Right now though, I'm doing an online art course, run by Tara Leaver, called Abstractify. It will get me back into the swing of creating.
Lesson 1
I don't want to share the details of the course, but I will share the impact it's having on my own style. As well as the works I create, as a result. This is, after all, a new journey for me and I want to take you on it.
Above is an exercise in making marks. It took me outside my comfort zone, because it was so random. The instructions in this exercise, contradicted, every approach I normally like to take, painting. But after getting over the initial discomfort, and what felt like a lot of mess - it eventually taught me something.
Best take-away from exercise.
The above frame, was pointed out later, as being reminiscent of French Riviera. It was feedback from the course creator. Yet it completely missed my radar. I actually thought it looked too simple for my tastes. I normally use a lot more of details.
But that's precisely why I'm doing this course. To be able to express myself more freely, and loosely. Somehow I'd reached that benchmark already, without realising it! I was grateful, to have it pointed out later, because I was stuck in my past way of doing things. If I hadn't been prepared to feel uncomfortable though, and push through, regardless - I never would've appreciated the mystery of mark making!
Titled: "You-eclipsed-us"
After the first two lessons, I was inspired enough to paint something for myself. In this case, gum nuts from our property. I took the reference photograph, in 2011, or the year of the big flood. It was fun to paint this picture, without feeling I had to get everything right. It was meant to be "representational", not identical to the source image.
I'm having fun doing this course, and really glad I signed up. It goes for about a month, and I'm happy to share how it adds to my creative journey.
I find abstract more easy than realism. Playing with shapes and colours and just suggestions of things. It was how I painted at school in Year 12 art and seemed to be favoured because I got a first class honour! I'll have a look at the link to your online lessons, but assume they cost, so won't be taking any.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you will aspire me to do some more painting. Something for these days when the garden is too hot to be in.
The line between realism and abstract, is why I needed the course. As it doesn't come natural to me. The course does cost, but in the link, there's a free class on one of the lessons. So you should be able to enjoy that.
DeleteWow, honours. That's awesome! If you can find a cool place in the house, painting/drawing or being creative otherwise, is a great way to pass the time. Happy Australia Day, Bev!