Learning New Art Mediums

 To this point in my life I have been a watercolor artist who paints realistic paintings and I have learned pen and ink pattern art known as Zentangle.  As mentioned in previous posts, there has been an ebb and flow to my art-making.  Other aspects of life can crowd in and take me away from the joy of creating art.

Recently I discovered a course named "Find Your Joy".  It's a three-month online course focused on ways of making art that are entirely new to me:  acrylic paint and abstract painting.  After taking a free introductory mini-course called "Creative Reset", offered by the same teacher named Louise Fletcher, I was intrigued.  We are now coming to the end of the three months of weekly lessons and all that I've learned has once again made art a part of my daily life.  

Much of the course had to do with uncovering the blocks to being an artist.  Why do we want to make art at all?  What are our expectations and who are we making it for, ourselves or in the hope of getting approval from others?  What do we like and love?  How do we make sure we use our art to express our own feelings and do what we truly love?  What is the difference between an artist and a craftsman?  There is a difference and I personally prefer to be an artist.

Many fellow artists who have been in this course are feeling a bit sad that we have gotten to the end of the teaching.  It's been personal and so reinforcing.  Some of the surprising things I've learned in it are:

• acrylic paintings are easier for me to adjust and make corrections to than watercolor paintings
• treating each painting project as a "study" and not a painting takes the pressure off to "be good" and then fun exploration can happen
• good artists fail a lot and don't take it personally because it's how we come to make art we love
• I can paint with any tool and not just the brushy end of a brush (I hadn't finger painted since kindergarten until this course!)
• I love making abstract art and have gained an appreciation for how much thought and skill goes into it

Looking forward to sharing many more art creations that will emerge from this new learning and refreshed enthusiasm.  Making art transports us away from the less positive parts of daily living and elevates us!

My "Find Your Joy" art studies