Expressive floral painting is all about discovery. Letting your creative intuition lead the way and learning to trust the path. This painting was done by an experienced artist and the focus was painting with a palette knife. It was a new pursuit and look at his success! We started with a layer of clear tar gel and beaded gel medium, by Golden, dribbled and scraped across the canvas. Using clear tar gel medium is one of my signature starting points as an instructor and the outcome is always successful. It brings a subtle element of texture to the painting. The added beaded gel medium by the artist was stunning on this floral painting!
The clear tar gel is easily seen in this photograph and it added a layer of interest to a lovely painting. The application is unplanned, random, and free flowing. After seeing the great results of adding the medium, this student said she would like to add more clear tar gel to her canvas next time. Sometimes taking a risk, moves an artist in a new direction and the process opens a door to new sparks of creativity.
It is a privilege to be on staff at Bemis teaching art! The joy is overwhelming and I am so grateful for this opportunity. And now with the Colorado College alliance, it is a top tier venue in all aspects. My students are talented and creative, with an eagerness to learn and push their art in new directions. Sometimes we just need to trust that still small voice that says, “This might work…what if I try it?… YES!” It is all about fine tuning our creative instincts and honing this skill is a life long process.
No matter ones age or background, artful expression brings a unique experience to life. The time melts away during class, and before we know it, two hours have flown by. It is such a gift to ourselves to slip some creative time into our busy lives which are full of obligation and domestic chores. Making time for art in any form whether it is as a maker, or an observer never comes back void. Life is richer because of the experience!
“Nobody sees a flower-really-it is so small it takes time-we haven’t time- and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time.” Georgia O’Keeffe
Making time to paint…opening our eyes to see the beauty in a flower…letting our creative intuition be the guide…holding a brush…finding just the right color…stroking the paint on a canvas…seeing the image unfold…tweaking, highlighting, darkening, pushing ourselves and our art in new ways. We are never done, we are always on the climb, looking for new vistas, navigating the frustrations and rewards, each time reaching a different level. THIS is living a creative life!!! Thanks for stopping by, leave a comment and share your thoughts about the creative journey. I would love to hear from you. We learn and grow from one another. Cheers…hope to see you in class one day!