Now what's that supposed to mean? It means that I struggle with what I create. This morning I had a revelation however. I remembered that I am made in the image of God - and he is the original Creator. And God didn't create for anyone's approval. He created for himself. Wow!!! I guess I have been working towards this - but it was a very freeing moment.
The canvases on top are 2 images of the same work. This was a painting that definitely wasn't working on a somewhat larger canvas. I took a 21 Secrets workshop last year and one of the instructors was Dina Wakely. I think that was the workshop that most resonated with me - it was all about intuitive paintings. You draw shapes and paint into them to help you discover what the subject of the painting will be. It was very freeing for me. Flora Bowley is the other artist who is influencing me here. I haven't been able to take her class yet - but I have watched some videos of her at work and I love the "intuitive", free flowing mark marking that she does. The first pic of the canvas is when I tried to force a subject - didn't work at all. So - I am back to paint layers and mark making. Will share as I go.
The mermaid - she is from my last post. My daughter took one look at her and said I like her but you need to hide your pink and purple shades. Your backgrounds are all the same color. The real problem was that I used too much of the same colors in the mermaid and the fish. So I decided to go bold. I changed my colors up a bit and did some stenciling on the mermaid. I am pleased that I stepped out of the safe place and just went with it!
Long post - didn't even post at all last week. Look what comes of talking to God about my art and asking Him to inspire me - more creative energy than I have had in a while. Thanks for stopping by - I love to hear from you if you have time to make a comment. I am linking to Paint Party Friday Stop by and check out the wonderful work of so many artists - go bold and link your art there as well!!
Glad you are continuing your work and finding new aims and goals. Valerie
ReplyDeleteThis art stuff is a thorny road - yet if I don't walk it I'll be missing a large piece of myself. Thanks for stopping by Valerie!
DeleteYes, always paint for yourself! Make what you love! I recently painted a portrait of Bela Lugosi, which no one else is likely to be interested in, but it was so much fun. I did it just because I wanted to and loved every minute of it.
ReplyDeleteI do like your mermaid best in her new colors. I love the stencil design in her tail!
Thank you for the encouraging comment!
DeleteIt's good to try new techniques. We always learn something new. I think your mermaid is sweet. Thanks and Happy PPF!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gloria - somehow I'm having a tough time this year - but I love creating. Must be that scoundrel Left Brain!
DeleteWe find inspiration from everywhere it is true - a gift.
ReplyDeleteCreating art is a gift - and that old scoundrel Left Brain wants to stop me with his criticism! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment
DeleteThat was a profound observation you made and I am really astounded I haven't thought of that before... that God created for his pleasure and not to please others. Your work is wonderful. I like your sweet mermaid.
ReplyDeleteThat was the Holy Spirit - I am rarely profound. Thanks for your sweet words - I appreciate the encouragement.
DeleteWonderful that God is your inspiration, nice work!
ReplyDeleteThanks Christine!
DeleteExquisite mermaid, I like.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouraging words!
DeleteI always paint for me now a days but I used to get bound up in a lot of shoulds... it is so freeing to let them go and just enjoy what you do...xx
ReplyDeleteBound up is a good way to put it - my brain and hands feel that way when I try to please others. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteLovely art work ~ all of them ~ especially like the abstract ~ lots of creative fluid and colorful energy ~
ReplyDeleteThank you for you encouraging comments!
DeleteGod is Good, and definitely the ultimate creator. I like all your new pieces. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteThanks Arnoldo - he has certainly given you a lot of those creative gifts! Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteHey, you're not on Google+ anymore!? You're right: you shouldn't create for anyone's approval, it only inhibits you. When you just create for yourself the best things happen. Your mermaid is looking great, congrats on being brave!
ReplyDeleteI did send you an email - but thanks again for stopping by!
DeleteThe top paintings look very promising! And we all need (and get) 'revelations' or sparks like you describe every once in a while - it's up to us what we do with it. Enjoy the weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks Marit - I am trying not to force that painting and just see where it leads.
Deleteit's always good to just try something a little different and go with the flow.Beautifully worded post!
ReplyDeleteI love to follow my intuition with my art, I do it often. Paintings turn out quite differently, than I originally thought, because of it.
ReplyDeleteLove the colours you added to your mermaid painting!
What is interesting with art is also that it always will speak to some people, while others wouldn't bother to look at it. That is how we all feel different, quite natural. :-)
Just keep on doing what you feel like doing!
Ilona
You are so right. So - just a waste of time worrying about who will like it! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
DeleteYour art pleases you and many of us as well! Can't do better than that! Enjoy the process!
ReplyDeleteLynn - aside from being a terrific artist - you are such a nice person. Thanks for the encouragement
DeleteThat is indeed a powerful revelation- I wish I could shout it to the rooftops! It is the same thing God taught me some years ago and which I have been telling anyone who would listen. I use pictures of all the ugly and strange animals God created and DID not destroy! He obviously appreciates them also! Glad I dropped by! You won my weekly ATC giveaway. I hope that is good news for you! Email me your snail mail address and I'll send it off to you- patsy.paterno (at) gmail.com
ReplyDeletePatsy from
HeARTworks
Sent you an email - but thanks again for the comment - and winning your contest is indeed good news.
DeleteA great "chat" to get you back creating. Yay!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Eva for stopping by!
DeleteLove the mermaid. I think we all struggle one time or another with our work and we hope to please everyone, but fact is we wont please everyone so we need to please ourselves and in the end we will attract those that like what we do. HPPF
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