienced, I'm not under any illusions that mine will be up there with the best. My painting is quite traditional (Peggy's Cove lighthouse, Nova Scotia), using my normal strong colour scheme.

That's AWESOME! An exhibit is great for your artistic resume, it will open the doors to more truly great exhibitions and more successes,
Never give up!

i paint 'non-representational'. if i can focus enough to draw something, i do in ink. I rarely can maintain that mindset for long