Friday 30 August 2019

Finding Joy in Painting


After writing three blog posts in the space of a single week I thought I might actually get back into a routine of regular blogging but alas I have been distracted. Instead of  all the things I actually need to be doing such as making blinds for our bedroom (We've been here nearly two months now and no one has actually complained about being able to watch our nightly ablutions... yet) or preparing for forthcoming embroidery classes this autumn, I have been painting.


About three weeks ago I signed up for a free week long art course hosted by artist Louise Fletcher. Several simple exercises designed to help find your unique artists voice alongside good sensible no nonsense advice and teaching. I had no idea that in just one week it would have such an impact.


It is no surprise to regular readers that I have always been creative whether through my textiles, baking cakes and even occasionally painting and drawing... most recently joining in with my Mum's classes. I know I can draw but my problem has always been one of confidence. I can follow instructions or copy a painting but have never believed I was any good at doing my own thing, working in my own style or listening to my own voice.


So at the end of the one week free taster I was so impressed by Louise's teaching, I signed up for the ten week paid course. And I literally have not stopped painting in every free moment. Everything you see here is the result of the exercises. None are meant to be finished paintings, most are just on scraps of paper or in my sketchbook, but instead they are explorations of paint and mark making.


And as there is no finished painting so there is no getting anything wrong. Instead it is just a wonderful voyage of discovery. We have painted to music, painted with limited palettes, even painted deliberately ugly paintings but each of them showing us what we do and don't like.


And so blogging may well take a back seat for several more weeks to come as I continue to dabble with paint.


And the neighbours could well continue to see us getting ready for bed every night as I  have no inclination to sew blinds when I could be painting instead. At least the mornings will be getting darker soon so we won't be waking up with the light at 5 am!


12 comments:

  1. I hope you will leave us an image to enjoy - in between painting and RL. Looks as if your muse has settled in your new home with you.

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  2. Sounds like your painting is giving you pleasure ... so enjoy!

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  3. I think they look wonderful and I would be happy to hang any of them on my walls. You certainly have a good eye. x

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    1. Thank you! That is the ultimate compliment!

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  4. They may not be finished but I think they are amazing. I’ve always wanted to dabble in paint but never got round to it. Seeing your lovely work maybe I should bite the bullet. As for blinds, they’ll happen when you’re ready. Have a great weekend. Bx

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    1. Thank you Barbara. If you want to dabble in paint you should do it... nothing to lose! (Blinds are done now waiting for my husband to put the batton on the wall!)

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  5. These are wonderful - so free and expressive. No wonder you are hooked on that course. I am 'scared' of painting and that course sounds perfect.
    As for the blinds - at least you don't live in a bungalow!

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  6. You’ve managed to keep lovely clarity in your colours. Louise is great at being ‘there’, like a real time tutor isn’t she.

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  7. It is so obvious that you are enjoying yourself - all your paintings look so free!

    I wish that there were something similar close to me.

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  8. I absolutely love all of these ( as you know from Instagram! ) . I’m glad you are finding such pleasure in making them. If you start painting bigger ones to sell, I’m first in line 😊

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    1. Thank you Annie. I hope they will result in finished paintings eventually!

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  9. Good grief Gina your paintings are STUNNING! What a wonderful discovery to make about yourself. Just fine a little space for line bashing! T x

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