Picking a Title for your Artwork

Often the hardest part of painting, is not the work itself, but the title that comes later. Sometimes the titles just pop into my head, even before I start the painting. Other times, not so much.

This is the case with this painting.

Last summer we drove up island to Gold River BC and hopped aboard the MV Uchuck III. We were were on a day trip to Friendly Cove, also know as Yuquot - the ancestral home of the Mowachaht / Muchalaht people.

Yuquot translates to “Where the Winds Blow from Many Directions” and is reputed as being the ‘birthplace’ of British Columbia.

It was wonderful to sit back, relax and enjoy the breath-taking scenery. Once we got out to sea, it was quite chilly and yes, the winds were blowing from many directions. I was so glad I had a heavy jacket with a hood on it.

Now, back to the issue of the title:
I thought I would see what the internet has to say about picking a title. One suggestion was to name them from a feeling that you had, or a feeling that you would like the viewer to experience while looking at your artwork. Other suggestions include: factual, abstract, mysterious, sentimental and numerical.


When I look at this painting and remember our trip, I feel an immediate sense of peace and magical tranquility. I used a limited palette giving the painting a sense of cohesion.

Some of the titles I am thinking of are:
"Magical Rock", "Tree of Life", "Tranquility", "Yoquot"
 
Since the paint is barely dry, I think I will give it a day or two to resonate.


I'd love to hear how you title your pieces?


Till Next Time ...

From the Prairies, to the West Coast and Beyond...

Susan