The "Magic" of Painting

The painting process fascinates me. It is unique to every artist. When I first started painting, I always wanted to know “what comes next” from my instructor. I was afraid if I put something on the canvas in the "wrong order”, my painting would be a failure. I've come a long way since then, but I do remember one day, it dawned on me. There is no "right" or "wrong" order or way - for me, there is only "my way". And it's usually more like feeling my way, with no clear path. As my dad used to say “There’s more than one way to skin a cat”. Granted, the foundation skills necessary to make a beautiful painting need to underlie what happens on the canvas, but the order of the steps within the process is not going to make or break my painting. At any point in the process, I can undo what I've done, change direction, or fix a problem I see. If I'm painting in oils, I can scrape off, wipe off, or add to it later. If I'm using acrylics, I can simply paint over it, since they dry so quickly. I can even throw it out - gasp! - if I want to. Once I realized this, I became a lot more brave and painted with more freedom. It allowed me to experiment with color and composition and try out new techniques, and as a result, loosen up my paintings. Not only did it facilitate the process of finding my own style, it was so much more fun! “Finding my own style” is fluid - it’s a big part of the creative process and it gives me great joy.

I’ve found that painting on paper is the best way for me to feel free and loose while exploring my process and style in my studio. I love painting on this Arches cold-pressed oil paper. It holds the paint well, without curling when wet. Click here to learn more about it!

"Blue Vase" 16x20 Acrylic on canvas

Every time I begin a new painting, I have a general idea of how I’m going to proceed with it, but am always listening to my intuition and instinct and the possibility of changing direction. It’s usually during those moments that the “magic” happens – an unexpected brush stroke, color combination, or technique appears and takes the painting to a wonderful new place. I live for those moments in my studio and it’s what keeps me coming back. How does the magic happen in your studio? Please comment below and share your thoughts!

Great Idea #1

Efficiency is a big thing for me. If I can find a way to get something done in less time, with less work, and a great outcome, I'm all over it. Painting has given me lots of opportunities to put that to work! This is the first of my "Great Idea" posts, so if you're an effiency-minded thinker like me, read on!  

When I first started painting, I used oils exclusively. It was how I learned and therefore the most comfortable medium for me. In fact, I've only been painting with acrylics for less than a year. I had tried it early on but I was such a slow painter in the beginning, I got frustrated with the paint drying up before I could use it. I didn't want to invest in the Stay-Wet Pallette because I thought oil was the only way to go. And to be honest, my brain was so crowded with all the new stuff I was learning that I didn't feel I could take on two different mediums. So I clung tightly to my oils for a long time. And we all know that oil painting is a lot messier that acrylic painting.

First stage of a 16x20 acrylic painting from a class with Cathy Martin, during my first year. 

I had heard from more than one teacher that my biggest investment might be in paper towels! I started out using a tabletop easel, but as my art studio grew, so did my need for something larger and more stable. I loved my new floor easel (which my husband gave me for my birthday), but without my table in front of me, I was at a loss as to where to put my paper towels! Reaching all the way across my body or to the floor was just not an option! Not ergonomic enough!

As I got accustomed to my new setup and enjoyed my new easel, I figured out the best place to put all of my supplies, right at my fingertips... except the paper towels! And then one day I had a brainstorm. I made a trip to the local Dollar Tree and there it was - a package of 4 mini bungee cords. Perfect! When I got back to my studio, I threaded the cord through the tube and hooked it on to each end of the tray beneath the canvas support, making sure it was positioned so that the towels unrolled from the top. That way I could use the easel tray to rip off a towel with one hand. Not exactly rocket science, but it was awesome - and it only cost a dollar! I LOVE my DIY paper towel holder!

Great Idea - paper towel holder

Is this something you've already figured out or would like to try? Do you have a Great Idea you'd like to share or for me to share on my blog? Let me know in the comments section below or shoot me an email!

Welcome To My Blog!

I’m looking forward to sharing my life as a full-time artist from behind-the-scenes! It’s quite the roller-coaster and very colorful!I love (almost) every moment of it and learn something new every day.        

             I have always needed to have a creative project of some kind going on. Creating something was my "reward" for the more mundane, daily tasks of life - something to look forward to and relax into when the not-so-fun stuff was finished. But I'm not a dabbler. If I'm going to spend my time on something, I'm "all in". Painting pushed all the right buttons for me - my obsession with color, my need to make something original and unique, my need for a finished product, and my thirst for learning. Not to mention, my love of beautiful art!

One of my first paintings that hangs in my family room today!

             Thank you for following me on this unpredictable and exciting journey! I have lots to talk about - what I'm doing, how I'm doing it, why I'm doing it, along with a healthy dose of overcoming obstacles that sometimes get in the way of my doing it. I'll also share my favorite tools and supplies, studio tips, my favorite artists, and answer any questions you post here. My goal os to post at least once a week, so check back often! You can also follow me on social media by clicking on the buttons to the left and sign up for my newsletter! You'll be the first to know when new paintings are available or a new blog post is up. And take a moment to comment below – I would love to hear from you!