This coming up got me thinking (more than usual) about my upcoming future in competition for this year. I use the hashtag "#whatwillshepaint" in a lot of my posts as I share teasers about my painting preparation for each competition or event. The suspense is half the fun whether it's following the journey of creation pre-pageant or watching the 90 second performance live.
I often get asked, "Oh do you just make it up when you are up there or do you know what you are going to paint beforehand?" So far - I have not had an entirely spontaneous subject matter in a live performance. There have been elements I have added in on a whim because I realize I have more time in competition mode or I have come up with the direction of the image as I work with it over the course of a longer event, but I always have an idea prior to the brush hitting the canvas.
Contrary to popular belief, picking a subject matter is much more intense than you might think! I take into consideration a myriad of things: who is my audience; what is the age range; relevancy; who are the judges; can it be done in 90 seconds; will it clash with a large portion of the audience (Jayhawks vs. Wildcats); does it represent myself or my platform or my state; is it possible on the easels that I currently have built or am building; can it be done in less than 4 colors; how many different size brushes will it require; can I find good music to back it; is it campy or classy; will I enjoy painting it a million times in practice; will it be iconic or impactful?
...and that's just a start of the questions I mill over when going about this part of the process.
And the answers are different every time I revisit them. It depends on the time of year, locals vs. states, or what I'm interested in at the moment. I painted Batman in February at Miss Greater Wichita and a member of our Armed Forces saluting at Miss Kansas in June. I consider both successful.
For instance, the February competition was a tough one to come up with. I started down the path thinking of seasonal icons - a snowy cabin, cupid, Valentine's Day anything... and I was just not excited about any of it even though I was fleshing out the ideas fairly thoroughly. Finally, I think I said to someone, "I wish I could just paint Batman," or something along those lines and they said, "ANNIKA. PAINT BATMAN." Like, "Duh! There's your answer right there!"
Thus, the spark was ignited.
The image I painted of Batman evolved extensively over the month that I had to develop it. The revising and rehearsal paid off when I was awarded the highest score in the Talent division for the night. I tell you truly, to date, that is the most exhilarating and meaningful nomination I have received. (Unconventional talents just don't go over well sometimes, and it's so reassuring to have an incredibly esteemed panel deem my Batman painting that kind of status.)
If you go back and read either of the previous posts about the entire preparation process for the state competition this year, I explained the genesis of that subject matter and how it came to fruition.
So now you may be wondering to yourself (or not...), "What will she paint this year?"
WELL, let me tell you --- I'm not going to tell you ;)
Stay tuned and follow me on Instagram for hints and updates as I prepare to compete on November 1st a the Miss Kingman County competition.
Until then,
Annika
