Things I Think I've Learned

It may be the Internet Age, or maybe just my advancing age, but I do seem to be sharing my art a bit more publicly these days. I also enjoy thinking and talking about art issues that to most are probably of little interest or importance. Simple questions launch me into endless musings and I feel powerless to stop the prattling. For example, an innocent question such as "are you an artist?" initiates a critical self analysis. I am incredulous that others would ever perceive me as such.

The other common question that absolutely fascinates me is "when did you start painting?" And oh boy, do I have stories to tell to answer that question. Really, I can't remember a time when I didn't paint. At a very young age I began ruining my parent's kitchen, dining room and living room furniture in a variety of ways. Also destroyed my share of curtains and carpeting with my "Jackson Pollock like" paint strokes.

I've taken to reading and admitting with some embarrassment actually enjoying those art history and art technique books. I don't read them from cover to cover and yes, sometimes I only look at the pictures. They have even evoked epiphany like experiences. I'll share some of my revelations with you.

Number one: 80% of art is really thinking. Seriously.

Number two: Warm up exercises are just as important as if you were going to do a workout routine. If you are tense and not relaxed, nothing works.

Number three: Don't be afraid of mistakes and serendipitous moments. That's what makes originality.

Number four: You are not alone at hating that in-between stage of a painting. Almost every time I have that urge to tear up a drawing or give up on a painting and am amazed that anything ever turns out well.

The moral here is "don't forgot to stop and smell the roses while you are painting them."