It begins, my year long art challenge. Here is #1
creativity
Art and the Christmas Tree
As I sit looking at my Christmas tree a simple thought came to me, being an artist is kind of like choosing a Christmas tree.
First you have to look around for a tree which when you sit see it you say to yourself I have to have it. Art is similar because when you first start out you may try a few different types of art until you pick one which resonates deep within your heart. I tried a few artistic outlets like music and writing until I fell in love with visual arts.
Second you need to decorate your tree just the way you like it. If your like my wife you put on some lights, then arrange the ornaments until they look perfect and then maybe top it off with some tinsel. As an artist you have to settle on a style all your own. This is what will set you apart from others. The process of developing your own style is a journey not unlike decorating a tree. You try some things, maybe you don’t like them so your rearrange them until you get something all your own.
Lastly if you have a live tree you need to nurture it by keeping it well watered. The same is true of your art. The only way to keep your art vibrant and growing is to keep it well watered. This requires you to always keep practicing and trying new things.
Another Christmas in the rear view mirror
Well Christmas 2016 is in the books and it’s time to turn our attention to the New Year. If you’re like me thoughts turn to making New Years resolutions. I used to come up with some of the usual resolutions, lose weight, become more financially sound among many others.
As time went on I cut back on the resolutions and set my sights on being the best person I can be towards others. As an artist I create what others will see so I need to be the inspiration for others to create their own art. Being self centered or elusive will only cause others to turn away.
So in the New Year don’t make resolutions make friends and keep creating art.
Random thoughts
Art is not about creating perfection it is about creating what is inside you, your vision.
Art in the New Year
If I’ve heard these words once I’ve heard them a thousand times. What are the words, “I can’t do art I’m not an artist.” That is what I thought at one time too until I picked up a book by Betty Edwards entitled, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. Her book enlightened me to the fact I could be an artist. I could draw.
Don’t get me wrong art is all about practice. You have to put your butt in the chair and practice, practice, practice and then practice some more.
Here are some websites dedicated to teaching anyone how to draw:
These are only three of the many websites out there. The key is to find one you like and roll with it. There are also numerous books available at your local library or on Amazon.com. Of course if oyu want a drawing partner just drop me a comment or a tweet and I would love to help you discover your artistic talent.
Thomas Kinkade gone but not forgotten
This time of year I am reminded of one of my
favorite artists, Thomas Kinkade. The reason is the guy could create some sensational artwork filled with light and color. His paintings also feel welcoming and warm just like the true spirit of the holidays.
Like the painting of the Rockefeller Skaters Kinkade’s paintings seem as if you could step into them and become part of whatever holiday festivities are going on.
What better way to get into a festive mood for the Christmas season than takings in some beautiful artwork. For more Kincade artwork click here.
Finding time to create
I like many artists have a problem. I love to create art but can’t keep my butt in the chair long enough to finish a new art piece. Over the long years of creating I’ve accepted some truths and also had some light bulb moments.
The truths are these:
1) Art is not something to be forced. A piece of art comes not by forcing the piece into being but by taking the time to let it come out of the heart. So if a piece is not coming together at the moment come back to it later when you have the time.
2) Art comes in many different forms. I used to think art had to be something I sat down and created but it isn’t. Many times I have taken my art on the road and created something outside like a piece of art out of wood for my lawn.
The light bud moments are these:
1. Art comes in many forms. When I am work I love to doodle and can crank out a drawing in a few moments.
2. Don’t put to much pressure on yourself to create. Don’t get frustrated if you do not have enough time to create or just don’t feel like creating at the moment the moment when you want to create will come.
What does all this have to do with finding time to create. Easy we all have time to create art if we eke out a few moments each day.
Great Christmas painting found on Pinterest
I think this is a great Christmas painting.
One of my favorite quotes
