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edited from my original post 070115
It’s really hard to create a painting about a subject I have no interest in, having said that, I can make myself want to paint a particular subject simply by working through a research process and getting to know and appreciate the subject. Imagine what it would be like for me to be told Country & Western theme ... ?**$#@!!**^?? Guess what? You can get fired up about any subject too!! While I was still working in the corporate world but dabbling in watercolour painting, I was thrilled that my tutor would supply the subject matter. It meant one less thing for me to worry about, all I had to do was turn up every week and she'd have an amazing array of cool stuff she had pulled together for us. Barbara was a tremendous creative facilitator. Another upside to this was that I learned to accept what was in front me, whether I liked it or not, this was no time to be fussing and complaining, I had 3 hours of painting time in front me, better get to it quick! In writing this post I realise too, part of my inspiration for a subject came from our group discussion about the subject and everyone's ideas. Some of my best painting experiences have been painting in a group. The more research I do about a particular subject the more passionate and determined I become to paint it. I fall in love with the subject ... it could be something as simple (?) as a brick wall or the way the light falls on a glass and the shapes and colours it creates. The intricacies of a subject become fascinating, although I don’t paint a lot of detail (this must have been written a while back!), I go through a process of studying the detail and deciding what I will leave out, what to include and which details describe my message best for that piece of art. Typically my research might include a small sketch or two on site as well as a bigger more formed sketch I call a plein air painting. When I’m in my studio, if I’m painting from my imagination, I create lots of doodles and lots of composition thumbnails. I’m reluctant to paint scenes from a photo preferring to paint en plein air, not always possible and although I’m wary, I’m very happy with a lot of them. For me, there is a driving force to create and always has been. Among other creative endeavours, I’ve always drawn and painted. It seems stronger now than ever and I think this may be, in part, because I work as a professional artist creating and painting most days - total immersion is good! My brain is more switched on to looking for subject matter and planning my next work – everywhere I see a painting waiting to be painted. The more I look for subjects the sooner they appear - the more I paint the more ideas I get. Happy painting!! ciao amici!!
8 Comments
Fiona Nichols
17/3/2022 07:16:25
Enjoying your newsletter. YES! turning what might seem at first a boring subject, into something interesting is a good challenge.
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Amanda Brett
18/3/2022 11:16:51
sometimes it's just out of our grasp until we have a go!! thanks for reading!!
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Elaine Houlton
17/3/2022 19:55:50
I look forward to your paintbox tips. They always make me think and review. Many thanks
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Amanda Brett
18/3/2022 11:15:32
I'm so glad they're helpful for you - thanks for reading!! xx
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Steve
18/3/2022 02:58:31
Helpful and relevant. Thanks :)
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Amanda Brett
18/3/2022 11:17:36
you've very welcome!! thanks for reading and your comment!!
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Sarah Cheung
22/4/2022 20:12:52
Hi Amanda
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Amanda Brett
23/4/2022 09:48:19
thanks Sarah and thank you for reading them xx have a fab long weekend, yay sun's out!! xx A
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