Day One of Five

Posted on January 18, 2015 by Lydia | Leave a comment

“To live in the world of creation — to get into it and stay in it — to frequent it and haunt it — to think intensely and fruitfully — to woo combinations and inspirations into being by a depth and continuity of attention and meditation — this is the only thing. ~ Henry James, Notebook entry

I met Suki Kapiano, a very talented artist who you can check out here, on Facebook. Suki has been in one or more online painting classes with me. Anyway, she tagged, in this case, choose me, to take part in a “game” or challenge to create three pieces of art a day for five days. The point of the “game” is to encourage ‘artists’ to create and to share his or her work with other like-minded people.

In all honesty, when I read the post in which she tagged and mentioned my name as one of the artists that she choose, my first thoughts were “I am no artist! Why in heaven’s name did she choose me, followed by “no way.” It was not that I didn’t want to do it, I feared that I couldn’t do it.

Although I own, at least, 20 canvases, in varying stages of completion, and a stock of art supplies that makes some serious artists salivate, I find it difficult to consider myself an artist. In spite of taking at least ten art classes over the last 1 1/2 years, I have to overcome decades of thinking that I was not creative.

I also tend to over think my pieces and as a result, the process can be plodding at times. Granted, I prefer the idea of “intuitive” painting and drawing, I have yet to reach the stage of letting go and allowing ‘what yearns to be,” to blossom. I tend to waste time thinking it through. Furthermore, I am still finding my style; you know, the one that is uniquely mine. So, it comes as no surprise that the idea of creating 15 works of art in five days seemed daunting. But, it is for that very reason that I choose to accept Suki’s choice with grace and do it anyway.

My intention is to give it my very best effort, and to complete and post three pieces a day. However, acknowledging that life often intrudes in on even the best laid plans, I will post as many as I can. As it is with life, I need to remember that the magic happens during the journey, not upon reaching the destination.

On this first day, I approached the ‘game’ with excitement and positivity, instead of allowing negativity to dampen my enthusiasm. For a change, I am seeking my inspiration from within, as opposed to, from others. Make no mistake, I will continue to be inspired by the amazing work of talented creatives, but it is also time for me to do what James recommends, that is, “to woo [my own] combinations and inspirations into being.” It’s woo-hoo time, instead of boo-hoo time. (I can’t believe I wrote that sentence, but people, I am inspired!)

So, my friends, I share with you, the first three pieces of my perfectly, imperfect art:

Calling All Painters And Would Be Painters!

Posted on August 3, 2014 by Lydia | Leave a comment

Lisa’s Painterly Hand (Photo credit: lisart1)

Please note that instead of reinventing the wheel, I’ve made some changes to an earlier post announcing the open registration for the “Bloom True” e-course. Another class begins October 13, 2014, and if you have any interest in painting or learning to paint, I cannot urge you strongly enough to take this class. After reading this post, check out the link to an earlier post wherein I reviewed the course more indepth.

Have you ever thought of being an artist and expressing or discovering your creativity? How about learning to paint? I did. In 2012, I decided to stop procrastinating, and signed up for my first drawing and painting e-courses. Doing so was a huge step on my journey, and has become a dream come true, and a burgeoning passion. I discussed it in-depth in this earlier post. In that post, I also reviewed one painting course in particular, Flora Bowley’s e-course “Bloom True.” I am here to tell you that the course was both life-changing and a blessing for me.

I am excited to tell you that her next “Bloom True” e-course begins October 13, 2014. Registration is ongoing and the class fills up quickly, so if you are interested in taking the course and losing yourself in color and meeting your true self, click on the “Bloom True” badge on the lower right sidebar of my blog page. Click on the link and it will take you directly to the course page where you can get additional information, register, and prepare for an incredible experience. I promise that it will be one of the best gifts that you’ve ever given yourself. You will not regret it. In fact, I am seriously considering re-taking the course. The experience was just that powerful.

The course is equally relevant for those with all levels of experience; so even if you’ve never picked up a paint brush, are an established artist, or are well on your way to becoming one, the class is for you! Just do it for yourself. It’s worth it.

Yes, I can.

Posted on December 7, 2013 by Lydia | 4 Comments

Yet to be named. #bloomtrue

At the beginning of 2013, I vowed to stop putting off things that I’ve always wanted to do. Along with many other goals, learning to paint and draw were high on my list. Ever since I could remember, I looked with envy upon those who were artistic. My youngest daughter has drawn since she was knee high to a grasshopper and I longed to do the same. Yet, because of an incident that happened when I was a child, I’d convinced myself that I was not creative; thus, I couldn’t possibly draw or paint.

Unlike many past New Year’s resolutions that ultimately fall to the wayside, I began to seek out ways to be creative, and particularly, to draw and paint. It was not feasible for me to take actual in-person classes, so I went online. To my surprise, I discovered scores of artists who taught painting, mixed media and drawing through online e-courses. Frankly, I was skeptical of the idea of an e-course that might effectively teach these skills. I finally realized that my hesitation had less to do with skepticism and more to do with fear, and I threw caution to the wind and registered for my first painting course. From the beginning, I was hooked.

I am happy to say that I’ve taken three courses this year and am already registered for 2 year long courses in 2014. The above painting is from my most recent course with the amazing artist Flora Bowley. The course was a life changer and cemented my love for painting and the whole painting process. Although the course has ended, I have six months to wade through the course materials and lessons, and the painting continues.

In addition, now, I can say with confidence that I can draw. I stumbled upon Jane Davenport’s “Draw Happy” class and within a week, let go of the foolish notion that “I can’t draw.” It took about a week of mistakes and wearing down an eraser, but with Jane’s detailed and clear instructions, I drew/painted/collaged this beauty:

Whimsical Faces 2

I love her! Granted, I am still trying to draw one to rival her, but I have no doubts that it will happen. I know that with practice and hard work, I can draw. Currently, I am registered in three of Jane’s e-courses, and I just added another drawing e-course, Fabulous Faces, to my line up. The course is taught by the artist Tamara Laporte.

Usually, by this time of the year, I find myself ruminating upon all of the things that I intended to do in the past year, but didn’t. It is true that I fell short of many of my 2013 to-do’s, but I’ve decided that instead of dwelling on the negatives, I will focus my attention on my accomplishments. I mean, I finally let go of my inner fears and negative self-talk and proved to myself that I can do whatever I chose, be it painting or drawing. I’ve come to understand that there are no limits on what I can achieve, except those that I place on myself. Learning the art of photography and becoming fluent in Spanish are next on my wish list, and I look forward to 2014 with excitement instead of trepidation. By this time next year, I intend to say with confidence, “Yo hablo español.”

Blessings, Lydia