The Painting Experience – A Workshop

I am taking a three-day workshop on how to focus on the process, rather than the product, of painting.  We are using tempera paints and thick paper.  These materials were chosen for a reason; it facilitates staying in the moment because the paint dries so quickly.  I find this both liberating as well as a hinderance.  I like to use my hands.  While I am still doing so, I have to quickly jump on a blob of paint to move it around.  The paints are situated on tables, 20 colors with accompanying water cups.  We are given 4 brushes of varying sizes and given access to a large brush.  I found a place on a tripod where no one except those intentionally walking by and the instructors can see my work.  This takes the pressure off.  I have glanced around at other people’s work and have seen some that I consider “better,” but surprisingly this has not deterred me or made me feel inferior.  I have been pretty indifferent to the product.  That is huge for me.

I encourage you to check out the workshop information.  The accompanying book is entitled Life, Paint and Passion:  Reclaiming the Magic of Spontaneous Expression.  It tends to hit the same point over and over, but apparently that is what is needed.  It helped me.

Peace,

cjh.

http://www.cjhabstracts.com

What You Put Out There Does Come Back

I have been trying to focus less on how much I sell and more on the process.

The result, recently, was selling 6 paintings in one day to two separate buyers.

I have spent a lot of time whining and asking, “Why can’t I sell like so-and-so?” instead of just enjoying painting itself.  I enjoy painting.  It makes me happy.  I have been wasting time defining success by the number of pieces I sell and for how much (and driving myself crazy in the process).  I had gotten away from the joy of just creating and liking (or not – LOL) something I created.  I was speaking to someone at an art reception a couple of weeks ago and she asked me how I defined success.  She suggested that perhaps success meant finding something I love to do.  So simple, but it hit me like a ton of bricks.  Wow – there are some people who can’t find their hobby or their creative side, and I get to do both!  Duh.

Speaking of process, I am attending a workshop here in Asheville called The Painting Experience.  I encourage you to check it out.  It’s all about process, and not at all about product or how, or even if, you get there.  There is a corresponding book that is really great called Life, Paint and Passion:  Reclaiming the Magic of Spontaneous Expression.  It’s really good, and I encourage you to read it if you would like to learn more about freeing yourself creatively.

I wish you many rewards on the road to self expression.

cjh.

Trying Something New Pays Off

Remember the house paint I mentioned?  I decided to use it on a canvas covered with joint compound to give it teeth. I made swirls, mixing colors together. I wasn’t sure how it would turn out or whether or not it would sell. I focused on the process and I had fun. I decided to bring it to a small craft show at the last minute and it sold! I encourage experimentation – you never know where it will lead!

cjh.