In working through my 100 works on paper project, I felt the need to get back to some of the essential skills. I realized that most of the paintings I love and admire are loose, messy, and have a carefree feeling to them. And then I sit down to paint and it is often so tight and controlled and lacking any of the style that I love. I realized that I need to spend a lot of time studying art that I enjoy, discern what it is about it that I love, and then try and emulate those aspects when I paint. This seems obvious, and yet it somehow isn’t when you’re learning to paint. It’s definitely something that you need to do with intention.

So I did a bunch of painting. And then I did some looser painting. And then I realized that it wasn’t coming very naturally, since I haven’t practiced much. So I decided I needed to do some exercises to work on loosening up, including line work and color blocking/abstract. Essentially, sketching and then coloring. It’s been pretty enjoyable. A lot of times when we get stuck, we just need to go back to the basics. Again. Again and again til we get back on the path to where we want to go. It’s always good to brush up on the basic skills and this can often lead to new discoveries and innovation in our process.

I have also been working on some embroidery in the morning when I listen to a message online, and in between painting I work on handmade art journals because I find it necessary to always mix up my creative practice. I find it very helpful to have a few genres of things going at once.

If you feel like leaving a comment, I would love to know what creative projects you are working on this summer!

Thanks for stopping by!