Beginnings

As artists, we learn so much about our world. We observe and study everything around us. Speaking for myself, I have studied more subjects outside of my education than any institution could provide. I have also had the opportunity to study with some very gifted artists along the way. 

Sketching and painting started when I was three or four years old. I loved flowers and frogs! I would pick flowers and catch frogs and toads, put them in my little aquarium and make sketches on pieces of cardboard or paper. I brought in insects, twigs, rocks, and would carefully arrange them so I could paint them in their "natural habitat" on my kitchen table, lol.  Mom would spin me around on the back porch and check my pockets to be sure I wasn't sneaking anything creepy inside. She encouraged me as well, very much so, but she didn't approve of the bugs. She tolerated the frogs and toads and tadpoles but the bugs and caterpillars were another story.

 During school years we had recess at the beach where we would play kickball for an hour on one of the baseball fields. Of course, I was the one who wandered to the tidal pools to catch critters, shells and seaweed before we left so I could paint them when I got home. Beach days were last period so the buses just took us back to our bus stops and we would walk home from there. Mom was a great cheerleader. She cheered me on in all manners of art. when I was eight, she signed me up for art classes at a house near the beach. Two sisters taught out of their garage and I remember being the youngest one. I remember feeling and smelling the warm salty breezes and distant chatter from the beach. And the way the sunlight streamed in casting dappled light onto the objects on the table. They gave me watercolors some paper, two brushes and let me go. I think that was probably the best instructions for my age and ability. They let me explore and interpret how I saw shapes. 

There was an old gray enamel pot filled with utensils. They placed it in front of me and told me to paint what I saw. They told me to have fun and observe the shapes of the utensils and can. I can still remember getting into the "zone" and focusing on what was in front of me. No inhibitions, no worries about being judged, just the smells of paint mixing with salty breezes and me painting what I saw. It was great! Those two sisters ignited a joy of observation and study in me that I still reach for whenever I sit down to create today. 

I would sometimes not hear them talk to me because I was so engrossed in what I was doing. Also, something I do to this day. Looking back now, having a few decades under my belt, I believe we do a great failure in not encouraging creativity in our young. It teaches you focus, observational skills, critical thinking, time to think, time to wonder and learn. Time to ask questions about what we are observing. The humanities and arts need to be taught, not just STEM. It needs to be STEAM! Arts and Humanities are a part of our basic foundation that makes up every culture. Well, anyway, that's another blog post. Here are some of the artworks I painted when I was 8 from that tiny garage with a long table, warm salty breezes and beautiful dappled light. 

.. devoured books on art, music, gardening, cooking, but mostly art books. I read biograpies, autobiographies, methods and materials books, you name it, I've read it. Then came the classes. Such joy!

When we were very young we were soaking in every sight, sound, taste, touch and scent. Our first lessons in life are observation. I still believe anyone can draw and paint well, if they want to. It all starts with observation, curiosity and wonder. But, we all know that wonder dissipates as we get older and have more responsibilities. It also depends on what season you're in. 

God said; "He created us in His own image .  . . " Genesis 1:27 and we are; "His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10. He's a very creative guy! So, if we are created in His image and are His masterpieces . . . Let's go!

Today, no matter what season of life you are in, you have the authority to give yourself permission to take some time to rest, play and create. Even if it's just 5-10 minutes jotting down simple steps you can take to carve out some time in your schedule. Or, just 5-10 minutes drawing a flower. Don't worry, the messes, chores and other responsibilities will still be there when your done. 

I Highly recommended these two books if you're looking to better your workflow, unlock the "artist's block" and move into the creative space you belong in. I've even gone back to reread them and gained even more of an understanding of my workflow and how to be more effective and efficient in my creating. 

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron - a 12 week journal of sorts to get your creative workflow going and growing. 

Unlocking the Heart of the Artist by Matt Tommey - from the description: "At the core of Unlocking the Heart of the Artist is an invitation to begin a journey of healing and wholeness that will yield deeper Spirit-led creativity and personal fulfillment."

 

Picture Study: Diego Velázquez | artist | 1599 - 1660 | The National Gallery, London

This is a sample of how to study Artists:
"For the next two weeks we are studying Diego Velazquez for our Art History time. We spend Two weeks (ish) studying artist's influences, apprenticeships, country, etc. We then link up with any associated artists of that period in the weeks to follow. The kids read about the artist, print out copies of maps, social and economical info for the time period, government info, etc.

We like to use the Cornell Note-Taking System. It's clear, organized and helps you study: Here's a link: http://lifehacker.com/software/note-taking/geek-to-live--take-great-notes-167307.php If this link is expired, you could always do a search.

On the left column notes would be key words/phrases (in bold below) to the right would be notes on that particular subject. Check out Cornell Note system."

Here are questions we ask and write about:

1. Artist Info: Where was the artist born, map it out on tracing paper and keep it in your journal.
2. Locale: Describe the town/city: Economy, military, industry, Arts, Rulers, Climate, etc.
3. Apprenticeships: Was the artist apprenticed to another? If so, who and for how long.
4. Influences: Who and what circumstances influenced this artist? Look up these artists and situations and write them in your journal under "Influences".
5. Major Works: Cite and link in formal report (MLA style). Under each Major, note the following: When were they created/finished? What makes them major to the world? Were they major to the artist? Why or why not?
6. Shift in Style: Do you see a shift in the artists style over the years? At what point do you see the artist's own style emerging or changing?
7. Scriptural Reference: Can you think of any scriptural references/works about this artist or his/her work?
(please list them and describe how you are reminded of scriptures/references)
8. Favs: What is your favorite major work(s) of this artist and why?
9. Minor: What is your favorite minor work(s) of this artist and why?
10. My Opinion: In YOUR opinion (because it matters) How has this artist been a positive or negative influence both on the public and personally.
11 Write an essay on this artist including period, style, life, and societal influence--has this artist's work changed how society views issues? Or, has this artist been influenced by society and surroundings? How has this artist impressed your thoughts on life, style, society, etc.

The following link will take you to the National Gallery in London which makes it very easy to study art from any time period.

Diego Velázquez | artist | 1599 - 1660 | The National Gallery, London