Friday, May 21, 2010

How I became a painter...

There are so many ways that painters are inspired in their lives from the immediate moment to the depth of their experiences in life.  For me, there was a start that wasn't so pleasant that sent me into a hyper vigilant observation in life.  I became the viewer, the observer of people and environment to such a degree that I notice everything.  Or, at least it feels that way, at times. 
I have heard many quotes about the sensitivity that artists poses.  One being from John Howard Sanden, "that he often feels sorry for artists ... as they have these antennas", another more rough statement that comes to mind is "if you didn't want to be an artist, you shouldn't have chosen such a rough childhood".  Interesting the take on how and why we are so sensitive.  But, the more I study and learn about the human brain and the way it reacts to experiences, the more I understand.  The artist's brain is mostly utilizing the right hemisphere which is non-verbal, intuitive, emotional.  That is where the images are stored.  That is where creativity is born individually in each of us.
So, with that being said, did our outcome and 'take' on life come from our right brain dominant personality from birth or was it a progression from circumstances that we encountered as children that led to us depending on the right hemisphere more than the verbal, and non-logical circumstances that we may have experienced as children?  I am sure in the latter situation it is a bit of both and coping mechanisms are the tools for survival.
In the end ... I wouldn't want to be anywhere but here, now.  And all that it took to make me who I am ... came from some hard stories.  Everyone has some.  What do you think led to your deep focus on painting?

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Creativity: what drives it?

When you are facing a blank canvas and the brush in hand or your mind is ready to take it on ... what is it that drives you?  How do you find your inspirations?  What drives that artist to the passionate paintings you create?  For me, it is a movie with special lighting, the way a person stands in the sunlight, watching someone in their zone, and many other events.  There are so many things that come to play in that part of the artist that really trigger that feeling of wanting to recreate.  It could be music, watching someone sing, a costume or clothing style, the lines in someone's face when they smile ... there are so many things that move me to paint.  When I paint, I feel the movement, the colors, the sence of light, and so much more.  I think my students are far wiser and stronger as a group than I have ever had.  It's a great feeling to know that these stong minds are so hungry to learn more.  I love seeing them passionate and moved by their own paintings.  Likewise, when they are not moved by their artwork and they say negetive things about themselves and their abilities, it is hard to listen.  I feel like I try so hard to get them to change thier minds to understand they are capable (or I wouldn't be saying so) that sometimes they don't believe me either.  I think the hardest part of being a teacher is watching a talented person not understand their talent even when I can see thier talent.  Talent is work.  It isn't a gift that just appears.  It begins with believing that you CAN do it and ends with seeing it and having pride in what you create a step at a time ... a day at a time.  It's the pure insight that you see in every step that comes to you.  I just try to open that door for all those I teach. 

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Youtube.com ... my video...

I have a video that is getting a lot of hits.  It's hard to paint teeth.  And I have a lot to say about every subjects.  Sadly, I don't express it all unless I have a paint brush in my hand and a student asks the right question.  So, I did an 11 week demo which was video taped.  It wasn't a hollywood style (pretty amature) video but what I say is important.  I would love to redo these.  But, in the mean time, here is a glimpse.  And my book is being brought out and dusted off as we speak.  I am setting up the table to lay the chapters out and see where I got to, two years ago with Mark Bryan.  I have a goal! 

In the mean time, enjoy 235 views!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QwEd3RZdMM