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An artist's life can be a lonely experience - all alone in our studios - so it's a good idea to get out once in a while and hang with people who speak art. I have a good number of these people, and have been leaning on them heavily over the past year as I've climbed out of the hole made by over-working myself creatively. I've gotten some really great advice from my pals, and wanted to share in case any of you are having similar difficulties.
I have several, so I'll start with this one. TIP #1: I'm pretty sure it came from Don Gray. I was finding I had lots of things in mind to try with my paintings but most of the time I'd get all the way through and realize I hadn't done any of them. Don said, "Write it down on a post it note and stick it right next to your painting so you'll look at it while you paint." That totally worked! Here are a few examples of things I've written for myself lately (BTW, I find it works best to have only ONE thing at a time):
- more variety with edges
- bolder strokes
- start with broad gestures
7 comments:
I laughed out loud when I read that...I'm always forgetting what my intention was. Thanks for the good idea...a painting intention sticky note. I need a life intention sticky note to remind me to find time to paint.
Great advice Carol (and Don)!!!!
The yellow is a nice change...PRETTY!
Thank you for sharing your struggles! You are so inspiring and in this case very timely for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you...
Great advice, Carol (and Don!). There are so many ideas I want to express and so many things I want to try and effect in a painting, that incorporating them all into a piece is overwhelming at times (a kind of 'analysis paralysis'). Breaking it down to one or two simple goals is a wonderful suggestion. Thanks!!!
Thank you for posting not just your beautiful paintings, but also your struggles. This post was so relevant for me as I am struggling to finish up for an upcoming show. The pressure gets the best of me. Someone actually mentioned the post it note idea to me just last week and I keep forgetting to do it! Would to love to hear others' post-it note words/directives. Some of mine lately (in addition to yours)...light, vary whites, allow brush strokes to remain, PLAY!
Lovely lemon yellow rose Carol! Thanks to you and Don for the great tip. Happy Painting!
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