New Thoughts about Painting, Uncategorized

Why are you Painting?

Why are you Painting?

 

A glorious painting experience is a memorable journey.  Nothing is more rewarding, yet the next time we pick up our brushes all that joy often dissipates as we struggle. During times of failure, having a good attitude may be the only way to keep us working on our art.

Creation is both an act of selection and development of ideas. Selection implies acceptance, and rejection, of ideas. Artists must face rejection of their work from artists, friends, critics, and ultimately they must reject their own creations repeatedly. Creativity does not exist in a vacuum, nor can we expect a smooth journey of discovery. There will be ups and downs and plateaus.

People will bombard you with their opinions. Finding the uniqueness of your work takes time—time working at it. Disappointments may occur regularly, and returning to the studio after a setback can be tough. It’s sad when a piece looks so beautiful, and yet we could add one more stroke that diminishes it. Yet other times, a small change can be amazing.  The good news is that by keeping at it, eventually we will learn how to express ourselves successfully. It takes continual development of skills and experience to recognize the uniqueness of our work. You decide what it is you want to say.

The artist will be tested continually as he or she produces art. As much as I enjoy painting, fear rears its ugly self on a regular basis. Maybe you, too, have had that magical experience where a painting or art piece simply flowed and was a wondrous experience. Hopefully, my book will guide you to finding and expressing yourself in a way you truly learn, enjoy, and love.

Be a student. Each of us should be open-minded and wary of critical self-centered opinions. View as much art as you can. Take art history classes. Join an arts organization and make new friends to view artwork with. Join a life-drawing group. Study the work you like and the work you don’t like. More importantly, verbalize specifically what attracts or bothers you. Share these thoughts with an equally interested friend, and then share again. They will either agree or disagree with your reaction to specific features when critiquing. This is the only way to tap into what is known as universal taste. It’s the feeling that we know when we recognize true art. Unlike math, there isn’t a correct answer that equals art. By working and sharing your feelings, you will build in yourself an internal, personal force that guides you.

 

Did you know “Progressive Painting- Your Creative Journey” was endorsed by John Salminen and Robert Burridge? If you love my book, please feel free to write a review for Amazon.