Musings

Many people buy artwork based on an emotional response to it. The fact that it makes them feel good and they sense a strong connection to the piece on some level. It speaks to them and is a visual expression of what they find meaningful.

Lately, I have really had the desire to paint outside. Somehow I just haven’t got to it!

So the other day I was inspired by a UK artist Lewis Noble who is a Plein Air painter …

So first of all let me explain what blind contour drawing is.

It is an exercise to develop eye-hand coordination and to develop your drawing skills.

I know a lot of artists are having trouble showing up to their studio or art practice right now. It is no wonder with the energy in the world right now.

It is hard!

I have trouble too!

The time had come to part with my favourite thread barren painting jeans. I was reluctant to let them go!

They seamed like a part of me, a part of my art practice! But really, I wasn’t into putting patches on the inner thighs.

But then I got an idea!

I often work with constraints in my art practice as a way of getting new ideas, warming up, or painting when I don’t feel like it. Using an exercise of limitation and constraints can make you a better painter!

How can you hold on to the feeling of hope when you are overwhelmed?

Why bother? It is hard to create from a feeling of no hope.

It is a challenging time as we are in COVID19 lock down. We need to have courage and faith to stay positive and get to the other side.

Creativity helps.

Peaches and cream you come on like a dream! Well not quite! This was a painting I did last year and I never felt it was finished. I liked lots of things about it but it was time to bring some new life to it!

The carousel has gone around several times and you still have not picked your horse. What are you waiting for? Every time it makes another round you have missed the chance. Does the horse matter or is it about the ride? By waiting are you missing the ride? Will the time ever be right to get on the horse?

It all started with cleaning my brush that was loaded with black paint on the pristine white paper. I love those first initial marks with all the energy in them.

A lot of fun was had at last week’s workshops and the ladies had some amazing results! I am always inspired by the imagination! In the Shopping Diva class we didn’t end up with many bags but the characters sure turned out interesting!

I hate to waste paint! For many years I wiped my brush onto an old telephone book. This would later be used for collage paper. I then switched to using deli paper and made a whole lot more collage paper. Turns out I made enough to last a lifetime!

We never know how experiences along our journey will influence us. This was true for me about my figurative art. I never aspired to or even knew I was interested in the figure. Let me share with you how it came about.

I often struggle with narrowing down my word for the year to just one. How about you? This year I have had several words that have felt strong for me. The two that are resonating the strongest for me right now are Compose and Learn. Other words that came to the forefront where release, purge and inspire.

It is January and we have the best intentions for the year ahead. Often we make resolutions only to break them sooner or later. A decision to do something does not have sticking power. We need to set a goal and have an action plan. Then we need to make a habit to help us achieve it. Many small steps help us win.

I started this painting by covering the canvas with wrinkled tissue paper and then painting it with shades of red. Next I randomly added collage elements including a foil wrapper and some net like fabric.

I then applied layers of paint with a scraper building up lots of texture.