painting in a personal manner

I've been reading this fab book by the artist Mary Todd Beam. I'm finding it really inspiring. When I bought it last year my first creation from her wisdom and creative exercises was the piece of abstract art, "Sunset over the Estuary".



I've picked the book up again to read as I'm feeling like I'm treading water sometimes with my paintings. I feel like I get stuck, bored, irritated and feel like I've got cotton wool in my head, and I stand back from the canvas and think, "You've got to be kidding...it looks like I did it at school 30 years ago!!"
She has a brilliant list of things for painting in a personal manner (that means in your own style and not what you think people expect of you):

1. Paint flows freely from your brush in a relaxed manner
2. The subject matter comes from your everyday life experiences
3. Each painting grows from your previous work
4. Each painting contains a measure of personal symbols
5. You are sensitive and responsive to developments in your work
6. You are willing to change preconceived plans when changes are offered

Now, when I read that tonight, I though, "Yes...I can do that. That's what happens on good days." So now the answer is to remember to be relaxed and incorporate something personal and let the creativity flow.
Julia Cameron, author of "The Artist's Way", takes this one step further and suggests asking the universe to provide, and if we remain receptive, we will be answered.

So with that all in mind, its Monday tomorrow, so I can paint to my hearts content ( I have to paint Sat-Tues cos I teach singing on Wed-Fri in the same room - gotta clear up the clutter).
I will go to the studio armed with Mary Todd Beam's list and see what happens :)

Toodle-do

Debs

painting above: Sunset over the Estuary (c) 2007 Deborah Eileen Burrow

New Chapter

Hi Everyone
I decided it was time to blog in a more structured way. Quite a few of my friends have blogspots and I thought I'd give it a go too.My intention with this blogsite is to share some creativity coaching and some significant events from my own creative journey.
Hope you enjoy the read, and continue to log in to read my regular postings.

I've just read, "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron, and it has got me back into writing more. I keep a daily journal, and its very effective at highlighting the positive changes that come about in my life. I've moved from being unconfident about my ability as an visual artist, (with periods of real creative sabotage), through to a clear mind with amazing creative flow.
I am now comfortable with turning up at the easel in my studio and seeing what happens. The results are really showing the shift in my state of mind.


A few other things have helped. Julia Cameron helps you explore what makes your inner artist child happy. It involves switching off the little voice that goes, "That's not how you do it....thats not very professional....nobody does it like that....you don't need one of those...." and so on. I got my hubby to treat me to a full length large wrap-around, thick cotton apron (handmade in Norfolk UK). When I put that on I am ready. The second thing that helps is my favourite music. I listen to Peter Gabriel, Incubus, Radiohead and Foo Fighters mostly. The music is emotive and this helps with my creation on the canvas.
Being a singer/songwriter myself I am in love with music as much as art. Now I can combine the two and I am a happy little soul. Find my music at BlueCat Records
People on my art myspace have been really supportive too. Particularly Megan, Nicky, Debra, Bill, Sue, Quincy, Steve, and others who leave such encouraging comments.
The support I've received from my special family and friends, and myspace friends, has been really important, amazing and inspiring. I have just completed my PearTree Gallery site and it has really made my thoughts and desires concrete at last.


I am also planning a "Best Of" type album to celebrate my 5 CD releases over the last 7 years. I am going to choose 10 songs and have them remixed as chill-out songs. I am quite excited about this idea. Al is going to help me with this - he is a very talented musician and producer.



Well thats it for now,
Peace and Creativity
Debs

abstract painting above: More in the Reflection (c) 2008 Deborah Eileen Burrow