Thursday, October 30, 2014

Journal Entry - GET INSPIRED


Ways to Get Motivated When You’re in a Slump

But it’s not hopeless: with some small steps, 
baby ones in fact, you can get started down the road to positive change.
One Goal.
Find inspiration
Get excited.
Build anticipation
Post your goal
Commit publicly
Think about it daily.
Get support.
Realize that there’s an ebb and flow.
Stick with it.
Start small. Really small
Build on small successes.
Read about it daily.
Call for help when your motivation ebbs.
Think about the benefits, not the difficulties.
Squash negative thoughts; replace them with positive ones.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Learning a new Medium

I'm starting a new adventure - learning a new medium - OIL STICKS.
I saw some paintings earlier this year, created with Oil Sticks, and I really felt the tug to give them a try. I was weaned on oils, but I have not painted with them for over thirty years. How hard could these oil sticks be.



 I did my research - there is little out there on them. Very basic stuff. They claim you could draw with them, that tugged me. They claimed you didn't need a brush - that tugged me. They claimed you could blend right on the canvas, and that tugged me.

What was I thinking?


Not only had I forgot everything I ever knew about oils and had that to contend with - I added this new medium to the mess. My only saving grace is that I'm not doing this for anyone to see - no gallery - no exhibition - no class - just me and this glorious mess.  MUD - I made mud. I am so used to acrylics drying immediately. This stuff stays wet forever and longer. 



I can see where these sticks would be fabulous if I were doing an abstract. And I think I will try that next. But, these simple landscapes are another story. 

It's exciting to start at ground zero - with no expectations - and no where to go but up.


Thursday, October 16, 2014

Art Journal - wishing I could make beautiful art


There is one moment, in the first few seconds, when you look at a piece of art and know that you love it. It’s the moment when, if you’re an artist yourself, you look at it and feel a rush of uplifting inspiration… and total soul-crushing jealousy all at the same time. It’s when you walk away thinking, “Damn, I wish I thought of that."

 ~ The Jealous Curator, est. 2009

http://www.thejealouscurator.com/blog/about/
Danielle Krysa


It's rather uplifting to hear those words from another artist. I have those feelings frequently.Those jealpus feelings just shut me down, making me feel inadequate and not worthy to pick up a brush.


Tuesday, October 14, 2014

The Return of the Muse


This was my first Sabbatical from blogging and one of my longest absences from art. My Muse went on vacation. I lost interest in painting, drawing, even doodling in my art journals. I tried sewing for a while - and that became boring too. I almost packed up my supplies for the yard sale. But now the urge is returning, little by little. 

I think in my case, I get inspiration from networking - from being around other creative people. Listening to their ideas and dreams makes me feel part of a community not an island. Recently my involvement with my local art association nearly stopped and my summer was filled with taking care of family/parental issues. I think I need to be with creative people. Take a class. Sit in the gallery. They are my muse.


Now I have a few - quite a few - unfinished sewing projects. Along with a fortune in fabric and felt. I have discovered that when I am museless and without an art project, I tend to shop. Online. I really love the things people do with felt.
~ I think i will make a few Christmas ornaments and gifts.
~  Look for a new art project.
~ I did agree to a show in July 2015 - that should be inspiration enough along with the 2 galleries I should be providing for.
~ I should take a class
~ I should join the "Online Shoppers Addiction" group

2022

   Merry Christmas