rolling in the deep

You’d think I was somewhere out at sea with all the watery hues swimming around my studio.

I’m immersing myself (pun totally intended) in the colours and flow of water in paint. Come October, I will be using these blues for a project. Until then, I’m diving my brush into the oceans as much as possible…

I am enjoying the process. It’s preparing me without the pressure of a looming deadline. Take some time to consider your prep – how can you take the pressure off and still go deep? Be encouraged!

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going deeper – the benefits of homework

The word “homework” does not usually conjure up thoughts of beautiful paint, free-flowing colours or words, music improvisation and the like. Let’s face facts, it’s not a favourite pastime for most folks. But in order to take your flight of fancy higher, you need a depth of experience backing you up.

Am I saying that good work can’t come from a free fall of creativity? No way. I’ve had times when something wonderful surfaces from my jumping into the deep end. But I’ve also fallen flat on my face in sheer frustration because I could not express what was in my heart to say. In comes the homework. I posted some of mine last week:  https://theartofencouragement.wordpress.com/2013/06/05/in-flight/  Below is the finished piece. I was able to start and finish the painting in a wonderful live art setting. Instead of struggling with unknown structures, I was able to relax and enjoy the process from a place of readiness…

Take the time to study line, words, notes, structure…get a grip on new products, tools, styles, compositions – write these things on the inside of you so that they can flow out easily as you engage with your creativity. Do your homework. You won’t regret it. Be encouraged today!

in flight

I am on the plane with my homework. I’ve just got the basics…pens, paper and 3 reference photos. I want to understand how an eagle’s feathers form, how and where they lay to make a wing, how they move in flight. And so I begin…head down, minding my own business…working it out.

During my hours of process, something extraordinary happens – I gain an audience. Truly, I am caught off guard as flight attendants cruise by to see my progress, as the lady two rows back leans in to ask me questions, as a shy little boy stands beside me instead of going to the toilet (which he so obviously needs to do). I even had one man voice his disappointment when I took a movie break. What was going on? I asked a fellow artist and his observation rang true:

The act of creating something is fresh, new and in the moment – very different from any form of entertainment or distraction found on a plane journey. Without realizing it, I literally drew them in.

You might keep your creative process private. I understand that. But maybe you have something to give by simply bringing your workings out into light. Go ahead, try a new venue and see who you can engage and encourage today.