Awhile ago I was talking to a friend about the painting I’ve been doing and she told me that I should share some of it on my blog. I don’t have a lot to share with you today, because I’ve been doing a lot of practice.
I went to my niece’s band concert this weekend and they were giving out awards to their students. One of the awards they gave out was for 100 hours of practice and her teacher said they give out these awards because, “To be a good musician…
You must practice, because without practice nothing happens.”
I immediately wrote this down in a note on my phone because that’s so true to any creative process, not just art. To be a good artist, to be a good writer… you must practice, because without practice nothing happens.
That’s what I’ve been doing. My desk has a stack of papers with these shapes over and over:
A friend of mine once told me she was told by an art teacher that you need to draw something at least 100 times, so whenever I get frustrated and feel like I’m not quite there with these yet I remind myself that I haven’t painted 100 of them yet, but I do feel like I’m getting closer to achieving my vision.
When I’ve taken a break from painting these I’ve worked on a couple of nature scenes.
I actually used a photo as inspiration for this, but I ended up taking it in its own direction and it looks nothing like the photo. I was kind of moody and needed to take my mind off some things, so this was the result.
And after visiting Glacier National Park last year mountains will also be a go-to subject for me.
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON LATELY?
[Tweet “Practice, mountains and a moody escape… take a look inside the sketchbook. #art #createeveryday #painting”]
How fun! Love your pictures! I had no idea you loved painting! Awesome!
I have been working on another summer shawl and I have been working in my garden.
Wishing you a wonderful week, Crystal! xxx
Thank you Chrissy! Yes, it’s become a passion of mine in the last year or so, but an interest that I had for quite awhile before that.
Your projects always sound so relaxing too. š
Beautiful. It must be relaxing too to paint. I used to sketch sometime ago but now it feels like I am always in front of computer, looking at excel sheets š I think I should sketch and paint too to give my mind some healthy food š
Definitely! I’ve found that it’s good to take a break from the computer screen sometimes. I’d love to see what you sketch!
These are amazing! Being artistic runs in my family, but it definitely skipped my genes!
Thank you Ashley! There are a few other painters in my family too.
Oh, wow! They look so good!
Thank you Ashley!
These are lovely! I love the way you described your process too, about the stack of paper with shapes. That landscape inspired by a photo is especially striking — would look great framed.
Thank you for all your kind words Trish! I’ve actually been thinking about framing that one.
I love the mountain painting (blue is my favorite color too!) I don’t paint but I love to color š
Thank you Dana! Coloring is a lot of fun too. š
These are so beautiful. My mother does watercolors and she has done some beautiful pieces of the mountains and trees out in Colorado. That one you did of the mountains is STUNNING š XO Amanda | http://www.glitterandspice.com
Thank you Amanda! Your mother’s paintings sound so beautiful!
These are beautiful. I love to draw and paint, but haven’t had the chance lately. I really need to make time because it really makes me feel good to work on something creative. I’m definitely there with you on the practicing.
Thank you! You should definitely make some time soon if you can. š
I LOVE the blue watercolor, it’s stunning. I started painting this year and found a hidden talent and passion for it. Currently I’m working on improving my begginning pieces because I’m moving and have too many. Before I give them to family and friends I want to make sure they are the best they can be.
Thank you Allie! Once you get started with painting it’s hard to stop! It’s so cool that you’re working on some of your older pieces and giving them away to people you care about. š
Wow! These are beautiful. You are very talented.
Thank you Helen!
I love your paintings!! I’m absolutely terrible at painting. I’ve seen five-year-olds that are better than me š
Thank you Whitney!
I love that painting of the mountains. I used to paint a lot and I’ve just realized how much I miss it!
Nellwyn | http://www.thecardinalpress.com
Thank you! You should definitely start again. š
So pretty! I love the blue mountains, that’s gorgeous.
Thank you Ashley! I really like that one too. š
I bet this is so therapeutic for you. It takes a lot to see a project from beginning to end. Keep at it and reap the rewards.
Thank you Mayra! It does take a lot of work, but it’s so relaxing and, as you said, therapeutic. š
My daughter is an artist and I have encouraged her to do what you are doing with a blog and such! Your paintings are beautiful!
She should definitely start a blog! I’d love to see what she’s doing with her art. Thank you!
Beautiful and inspiring š this makes me want to paint!
Thank you Bethany! You should try sometime! I’ve found painting to be so relaxing.