An artist's life can be very interesting in that the idea of being one can
be of great thought and of great theory at the same time.
Why one would decide to become an artist can be for many reasons.
Most of us are artist naturally. Since a very young age, many children
see pictures all around them and is introduced early to crayons and
paper; even before a paintbrush or a pencil.
Being an artist is progressive. The more you paint or draw, the better
you become. Being an artist, can originate from your memories,
experiences, dreams, and even music. However, part of what we know
about art today, it is about the eye--the most beholding factor of all.
Van Gogh, who is one of my favorite artist, is perhaps a little of all of
these expressions.
He decided he could and that he would be an artist and made it his
mission in life. But would that be true? Not necessarily. I believe, that we
are all on a path to somewhere, but how or for what reason we get there
or want to get there, is personal and puzzling as life, itself.
Through his art, he lived in many worlds and was able to connect his
experience with the now, onto the canvass and paper.
His spirit became the art of his vision both inside and outside of his
being. The amazing and most artistic gift of Van Gogh, was that he was
able to connect the spirit of others onto paper and canvass!
As an emotion and sensitive person who fought with his(Van Gogh) own
demons, his true feelings exhibited not only in the paintings as we see it,
but in the vibrant colors he used, and by the strokes he used, and the least
by not last, by the subject he chose to add to the book of his life.
So, that brings me to the experience of myself being an artist, and the
lives of other artist who create beautiful art from other art mediums.
Van Gogh surely was one of my inspirations on just trying to see if I could
paint.
An eight week course in watercolor at the Perkins School of Arts in
Moorestown, NJ, taught by Alice Steer Wilson,WCS, was my first formal
setting to learn art. She was a great teacher(now deceased but not
forgotten) and also one of my best friends. I loved the class on painting
pictures with one colors (monotones). You will learn what a value is
using one watercolor paint; fast!
I had no idea what watercolor was or even the theory of it until 2-3
classes. Alice didn't let up. She kept demonstrating and observing what
we do-not being critical but allowing the student to express themselves.
I felt in love with watercolor because of the blending of the colors and
how easy it was to transport the paint around. In painting with
watercolor, you leave the white of the paper to express a color but
also to highlight an object. And so, you always need to plan ahead, so as
to make sure your picture have life and vitality! Robert Sakson, WCS, was my
next teacher in the watercolor medium. His instructions added another
dimension to the world of watercolor.
Getting back to the life of an artist, it is amazing how many artist that
I've spoke with, tell me what their favorite time for painting is. Some
artist work early in the morning when it is quiet with only the shirping of
the birds and other artist work late into the night hour, where there is
quiet and peace to think and create.
It is important to have a designated area for which to create.
In space and time, the artist have a relationship with another world that
he or she does not immediately share with others.
I find most artist very critical of their work at first and will work until it is just right. Done?
How do an artist know when his work is done. Only the artist or a teacher
of art might really know. You can overdo a painting. It is from your own
satisfaction and frequent painting that you really learn when the painting
is done. If a painting is overly painted, well then, there is another name
for it. It is called, abstract. That is, in my book. However, of anyone who
can draw a straight line because that is where I have been!
I've written a few short stories and always wanted to be able to
illustrate something on it. Try paying someone $75 for drawing you a
cat! I decided to get some animal drawing books and get to work!
Reading the history of famous artist around the world, really can get you
motivated. Then again, I believe the best motivation is from within
yourself! Just do it! Have fun being creative and paint in a group when
you can; it is amazing how ideas can bounce of of each other and you can
learn from others.
Don't forget to copyright and sign your paintings. Sometimes
you can get so in the moment and forget what's so important!
You can see some of my watercolor prints and note cards in my eBay
store.
It is called: stores.ebay.com/homedecorsandenterprises
On that web site, you will also see many other items such as: antiques,
collectibles, music(my compositions), decor pillows and table napkins
and table center pieces, etc.
Some of my other art is on art-exchange.com site: listed under watercolor
artist.
Thank you for reading this blog. I am looking forward to hearing from
you and reading your blogs.
Have a great, great day!
by Thelma Harcum
stores.ebay.com/homedecorsandenterprises
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