#paintsundaycolors

#paintsundaycolors

2/2/20 Blue Moon Navy

I’ve always been captivated by a consistent practice. Whether it’s exercise (ugh!!!), affirmations, reading, sleep, contentment, gratitude, writing, connections, most of all art practices. They are transformative. I’ve been searching for one that would click for me. On Saturday, November 2, 2019 I saw the exhibit Byron Kim: The Sunday Paintings at moCa Cleveland. On Sunday, November 3, 2019 I posted my first #paintsundaycolors on Instagram. I chose “colors” to strengthen my color range and kick me out of my go to palette. I followed his idea of writing a sentence or two about my day. Nothing profound, just an observation. I have completed thirteen weeks of #paintsundaycolors. I’ve only missed one week, early on, when I was traveling. I use inexpensive 8” x 8” canvases, acrylic paints/mediums and Prismacolor Ebony pencil. This is a satisfying, manageable practice that I’m throughly enjoying! Visit my portfolio to view all #paintsundaycolors.

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Products

It’s a White Out!

Dick Blick Blockout White Blickrylic Student Acrylics

One of my favorite products is Dick Blick Blockout White Blickrylic Student Acrylics. It’s given me the freedom to experiment over and over again on the same canvas. Especially if I like the textures but not the colors/composition. I think of Blockout White as a giant eraser. I always have a bottle of this reasonably priced paint in my studio. Since the natural state of acrylic paint is glossy, applying a coat of gesso over the Blockout White gets some tooth back.

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Inspiration

“Creativity takes courage.” Henri Matisse

work in progress

I have a mind whirring with ideas. Sometimes they are gently fluttering in large lazy loops. Usually they are tumbling over each other pushing and shoving, yelling “look at me, NOOOO look at me!” Queuing up in a jumbled line. Then, I pick one! Stepping out of my comfort zone in to the wild and wooly world of creativity. I take the leap and not three minutes into the “zone” my left brain says, “this is messy, you’re wasting a lot of paint, be careful you don’t want to spill on the floor”. The doubt and hesitation start. Dragging my big, bold idea down to trite and amateurish.

It does take a lot of boldness and courage to express our ideas and put them in front of the world. The world needs us. The world needs courageous makers adding to the world. Next time you feel trite and amateurish take the Wonder Woman stance and we’ll stand elbow to elbow gathering creativity energy from each other.

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Inspiration

What inspires me today?

I tack the sheets of inspirations to my wall where I can see them whenever I need a spark!

Every morning when I walk into my studio the first thing I do is write –

What inspires me today?

Then I answer the question. The answers range from “the quiet peacefulness of a very snowy day” to “setting up a still life at school! all the possibilities!” to “so many art supplies, I need to relax and learn to just play” and everything in between.

I’ve tried writing an intention for the day or my art practice that day but it never feels right. I wasn’t really connected to the intention. Writing what inspires me reminds me that I am a creative person starting a creative day.

P.S. the Inspiration sheets are from Mavec Collections.

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Process

Hello World!

“Color is the place where our brain meets the universe.”

Paul Cezanne

join me on my journey to understand…

art techniques, explorations, classes, books, #paintsundaycolors, quotes and inspirations, process, progress, resources, tips and anything else that crosses my path.

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