Trust yourself
Stretching
I take a workshop and try to paint large
This week I got to be a student. In class with Lisa Daria Kennedy, I learned again the lessons I teach over and over. Trust the process. Trust yourself. Don’t overwork it. Stop before your done.
Embrace Value
Start by doing less. Color seduces. Leave it out. On paper you don’t care about, ask yourself. Where are the lights? Where are the darkest darks? When there’s glitter, there must be shadow. Find it. Find the mid-tones. Study the shapes. This process loosens you up, and familiarizes you with the questions ahead.
block it in
The first layer is just bones. Good work helps but don’t fuss it. Most of this will disappear as you work. “You are not responsible for what happens now.” Capture what you can. Take a break.
You will change things. It will change. This is why we make art.
Learn from others
Taking a class means you get to watch other people’s solutions evolve. The same challenge, such different responses.Keep your eyes open. Listen for when they feel stuck. Notice how graceful their work looks to you. Accept their compliments. Be amazed by how different the final work is.
Can you spot mine? Top row, #3 and 4. Both still works in progress. The group shot amazed us all.
Holiday time
The holidays are coming. Join me. Make something personal, unique, to share.
Tiny houses and bird ornaments. Arlington Center for the Arts December 7, 1-3.Wonderful creations from a tiny stash you bring.
Holiday cards, Thanksgiving weekend, the Beautiful Stuff Project, Somerville. All supplies provided. Perfect afternoon for adults and kids.
Visit me in Studio 305 Holiday Open Studios.
My paintings and ornaments are available throughout December at the Loading Dock Gallery. Stop in before December 15, and get a chance to win two of my small paintings.
Keep Making Art.