Monday, February 4, 2013

Just Chillin'

In art as in love, instinct is enough.
Anatole France

This Bloom True intuitive painting course is challenging me on many levels.  No sooner had I added a second layer to two of my canvases last Friday than I started second guessing myself, wishing I had done this or that differently...blah, blah, blah.  I almost talked myself into covering the whole thing with gesso and starting over.  So much for trusting the process!


With the help and encouragement of fellow classmates I worked through some insecurities (at least for now) and decided to accept that "there are no mistakes" in this course.  Funny thing, most of these marks are already covered by another layer of paint anyway!  (I painted well into the evening tonight so I'll have to wait for daylight tomorrow to take photos to share.)


So far this class is revealing so much to me about how I think about making art and even about life in general.  I have wanted to paint freely for a long time but have always held back.  I have to fight a lot of the perfectionism that came with graphics training and, honestly, I have to fight a spirit of comparison as well.  It is so hard not to look at my work and see what it's not instead of what it is.  it is also hard to be patient as I wait for the next step of the process to be revealed.

I have to say, though, I am really happy now with the way my paintings are progressing.  In fact, when I think back to the thoughts I had over the weekend about starting over I have to smile.  I really just needed to chill out and stop thinking so much!










6 comments:

  1. I love this painting just the way it is! It has so many neat things like the circles, the tree and the colors are very nice. We are always our worst critics. It's so great your taking this class! have fun, enjoy and relax :)
    Chandra

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, friend. You would so love this workshop. I think your creativity would definitely thrive!

      Delete
  2. Get out of your head, that's what I say to myself....love that you are trusting the process and trying not to second guess yourself. Process painting is hard work and moves lots of energy some you will love forever, some you will not but it's all good.....Keep the energy moving and stay in your body and you will move mountains...xox

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Such good advice. I'm amazed at how physical this is...thought it might be the size of the canvas but also realize that, as you say, painting this way moves lots of energy. I'm having a blast so far!

      Delete
  3. Loving these, Janice. How exciting! It would be tough to push through that perfectionist voice in you (I've got it, too)...but look at what you're making here! They're fantastic. Love them. What an amazing course. I feel lucky to watch your journey.

    ReplyDelete
  4. this is my favourite of your recent paintings

    ReplyDelete

Your lovely comments make my day!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...