Pause for Thought

"Let us consider your mind for a minute, because it can be the single biggest problem when creating artwork.  Rational thinking may say that you have to do 'good work', whatever that is, to justify the time you spend, and then you should show and sell your work for it to have value.  Get off that channel.  See the worth in the process itself.  You are participating in active meditation - think of it as exercise of the spirit.  Your work and your spirit will grow together regardless of the results."

Peggy Macnamara

25 Small Still Life Paintings, No 13

10.2cm x 10.2cm

acrylic on paper

I am just over half way with this project now, so here is a recap: There is a theory that because painting is difficult, we have to accept that the first 25 to 50 paintings that we make won't be any good, so we might as well just get them over with. I want to work on my painting skills, so decided to do 25 small paintings in the hope that I would see some improvement at the end. (25 seemed more realistic for me than 50). I am loving the challenge, and might just do 50 after all!

25 Small Still Life Paintings, No 12

10.2cm x 10.2 cm

acrylic on paper

Fossicking Friday 21st January 2011

Nothing to "Do" tonight - just "Read" and "Look":

Read

There is such a great quote by artist Betsy Dillard Stroud on the Artist Magazine blog, where she says that "painters never learn by making good paintings." Hope for everyone.

The Creative Block: Best Practices: is a great article about 'getting into the groove' after a break from painting.


I have become a huge fan of Liz Steel (and Borromini). I love her sketchbooks and blog! Here is a great interview with her on the Artists' Journal Workshop.

No Matter What Distracts You From Your Art, You CAN Overcome It.

5 Common Traits of Successful Artists.


Look

Easy Oil Painting Techniques is a great site for painters, it is packed with excellent advice and great demonstrations. I love this step-by-step Oil Painting Demonstration of Persimmons Still Life.
How to oil paint persimmons is the second part of this demo.

Lisa Daria is a cancer survivor who has committed to creating a painting each day - this is  Number 594. Love it!


Another gorgeous demo - this one in coloured pencil:  Paula Pertile - Ginger Caramel Drawing Demo.


Images from one of my favourite artists, Andrew Wyeth.


Have a Great week end!

25 Small Still Life Paintings, No 11

10.2 cm x 10.2 cm

acrylic on paper

25 Small Still Life Paintings, No 10

10.2 cm x 10.2 cm

acrylic on paper

This is painted in a new sketchbook, as my other one is finished. The paper is much whiter, and I have left the whites of the cloth and not painted them. I am happy with the fruit, but not delighted with the cloth. I prefer the cloth of Number 4.

I am learning that it is all a process, the cloth has not worked out that well today, but I have done a good job with it before, AND I can work on it again tomorrow (or I could just leave it out!) Some paintings go really well, and some are awful!

Pause for Thought

"I don't know why it is that we fail to talk about art in terms of humble diligence.  So much of making a career as an artist consists of the small strokes, the willingness to show up and try on a daily basis.  So much of being good at something consists of being practised at something."

Julia Cameron author of The Artist's Way.

25 Small Still Life Paintings, No 9

10.2 cm x 10.2 cm

acrylic on paper

That fabric is not getting any easier!

25 Small Still Life Paintings, No. 8

10.2 cm x 10.2 cm

acrylic on paper

Had some difficulties with this one.

25 Small Still Life Paintings, No 7

 10.2 cm x 10.2 cm

acrylic on paper

I am pleased with how this turned out. I like the bright clean colours and the loose brushstrokes.