She's At It Again, Volume 2

Joy of Brushstrokes 

Purple & Pink Background

About a year ago, I got art declutter inspiration from my art figure instructor. For a recap, I had hundreds of portrait artworks taking up so much space! Her suggestion (and I love it) was to create a book of those images and then toss the paintings. I did it and then tossed a 3 foot pile of paintings-- that was about a year ago. Lately the clutter has been driving me crazy again--time to go through the process one more time!

The purpose of the book, volume 2, is the same as volume 1--to find joy in brushstrokes as I review my past works. This was a challenge for me as there were some paintings I was less than happy with. I really had to tell myself to look for the positive, to find the good IN EACH PAINTING. What I noticed about these particular works was that I had an interest in patterned backgrounds and those were often the best parts of the paintings! I really liked an orange and blue background and a deep purple with pink background...I think I need to continue along the fun background path...

Once again keeping track of paintings is extremely helpful with notes. That way I could look at my description and thumbnail sketch and compare it to the actual painting. I placed the paintings in order and went through to cull them out. Once I had my stack of paintings that I felt I could let go of, I documented them with my iphone--taking photos of the full painting and zooming in on the parts I liked whether it be background, brushstroke or eye detail. Then I got the images uploaded to my computer and then to Shutterfly. Yep its a process and takes a bit of time, but the end result is worth it.

Beautiful shirt pattern/strokes here!

Once I was in Shutterfly, I chose to make a book, an 8.5 x 11. Then I added in my images to the book pages. I chose to use about two images per painting, one of the full painting, one for the close up. And, I chose about 4 images per page in the book. I went to advanced editing so that I could control the image size and put borders on the edges of the paintings. Once I had all of the images placed in the book, I went back through and typed in an assessment of each painting, identifying in writing the joy. Lastly, I added my title on the cover, "The Joy of Brushstrokes vol 2". I did a final preview and then placed my book order! My advice--you can start your book anytime--but wait for a sale to place the order--a 40 -50% off really makes a big difference in book price. This book was about 25 pages and included 40 paintings. I am hoping it arrives next week!

Now that I have the book ordered, the next time the trash comes I can toss my 40 paintings. Bye bye 2 foot stack of paintings, hello 1/4 inch book! Storage savings abound!

Steps to Let Go:

1. Review paintings
2. Stack the keepers and the not keepers
3. Photograph the not keepers (full images and close ups)
4. Organize photos on your computer
5. Create a photobook (I used Shutterfly)
6. Toss or paint over the not keeper paintings

Follow Your Heart

Making Tough Choices

Summer Reflections, 9x12

As I have mentioned in earlier posts, I was taking several Zoom Art Classes these last few months. While the online classes were beneficial for me, I can attest that 'Zoom Fatigue' is real. Artists don't belong in front of the computer for extended periods of time! In class I was painting and creating (Yay!)-- but not from my own references (Boo!).  Ultimately, I had to tell two Instructors that I will not be taking more classes right now because I feel the need to go out and  make my own art. In my heart, my soul -- I feel strongly that I need to paint for ME-- from my references/with my own eyes from life! I feel this pull, this need, this desire--I've gotta do this!

To be clear, the classes were going well and I was learning -plus the instructors were amazing, giving, incredibly talented. My decision was not a refection of the instructors or classes but instead something I felt in my heart (good sunny weather outside may have also influenced this decision). The classes with one instructor fill quickly and leaving would mean losing my coveted spot in the class. Potentially this means that when I want to return (thinking Fall), the spot might not be open, class could be full. I had several discussions about this with my husband, and ultimately we both agreed that I need to give up the classes and fulfill my need paint on my own.

The classes have given me structure and have helped me to grow as an artist and now I must take that knowledge and apply it to my art. And, I plan to keep going into the studio on those class dates, using that time to paint and be creative.

Twice now, since my decision,  I have gone outside to plein air paint, and both times I feel more confident and honestly a little happier. Summer Reflections was created En Plein Air arlier this week when I went to the park- sunny and 70s, no complaints here. I am happy with the painting, I feel that I have learned so much about sky and reflections and now I am processing it all. While this painting is not perfect, I do think there are some great attributes as far as color, composition and reflections.

The classes have really worked for helping me grow and motivating me as an artist-- now it is time to apply all of that knowledge. For those who are perhaps hesitating, take a hard look inward and reflect.  I think it will be okay if you go out on your own for a bit. As for me, I say, "Lookout world!"

Getting Outdoors, Finally!

Tree Dancer, 9x12

We are now in week 11 of Stay At Home orders, and it seems as though I have been "stuck" at home forever. Probably it doesn't help that the weather here has not been great. We've not had many beautiful spring days this year and that lack of sunshine hurts my spirit too. Finally, last week we got a nice day, partly sunny 70s, time to get my plein air gear and get outside.

I went to a very unpopulated park, where I did not see many people--a historic old farm with many outbuildings. I found a nice spot on the grass (an acre to myself) and set up my gear. Man, it was so good to be outside with my paints, it has been way too long!

I was initially excited by all of the old white buildings which were being hit with sunlight. White in sunlight was exciting to me. And, soon I narrowed it down to this little house and the interesting tree behind it. I thought I could get both the house and tree onto the canvas--yes I was quite a distance away.

The beautiful dancing tree shape came easily to me while the house ended up being a challenge. Structures I think are their own beasts. The issue that I had with the house was that there were so many lines and it was hard to get straight lines outside. I ended up going back over the house at home, using a hard edge to get the house roof line and sides and window lines that I needed.

Recently and to my benefit I just finished an art (Zoom) tree painting class which was amazing. That really helped me to look at the tree and get the character down quickly. Now I need to find a sunlit structure painting class. There has got to be an easier way to get down a house on the canvas.

It felt great to be outside, to see the sun and to plein air paint. It was great to study the tree and the house structure. Perhaps one con was that there were no restrooms in the park;conversely it could be a positive--this limits the amount of time you can paint. After two hours, I had to pack it up and head home!

This week has been incredibly hot and humid, threatening rain so I have not plein air painted--but next week--well let's just say there are a few days that I am hoping to paint outside. Fingers crossed!

In An Art Slump

Week 7 of staying at home & I am unmotivated

Butter Sky, a tree class painting.

A few weeks before the stay at home order, I noticed that I was not producing good art. And in spite of my best efforts, making art in quarantine has not led to improvement. This has definitely got me in a funk and I know that I am not alone in that.

Here's the thing, I am taking three online classes and each class has homework. I am fairly art busy in the day and in the afternoons with homework. I am painting and attempting to learn. Its the days when I paint for myself on my own that I struggle and end up with wiped out paintings. Seriously I just want one good painting, this is a bit frustrating!

As an analytical person, the hard thing is the art slump doesn't make sense, why suddenly can I not paint a portrait or a still life? Why is the struggle so hard when I have been painting for years?

This week I am going to make a plan of what to paint with hopes that something will turn out okay. I have done this before and feel that I must do this again. On non-class days I have to get into the studio to paint - which I am doing its just that the paintings are not successful. I have listened to art teacher advice and tried painting a black and white study from life. And then painting a color painting from that. My black and white painting was way better than the color painting. I tried painting still life, as that is 'from life' and that was unsatisfying as well... this is not working out for me...

Perhaps this should just be a time for learning for me. I am taking many classes and have much thinking to do (thanks Anatomy)--so maybe I should just use this time for learning? I get it but I am going crazy not having anything to post to my website as to what I have been doing these last 7 weeks. I've been painting and been busy and have no results to show for it!

So what else I can I do about this motivation issue? I am reaching out to other artists for advice. Today I plan to sit on the back deck in the sun to read in order to feel more positive. I am so very glad to see the sun today! And I've been thinking about what I should read.

My reading list: The War of Art, Foster Caddell's Keys to Successful Landscape Painting, Fill Your Paintings with Light and Color  by MacPherson.

What else are your thoughts for staying motivated? What are your suggestions for art reading materials? Please end me a note or post a comment!

Art and Online Learning

In trying times, I've found a new outlook & outlet

Eucalyptus, started in one of my online classes

Hey, I get it it, learning online has never appealed to me before but these are trying times. I need my social interactions plus I love learning opportunities. Yes, I have always resisted the online art classes and courses--until now. Currently I am taking 3 online courses and I have been pleasantly surprised by how great each class is going.

First and foremost I realized that a teacher is a teacher. What do I mean? I mean that a good 'in person' teacher is still a good teacher online--the love of teaching still comes through. If there is a national or local art teacher you have taken with before or wanted to take with, I recommend looking her up and taking a course online. Artists are, after all, "Gig Workers." Invest in your self if you can and pay it forward to the artist teacher, win/win.

I am taking an online self-paced class (lots of videos and note taking), but this artist has been teaching online for many years so there is lots of great material. I like it and there are over 60 modules so plenty of information. My next class is from a national artist whom I was supposed to go see for a workshop in May. The current class with her is 3 hours a week and starts with a demo that we watch online, then we turn our computers and she watches us paint! We email her our completed artworks after each class and it's working, I am enjoying it.

Lastly, I am supporting my local art teacher, whom I have always studied with in person. She is a good teacher, so it was easy for me to sign up with her. Once again we all log in online and chat and watch her teach, she sets up her ipad /computer so that we can see her images and drawings.

Ultimately the online classes are working. The biggest thing is that I am enjoying having a schedule. Because I will be on video, I have to comb my hair and dress and prep for class. Plus classes give me some normalcy in my day. Also the classes fill the day, meaning that I am not sitting at home thinking about painting, I am actually doing. I highly recommend that you look up an art teacher --local or national and see what classes they are offering, and then sign up. What a great way to support the arts and truly, I found that it works.

I still prefer to meet in person, but who knows when that will happen again? Right now I think we should take the online art opportunities, I encourage you to sign up for an online art class today!

Staying Positive in Trying Times

My Fellow Artists,

We Have Got This, We are Prepared for This, We can do This

A 5x7 Quick Study, Sunset

My thoughts are these:

1. We have the perfect job for times like these. 
2. We have all of our work materials at home/studio (and I know you have a plethora of materials). We have or can make studio spaces in our homes. I have much of my art stuff in our sun-room and paint and work there. Your art space can be your kitchen table (that was my place for a long time), the point is that you can work from home. And my hope is that you pull out your supplies and start making art.
3. Technology is Our Friend (OK typically I would not say this, but please read on):

Art Supplies: Right now, Jerrys and Dick Blick continue to fill and mail online art supply orders. We can get supplies shipped to us if need be (however I suspect you may have enough supplies to sustain you a few weeks).
FaceTime/GroupFaceTime: We can use our phones to call our friends and see their faces, schedule some virtual time with friends! Also, you can now add a person and have 3 people on a FaceTime chat! Did you know that? I am not sure how many people can be added, but Group FaceTime is easy. Also, I did a FaceTime this week with an art friend and we showed each other our work. Do not isolate yourself from conversations. Phone Calls are fine, but try a FaceTime to see each other (messy hair and old tee shirts and all), it just feels good to see another face--even virtually.
FaceBook: Not my favorite venue, I get it. However as Artists this is a good way to stay in touch with friends. Post your artworks -what you are working on, what you need critique on. Post art challenges and interesting art articles.
The Internet: Want to try out something new artistically? Most likely you can find an online resource. Today I Googled 'Setting Up Still Life' and found a great article. Use technology to your ART Advantage.

There is much talk about regarding what we can control. I am not saying don't watch the news-- I am saying limit the amount of news you watch, don't do it all day. Try to get into the studio. Even sadness can be channeled into artwork.

What have you been meaning to do? Make a list and start checking it off! Ideas: Clean and organize your studio, set up and paint still lifes, organize your reference pics, plan what you are going to paint, finish old studies or unfinished works, start that big painting project, make a studio schedule.

I have friends who are not artists who are restless and struggling right now, being at home on Day Five of the "Stay Home" recommendation. I am not restless, I am not struggling because I have a schedule and have been turning off the TV, turning on the music and heading into the studio, I can work from home.

One last recommendation: Make A Schedule. Write down a simple daily schedule for the day by hour.
Sample: 8-9 Breakfast, 9-10 News/Shower, 10-12 Paint, 12-1 House Chores & Lunch, 1-3 Paint, 3-4 FaceTime Friends, 4-6 Paint, 7 Dinner. Simple! But it gives you something to do each day. I review and expound my schedule in the morning. For example, Paint then gets details of "finish still life painting on easel" and House Chores get specific like 'do laundry', etc.

Art Friends I encourage you to stay strong. I truly believe that artists can use this time to create, please consider turning off the news and getting into the studio. Play some fun music and paint!

Much love to all, I am thinking of you and sending positive vibes your way,
Sara

Let Me Think About It

Grey day painting, loved this shack!

As you know I have just returned from a week long art business trip. Yep, I am tired and still doing laundry and unpacking. I went right back to the studio yesterday to paint a portrait from life. My artist friends all asked for the best takeaway and lesson from my portrait art workshop--hmm...I need to think about it. I am analytical and in my workshop I listened, took many notes, and did much painting. I do need to think on the key takeaways. Let me think about it, let me process it all and write it up in a bit.


THE WET PAINT OUT in TX:

First I flew into town, then drove out to meet my friend. We scouted locations together, which was great, I loved every view. As you can imagine Texas landscape is much different from Michigan landscape. I loved all the brush, the terrain, and the animals. I live in the burbs and this was definitely the country, I saw potential paintings everywhere.

Gorgeous Hill Country, grey rain day

The first day of the paint out, we got up early, gathered our canvases and went to get them stamped. The weather was cool and rainy (such a bummer). We quickly reviewed the painting location list, but learned that we could go anywhere, yahoo. So my friend had a few places in mind, and yep I could work with that. One place was downtown where there were these seemingly abandoned buildings. Of course I loved the green trim around the door and window of the shack. We got lucky as while the skies were grey the rain stopped for the few hours we painted. Just as I finished my first painting, it starting raining hard.

We then chose to take cover near my friends house - which also had terrific views. I really loved the dark clouds that moved in. I was painting on the back patio and was fine painting in the rain until the wind shifted and the rain came at me sideways. I stopped painting for a bit, moved my easel and then went back to painting between rain bursts. Despite the rain, a good painting day, 2 paintings done.

Let It Rain, and it did! 9x12 available

The next day was clear sunny and beautiful. We had decided a location the night before and went directly there to set up. I loved a little shack that had lovely tree shadows on the roof. I enjoyed the sunshine but struggled with the painting, it proved to be complex and I did not capture the light. We moved to a new beautiful location in the afternoon, again so lovely. However, once again, I did not get a good painting--such a beautiful spot but I did not get a good painting. It sometimes goes that way. That evening I framed my painting and then packed up to head off to my workshop.

My friend took our paintings over to the event (one each) for display and show opening. We each felt we had created 2 good paintings over two days. Go us! Sadly I don't think either of us sold our paintings - although my friend knew someone who liked my painting but claimed she had no wall space. What? Go look in the gallery bathroom where art is stacked on the walls gallery style, make room!

I loved the wet paint out and painting possibilities, it was wonderful. And despite having a bad day with 2 not great paintings, it was a great experience. And I have many new landscape photo references and I was able to get outside and paint for 2 days.

Yes, I endorse the wet paint out experience, go for it. Meanwhile, I will think about and analyze my portrait workshop and get back to you soon with my thoughts.