Hello Judith Reidy,
In the past have you strongly dislike following the "rules" of art, & personally have found that what works for you, doesn't always fit the standard? Discover the true freedom to explore painting alongside a sympathetic advisor!
One of the reasons I am uncomfortable with giving a critique is because I believe painting begins not with history or standards
but with you.
Let me tell you a story.
Years ago due to circumstances beyond my control,I had children whom I was homeschooling. I had mothered those children as infants watching for their needs and comforts. I observed how they learned. I discovered what caught their imagination. I was, of course, concerned that they would not injure themselves, nevertheless I always wanted them to explore. When the decision was made that they were to be homeschooled, I considered the best way to guide them. Even though I had been certified as a teacher at a state University, I read dozens of books and attended numerous homeschooling conferences. From my previous experience as a teacher in a standard school setting, I had some gut feelings about people ...children and how they learn.
I wanted to look at their learning styles. When I observed my four children, I discovered they each had their own interests and learning styles. If I watched what fascinated them and kept their interest I could guide the development of their interests. After they had success and felt a measure of success I could introduce them to subjects that were not as interesting. Because they had not learned that they were "failures" and thought of themselves as capable they could persevere in other areas.This approach seems to have worked as I do have 3 PHDs and one financial analyst for the Federal Reserve. I must admit raising the children was not like a hot knife cutting through butter, as challenges did arise. But basically I think the general approach is a good way to begin growing and learning.
The problem for adults is they don't have a blank slate, they have years of criticism and correction that have shaped their attitude about their abilities to learn and accomplish things. Because of the learning structures, that were not sensitive to their unique interests and learning styles, many adults have lost touch with their gifts if not confidence in them.
The entire experience of learning and exploring is riddled with anxiety. It is true, some types of art making is riddled with rules. Some like rules because they are comfortable with the feeling that they are following a "Proven" method which will help relieve the anxiety of failure. And sometimes a method can aid in providing that comfort. However, ultimately I believe, rules ....rather I like the word "principles", though somewhat helpful, does not produce great art that connects.
Frankly, there is an unabashed nakedness of spirit in the artist, that must be achieved for true creativity to flourish. Perhaps that hostility to rules and those who promote ( propagate) them is healthy for an artist. Those that know me know I am structured by rules. When I get lost in making a painting, I ask myself, what Principle am I ignoring? So I do take comfort in the "rules" of art from time to time.
However, I am fascinated by those who live in the world of what I call "happy accidents." Let say the paint or project takes an unexpected odd turn, can the artist step back without self deprecation and see something magical in what happened and explore that direction. The ability to see the magic in the mistake is a key to making magical non formulaic art.
Mistakes are not failures, they are opportunities.Before you are able to see the opportunities before you, you must address the adult question of self talk. Once you address negative self talk you will be freer to SEE the opportunities that lie behind the SEEMING setbacks.And before you know it you will have discovered new ways of thinking and doing things better than you could have imagined before
As adults we have acquired a lot of baggage that can be very self-defeating. It is time to jetison the negative self talk and embrace our true selves with all our gifts.Yes you have gifts and wonderful interests, even like children have gifts and interests.YOU just need to fan them into flame. Don't let negative self talk hide your gifts and discourage your curiosity in your interests.
Please Hit reply and share
with me something you love to play with and have been hesitant to move on
Learn how to be less critical of yourself. Look here.......https://www.inc.com/amy-morin/7-ways-to-train-your-brain-to-be-less-critical-of-yourself.html.
In all my teaching including my recent workshops, I think we have all learned a lot in the process and are having a good deal of fun. Our little community gets value from one another as well as from what I am able to share with them. Fade away self critic.
Our next Creative Zone Painting Workshop
begins on APRIL 24
April 24, Friday at 7 – 9 pm
April 25, Saturday 10 am – 12 pm
April 28, Tues 7-9 pm
May 1, Friday at 7 – 9 pm
ending May 5, Tues 7-9 pm
to sign up
The general structure of the class and the preparatory materials and lesson are found on
my YouTube Channel
Judith Reidy Finding Your Creative Zone
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO5sRrXqYPG-XawXQ...
under the Playlist "Workshops" https://youtu.be/Pj3jSbcpZ3Q
Though the videos were for the in-person workshop they are NOW USED for the online workshop.
If you would like to know about next
Creative Zone Painting Workshop
or any of my other upcoming workshops. click on the link below.
We have great strategies for sharing artwork visually, discussing compositional problems, value issues and Plus we laugh and enjoy one another, fading away the self critic!