Experiment

Sometimes when making art we work quickly and pour our emotions out onto the page or canvas.  Knowing the basics and some rules always helps in the beginning.  After awhile, it is fun  to let go of the "shoulds", perfectionism and rules to let pure creativity flow.


Getting persnickety about journals and keeping the pages perfect is no fun.  Make your journal the practice book and great things can sprout from it.


Mix pen and paint with gesso.  Watercolor and acrylic blend well with gesso.  You can create peaks and swirls it feels like frosting.  I start with markers and watercolors, apply a layer of gesso, let dry and marker and paint again.  I add more gesso and use the other end of the brush to write in the gesso.  Experimenting with mediums is truly bliss.

Just for today, try a new medium or fiddle around with a different style for awhile.  It will take you to a new level in your art.  Sometimes the art will be awful, but oh, sometimes pure magic.



Hey, if you liked this post why don't you come back again and leave a comment for me?  I'd love to get to know you!  If you have a blog leave your site information for me in the comment section.  I'll be sure to stop by and say "Hello!"

Color Full World

Let the beauty of nature fill your world with color.

                              Make your world more beautiful this weekend.  Find Flowers!

How to Write Blog Posts That Don't Suck

Writing is tricky.  I've never considered myself a writer, yet here I have a blog.  I guess that does make me a writer. Especially since I've written over three hundred posts.  I've only published half that amount because I want to give my readers only quality posts. 

I wasn't always confident in my writing ability but in the process of almost daily writing, I've learned some solid techniques that work.  Here are some ways you can get better at blogging.



Read and learn.  Find an exciting book that you can't stop reading.  Emulate this writers style.  Don't copy.  Glean a bit of their essence.  Watch how they word each paragraph making you want to read the next paragraph.  They make you crave more.  They create mystery and intrigue.  Read books.  Yeah, real books.  Those are the best writers, the ones that don't self publish.



Don't listen to all of the so called "gurus ".  They all spew out the same lame suggestions that everyone else repeats.  Suggestions like  "always be yourself."  Wow!  Really?  Do I  know how to be anyone else but me?  They are the writers?  Come on, we amateur writers can come up with better material than that.  Most of the "gurus" are copycats of some other guy.  Their material is dated and I always find someone who disproves their words of wisdom. 

Does your style sound rigid and business like?   We don't want to come off sounding like we're speaking the Queen's English.  This is a blog not a power point presentation.  Write the way you speak.  Let your writing be conversational.

Good writing is bold and direct. Write with confidence. Don't hold back.  Don't add fluff to your sentences. Stop hedging, and say what you mean.

Edit, edit and more editing.  

Write your post and leave it overnight.  Sometimes that amazing post is laughable the next day.   Wait until tomorrow to read your post with fresh eyes.  Edit the doors off it!  Clear out awkward sentences.  

Make those sentences short my bloggy friends.  People on the internet have the attention span of squirrels.  They may stop for a moment but they move on quickly.

Give your readers some breathing room. 

 Create space.  White space gives your reader a moment to remember important information.  It is a pause.

See, just like that, white space. 

It's easy on the eyes.  Feels good, clears the head and prepares them for your next amazing point.

Please don't write long, never ending paragraphs.  We don't like to read them.  We get lost in them.  Keep them small and succinct.   Add some bold captions.  Remember, little squirrel like attention spans.

People like to scan.  Let them.  I know you are scanning this post right now.  Make it easy for people to scan.  Bold type your main points and use headings and subtitles.  Mix it up a bit.  It holds our interest.

Don't drone on about yourself.  Sprinkle your blog with personal stories.  Let your personality peek through here and there.  Leave out the long winded, tedious details of your mundane life.  Think anecdotes and snippets.  

Perhaps something funny or maybe even tragic. No need to begin your story on Monday to tell them what you are doing today.  Leave out some details to entice our imaginations.  Creates a bit of mystery.  Let our imaginations run wild. 

We like you.  We really do.  You don't have to always impress us.  We do love good content but sometimes just a photo and a few words will do. 

When I first started blogging I thought that posting everyday was most important.  That lead to lack luster posts.  It's good to post frequently.  Some people can post daily but I find it exhausting.

I'd rather wait until I have a healthy post to give you rather than just showing up with crumbs.  Sometimes I don't have a lot to say but I don't want you to forget about me.  On those days, I show up with photos and let the pictures do the talking.  




Don't make your readers jump through hoops to comment.  If you like comments, please, I beg you, turn off the captchas.  (You know those squiggly letters you must type in before commenting).  

Go to your settings section of your blog and turn it off.  I turned mine off and got as many as two spam comments so far.  Unless you are a huge blog with thousands of readers you really don't need them.




Include your readers.  Ask them a question once in awhile.   We like to be noticed.  We feel like we're friends so treat us like friends.  Get to know us, we have blogs too.  Come by and visit.



I hope this post was valuable to you.  If you liked it leave me a comment.  What great blogging tips do you have for me?  I'd love to hear from you.   


P.S.  Now, I'm going to do something shameless.  Would you be so kind to take a moment and tweet my article to your twitter followers? 

It's easy.  There's that little button down below.  Thank you for helping me.    :)

Have a great day!

What Sparks Creativity?

"I don't paint, I color" said  a 5 year old me to my older sister.  She was pretending to be reporter and recorded me on her new tape recorder.  Almost 45 years later my reply would most likely be the same.  I still find color to be the most important spark in my creativity.  Yes, I love form and composition but color is my first true love.

Texture comes second to color and using gesso, many layers of paint, ink and crayons makes lovely textures.

Flowers are everywhere,  a bit early but I'll take them any way any how.  There range of color and shapes are so inspiring.

It's raining here in N.Y.,but, April showers will surely bring many more May flowers.

Even if it is dreary outside you can let all your colors shine on the inside.

So what sparks your creativity?  Let me know in the comment section.  I'd love to hear from you.

Happy Sunday!

Small Steps To Creating More Art

I reread my post last week on "Are You A Prolific Painter" and how using a deadline can help motivate us into doing more.  I realized that I neglected to mention that the deadline must be  "do-able".

If you make your deadline big and scary it is going to make your artistic self feel shaky and edgy.


Within our brains lies a small "reptilian brain" hardwired for survival.  The "reptilian brain" also known as the Amygdala, is a remnant from our ancestors.  It is designed to keep us alive in a dangerous world.  It's the part of the brain that is linked to fear, emotions and motivations.


If something seems too scary to our reptile brain, we flee.  Only when cornered will we turn around and fight.  The "fight or flight" response will kick in anytime it feels threatened.  Add this information to all of those self help books you've read and you'll see why all of that positive thinking never worked for you.



Setting goals too high will make artsy reptiles run for the hills.  Artsy types get scared off when things start to feel too "business like".  Mention the word money and we begin to doubt our ability to make money off of something we love.

How do we outsmart our reptile brain?

edu.glogster.com

Begin by breaking the deadline down into chew-able bite sized portions.  Don't take on projects that feel insurmountable.

I wanted to sell my art at some street fairs.  This is something that I've accomplished before and wanted to try doing again.  It is a very doable action.



I started with one small action, a simple step.  I acquired the list.
No pressure.  I looked up an online local newspaper.  They had their own list of art fairs for vendors.  They even had them price ranged.  Easy!

Do one small action.

Step 2. Applications.  I found all of the applications online as well.

Step 3.  Filled out applications.   I'm signed up.

Now, the deadline is getting its chance to work its magic.  A looming deadline for something I know I can accomplish; forces me off the computer and into the studio

Small actions are setting the momentum toward selling my art.  I'm sticking a toe in the water of selling.  I'm growing accustomed to the idea of making money from my art.  My brain feels okay here.  It is non-threatening.  It doesn't feel "business" like at all.


Start with the simplest, easiest thing you would like to do.  Tell yourself "Today, I will just do ________ ."




Simple incremental changes don't scare the reptile.  Small steps makes the reptile stop and watch.  Do I need to flee?  When the reptile notices that it's only a step or an hour or one action; it will sit and wait.  It will see that it is not too scary and begin to relax.  Let it watch, remember not too fast, not too scary.

Coast is clear.  Now I can go and paint.  How about you?

On Staycation and Collaging like Crazy!

On vacation from school this week, me and the boys headed out to see some wildlife.

First stop a pet store where the most amazing parrots lived.



This baby Macaw took an immediate liking to me.  The feeling was mutual.  So friendly.  He wanted to be pet.  He laid his head on my shoulder (sounds like a song) while I scratched him on the neck.  He knew exactly how to get a Mom to love him.

Then we headed off to a farm with the most unusual looking animals...




The rock star! 


Everyone wanted to pet him.  Don't touch the HAIR!

I thought this sheep was an enigma.  Never saw a sheep with four horns. Evidently, they are a real breed.  Sorry for the finger in the picture.  It was the only photo that showed more than two horns.  Little kids were clammering up the fence (messing up my artistry), hard to get a good shot of her.

 
Sheep and goats have the prettiest eyes, full of light.  Soulful eyes.

My favorite part of all (I'm a big geek) was watching all of the wonderful ducks.


This one had a blue bill.  So cute.

Back home again, I've been making lots of collages. 


 I have more show and tell for you....

I love using gesso.  It gives nice texture to the page.   I paint over the acrylic paint or markers to make a pastel effect.  Mix gesso with watercolor for creamy muted hues.  

Do you use gesso as an art medium?  Try it if you haven't yet.  It's like painting with plaster.

Sketch books

My sketchbooks are full.  Lots of paint, gesso, markers, colored pencils and collages.

Is it spring break where you live?  If you are on a Staycation, what did you do?  Where did you go? Let me know in the comment section.   Talk soon.......Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Are you a prolific painter or a procrastinator ?

Doodle from my  sketchbook

  Happy Spring!




 I know it's been awhile since I showed up on my blog but I have good reason for my absence.  




 I unplugged so that I could get some painting done.  Do you ever fall down the rabbit hole when you turn on your laptop?  One minute you're checking a few emails and before you know it schools out. Now, you're pissed off at yourself for wasting so much time.  Well it's not a waste of time if ....



1.  You're enjoying the experience.


2.  You're gleaning information.


3.  You take action and put this information to use.







I'm an information addict.  I love to read and the computer is like having my very own public library.  Reading is good for you, it stimulates the imagination and keeps those brain synapses firing.




But, make sure you  balance all of this info intake with ACTION.




While I'm typing this I have 5 paintings waiting for me to finish.  Yeah, five.


Want to know how I've learned to get more paintings done?  


Glad you were wondering, I'm gonna tell ya...


I SET A DEADLINE.

Recently, I set a deadline for my paintings to be finished.  This has really worked for me. Being that it's my own personal deadline, there is a good possibility that I will  "blow it off".  So I made the deadline more exciting.  I added accountability.  I signed up to sell my art in four events this spring.








I used to wait until I had enough work to sell before I sought out venues to sell them in.  This year I'm getting crazy and I signed up with nothing in storage.










Yep, that will set your brushes on fire.


Before, I would procrastinate and think "once I get enough quality pieces" I'll sign up.  Problem is that I'm picky.  Nothing ever looks like quality work to me.






Now, it's all  "good enough".  Art is speculative. We never know what attracts people to a painting.  Sometimes the ugliest thing I've got sells right away.  Go figure.





Another thing I started doing is making calendars, prints and cards of  paintings.  Offering various priced items, gives the customers choice.  Those that can't afford an original, can happily purchase a print or card or calendar.  It's a great way to get  local recognition as well.  Cards will be passed onto others, so make sure your name and website are on the back.




If you're having trouble finishing your paintings, set them aside and begin something new.  I also find when I go back to paintings with fresh eyes, they come out better.


So tell me...in what ways do you stir yourself up to be creating rather than procrastinating?

Happy creating!