Oil on canvas – 9,45 x 11,81 inch – Unique work

The whole world is a cactus… It’s impossible to sit down! As Jacques Dutronc sang.


It all started with a contact on Instagram. A talented artist whom I have the great pleasure to follow. One day she offers me to participate in a challenge that she is organizing. Before having more details, I enthusiastically accept. Then I worry about knowing the theme and also the deadline. So it’s a cactus and it’s in two days… Oops! I negotiated two more days given the constraints of drying the oil pigments. And also because I don’t know how to do a one-shot canvas. Second challenge, find a cactus. Well, I say yes. I’ll see later how it goes.

So, I question my friendly sources who kindly consult their photos from holidays. And… Bingo! I even have a choice of several shots. Awesome! The same evening, I choose the size of the canvas and start the watercolor pencil drawing. Before going to bed in the early morning, I am quite satisfied with my work. I can go to bed.

The next morning, I correct a few lines and start the oil. Everything is moving fast. I’m pleased with myself. And then, when the turn comes to paint the background made of small pebbles, sand, earth, I freeze. I apply pigments first, too light, then too dark. While the cactus itself isn’t too bad, the background looks like shit. But I carry on. Then I go to bed in the early morning, like the day before.

The next morning, the hook started. I remain in my mistake by emphasizing the values over each other. After an hour, it just gets worse and worse … I freak out. The only option: paper towel and white spirit! But getting rid of dark pigment damage with a magic wand is almost impossible. I do what I can and finally choose a plain background. I put it down frantically. Anger and frustration are sitting next to me.

Two days later, everything is dry enough for a miraculous operation. I take my time, but the result is there, so close. Looking back and considering the pitfalls, the tight timing, it’s not that bad. Another little one who will stay close to his mother!