I know it’s not the most eco-friendly of moves, but I am known to use baby wipes in my painting process. They’re not reusable, I know, but neither is a rag once I’ve clogged it up full of paint.
Anyway, the other day, I was in the middle of a knife painting and I paused to clean off some of the remnants of the paint that were still clinging to the blade.
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There is something annoying about when the paint you clean off is making cooler art than the paint on your canvas.
I think everyone has their own artistic philosophies, but I don’t know anyone’s who stay stagnant. Here is what played in my mind the other day:
I do art for me. Would I like it to sell? Hell yes. Would I like it to be remarkable? Double hell yes. But if I am not creating for myself, then why do it at all? Art is, at its base, one of the few selfish pursuits in life that can lead to greater connectivity with the world.
Some people have a hard time finding what makes them happy. I think maybe it’s because they’re looking too intently for one thing. I have a lot of small little things that make me feel happy or inspired or motivated. Going to a park, taking a walk, or playing with my dogs can be extremely helpful, but when I’m in a real funk and can’t seem to shake it, there is only one reliable answer:
I live in the Seattle area, home to the only two DS stores. I love just wandering the aisles there because something will always speak to me, whether it’s new watercolors or acrylics, a new technique, the open stock of Senniliner Pastels, etc.
The next time you’re stuck and don’t know what to do or where to go on a project, take a step back and take a walk through your preferred supply store. Just remember to set yourself a budget before you walk in!
I think as an artist, it is crucial to explore your own growth not only in skills, but also in expression. Off and on, I will post a few sketchbook scribbles that I love from over the last 25 years.
Here are a few of those
