I decided that sitting still is just not an option anymore. I decided to take at least a couple of days and take the kids somewhere. Jamie had a work trip with specific date and kept telling me 'I MIGHT have to go in May, I might have to go in June...' I decided that I'm tired of waiting for it be convenient for his schedule because it just never is. If I wait for him, it never happens. So I planned a short, two day excursion to Southern Missouri. Not exactly a trip to Paris but I'll take it! We've never been there and the online photos look spectacular!
Big Cedar Lodge is just south of Springfield, so we get to take a detour through MSU and Haley is so excited! I'm glad that Jamie and Kael get to see the campus. The Lodge where we are staying has all kinds of activities included in the nightly rate like paddle boats, hiking trails, pools, carriage rides, waterfalls, lakes and so many photo ops! I plan to come back refreshed, probably tired & sore and with so many new photos to work into future art pieces!
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Knowing when to quit
I'm relatively new to mixed media. I'm still trying to figure out techniques that I have seen and how to accomplish on a canvas or board what I see in my head. There are days that I can't work on art at all because life just gets in the way. I have to say, I tend to be a bit crabby on those days. Just like when I don't work our or go for a run, I just feel like I'm not quite myself because I need that release of endorphins from a workout and pouring of creativity onto my current piece (or pieces).
But sometimes I have to step away from whatever I'm working on. Taking a break allows me to look at it from a distance (usually every time I walk by!) and determine what it still needs. I have looked at pieces for MONTHS sitting on the easel, the piano or wherever before deciding that it is done or what the final touch will be!
And then there are times that I DON'T stop. I just keep adding paint, paper, ephemera, sanding. It can be a struggle to realize when it is done and when I should just put down the paintbrush!! Other times, it is difficult to put the brush to canvas! I'm afraid that I'll ruin what I have accomplished so far! I look at it, I like it but I know that it still needs something. Just not quite sure what it needs or how to give it what will help to complete it!
I am learning to trust my instincts. If it doesn't feel right or I'm not sure, just put down the paintbrush. If I know it needs a wash or splatters of paint, just do it! Don't be afraid to ruin it! I have had so many happy accidents by just going for it! The paint may not drip the way I envisioned, it may be darker or lighter or the wrong shade but you never know until you try. I haven't found the answer. But following my gut seems to bring the results that I am looking for. Such is life!
But sometimes I have to step away from whatever I'm working on. Taking a break allows me to look at it from a distance (usually every time I walk by!) and determine what it still needs. I have looked at pieces for MONTHS sitting on the easel, the piano or wherever before deciding that it is done or what the final touch will be!
And then there are times that I DON'T stop. I just keep adding paint, paper, ephemera, sanding. It can be a struggle to realize when it is done and when I should just put down the paintbrush!! Other times, it is difficult to put the brush to canvas! I'm afraid that I'll ruin what I have accomplished so far! I look at it, I like it but I know that it still needs something. Just not quite sure what it needs or how to give it what will help to complete it!
I am learning to trust my instincts. If it doesn't feel right or I'm not sure, just put down the paintbrush. If I know it needs a wash or splatters of paint, just do it! Don't be afraid to ruin it! I have had so many happy accidents by just going for it! The paint may not drip the way I envisioned, it may be darker or lighter or the wrong shade but you never know until you try. I haven't found the answer. But following my gut seems to bring the results that I am looking for. Such is life!
Thursday, June 4, 2015
A new piece
I started a new canvas last week in a format that I have never used before - it is 12 in x 36 in and just perfect for what I had in mind. Two of the photos that I have used as transfers are photos that I have taken and two photos were taken by a friend who has let me use them.
While working on this piece, my husband made the comment that I don't use my own photos in my mixed media pieces. This comment made me realize two things. Number one, he doesn't pay attention to the photos that I take! He was with me on the beach in San Diego when I took the top photo and he was walking on the deck of the Disney Cruise Ship with me when I took the picture of the ropes and rigging. I don't know if I can change his awareness but I CAN control realization number two - which is that I don't go enough places and take enough inspiring photos!
We live in the Midwest, in a small town in Illinois. We are close to Saint Louis, Missouri and this is where he was born and raised. But, as hard as I have tried, I am not at home here. I'm restless for the beach, which was a constant for me until we moved here. I miss the coast and I desperately miss my time in history-rich Europe. I am not motivated or inspired by the views of corn fields on my way to work and the same corn fields on the way home every. single. day.
Bottom line - I'm bored.
BUT I know that I can find inspiring views here if I try. So I will try. But at the same time, I have decided to stop waiting for him to be ready to go places and experience things. I HAVE to travel. It is part of what makes me who I am. A few trips over the next year are now in the works. And I will be happier here when I get back from a road trip full of inspiring vistas.
Plus, I will have so many photos of my adventures, I can create pieces with all my own photos and not need to borrow any!
I have a feeling he may regret that comment that sparked the wanderlust again!
Monday, June 1, 2015
Art as therapy
There are times when I feel that I am going to lose it. I know that everyone feels that way sometimes. I try now to use my art as therapy. Instead of lashing out at loved ones or crying in my bedroom (which I just DONT do!), I have started to pick up a paint brush or a pencil and create something that is driven by whatever it is that is bringing me down.
I did this hand drawn lettering last week when I was feeling that I had absolutely no one to count on. At work, at home...I was drowning and it seemed that everyone around me was either too busy with their own priorities to help with the tasks of daily life or they just didn't care. I was trapped and suffocating. Sometimes my head goes to the worst thoughts and I almost created a depressing woe-is-me painting on this particular day. But I decided to turn it around and try to give it an uplifting, inspiring twist.
When there is no hero in sight, I just have to learn to be my own savior.
Now to decide if I keep this piece black and white or add color with muted watercolor...
Just do it!
I've started blogs before and, after a while, stop posting because I run out of things to say or time to put them into words. But, here goes another one! An art blog. Strange coming from me. I always see blogs about artists who say 'I've had a paintbrush in my hand since I was 5' or 'As a kid, I cut up all my moms clothes to sew a new fashionable outfit.'
Well, that's not my story.
I was a quiet kid, didn't really get noticed for anything. I was good in school but never the best at anything. And I was told over and over that I just didn't have a creative streak. I had a more logical mind and should focus on academics and becoming a teacher or something like that. I think that the more you tell someone something, the more likely they are to believe it.
After a while, I believed that any idea that I had that was 'outside the box' was stupid and I would NEVER tell anyone the thoughts that crossed my mind. I might write them down but would never let anyone read them for fear of being made fun of. I have always had stories whirling in my head and may have made it as an author but never tried because I was told to focus on practical academic pursuits.
I joined the military after high school because I was bored with academics - no creativity allowed in the ranks of the military! Strict adherence to policies and rules, even ones that don't make sense.
I started scrapbooking, like everyone else, in the mid 90's. I think that was the start of my artistic exploration. It was a way to document the memories that my growing family was creating and also taking a break from the never-ending duties of a young mom. At first my pages were simple and usually copied from idea books. But I received more and more praise when I branched out and did things my way. Now I have so many different types of art that I create and different mediums that I reach for, I always have several projects in the works.
I have a reputation now of being creative and artistic. People wonder how ideas come so easily to me and how I can create for days on end without running out of ideas. I say that I am proof that everyone can create. After being convinced as a child that my ideas should be stifled and that I had no imagination, I see now that wasn't true. If only I hadn't wasted so many years.
So don't listen to the naysayers. Design. Create. Share. Don't worry about others will say. Just CREATE!
And, most of all, don't listen to the voice in the back of your head that says you aren't good enough. You are more than good enough. You are amazing!
Well, that's not my story.
I was a quiet kid, didn't really get noticed for anything. I was good in school but never the best at anything. And I was told over and over that I just didn't have a creative streak. I had a more logical mind and should focus on academics and becoming a teacher or something like that. I think that the more you tell someone something, the more likely they are to believe it.
After a while, I believed that any idea that I had that was 'outside the box' was stupid and I would NEVER tell anyone the thoughts that crossed my mind. I might write them down but would never let anyone read them for fear of being made fun of. I have always had stories whirling in my head and may have made it as an author but never tried because I was told to focus on practical academic pursuits.
I joined the military after high school because I was bored with academics - no creativity allowed in the ranks of the military! Strict adherence to policies and rules, even ones that don't make sense.
I started scrapbooking, like everyone else, in the mid 90's. I think that was the start of my artistic exploration. It was a way to document the memories that my growing family was creating and also taking a break from the never-ending duties of a young mom. At first my pages were simple and usually copied from idea books. But I received more and more praise when I branched out and did things my way. Now I have so many different types of art that I create and different mediums that I reach for, I always have several projects in the works.
I have a reputation now of being creative and artistic. People wonder how ideas come so easily to me and how I can create for days on end without running out of ideas. I say that I am proof that everyone can create. After being convinced as a child that my ideas should be stifled and that I had no imagination, I see now that wasn't true. If only I hadn't wasted so many years.
So don't listen to the naysayers. Design. Create. Share. Don't worry about others will say. Just CREATE!
And, most of all, don't listen to the voice in the back of your head that says you aren't good enough. You are more than good enough. You are amazing!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)