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This is my favorite painting that I've made. |
Play is important. Like REALLY important! I’ve forgotten
that lately. In my push to improve my work, get more work, and life in general, I’ve let
go of play. I think it shows up in my work. I keep thinking about all the
preliminary play Melissa Sweet does in the beginning of her projects. I want
some of that in my life.
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Work in progress. |
So with that in mind, I pulled out some old canvases that
weren’t working and just started gluing on different papers, smearing paint around.
When I paint for fun, I don’t worry about what the end result will be, I just
start playing. The hardest part is making that next mark, unsure if it will
make or break the painting. I have to remind myself that this is just for fun
and if I hate it, I’ll just cover it all over. I have a few canvases with a lot of layers that didn't work under a painting that really works. I think all of
those layers make the final piece just work even though you can’t see most of
them. Painting like this requires a bit of bravery and a lot of letting go. I
make a lot of bad paintings. It just doesn’t matter. Every once in awhile I
fall in love with one of them and the process keeps me sane.
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I've repainted this canvas several times. |
Go out and paint! Here's some books that'll get you started:
Brave Intuitive Painting by Flora Bowley
Painted Pages by Sarah Ahearn Bellemare
Daring Adventures in Paint by Mati RoseMcDonough
Taking Flight by Kelly Rae Roberts
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Not sure about this one yet, but it's growing on me. |
Great post! I love Flora Bowley's book. Been working through it this year and been so amazed at how it has loosened me up and opened up those channels of creativity.
ReplyDeleteHooray for play! You're so right.
ReplyDeleteIt's so important!
DeleteOooh! I love your play pieces. Now I'M itchin' to play ;)
ReplyDelete