In my early acquaintance with blogging art back in 2005, I remember being stuck; I wasn’t sure if the watercolors I painted were interesting enough to share, and I couldn’t think of much to say about them. (That last part will make my family laugh – but really, writing is different than talking all the time.) I deleted posts retroactively on a regular basis, after time gave me fresh eyes on art that needed more than I had skills to convey.
Now that blogging is part of my usual studio practice, I’m rarely at a loss for something to write about. I don’t delete posts any more either, since I think it’s important to document and share progress, authentically. I keep notes on share-worthy topics I stumble upon – in both watercolor & printmaking, and that practice started the linklove series; sharing other artists whose blogs and youtube channels inspire to me. My schedule might constrict writing daily posts, but if I can tap out one or two a week, I’m happy with that output.
One of the most rewarding aspects of blogging has been the community. (That would be you.) Art-making alone in the studio is something I thoroughly enjoy, but it’s also a treat to take a break, and visit artists – face to face, or when time is too tight for that – visiting virtually – via that gift of blogs and social media. I’ve been fortunate to befriend incredible artists online who post regularly, so we get to share everything from studio set up, to latest work, which piques my curiosity and lures me to visit again and again. The communication between artists is an enormous boost too; encouraging comments, great feedback, and shared discoveries about supplies, tips & tricks, and other artists to cull even more inspiration from. Where would we be without this amazing conduit of community? When my artist friends post something splendid, I race to my brushes to get started on something new. It makes me try harder. Nothing bridges a slump like another artist relishing great personal or professional success. It means there’s hope for everyone else too (if we reach for it). 🙂 Happy making to you! Please do share your work with us, and thanks for visiting!
Why can a young student, incapable of doing even a mediocre picture, do a marvelous sketch? It is because the sketch is the product of enthusiasm and inspiration, while the picture is the product of labor, patience, lengthy study and consummate experience in art.
Denis Diderot, 1713-1784
Love this painting, and agree with the idea of blog community. People’s successes and even their periods of doubt are encouraging to me, and make me understand that as different as we all are, we share so much
just by being dedicated to this pursuit. A gorgeous work. I am way behind on both blogging and responding. I miss your work!
XOXOXOXOXO Barbara
I can’t find the comments for the video of the house tutorial so I’m putting my comments here. Thank you! That was incredible. I love the detailed analysis of what you’re doing and why. Unfocusing the camera was very helpful too. More of these please.
About cropping the painting. Are you adding in a bit too much so that when its matted you still see the parts you want or is it not an issue.
Hi ME, Thank you so much for trudging over here to leave a comment – I need the feedback. Had a lot of hesitation to post a 40 minute process video! (By the way, do you see the comment section under the video window here?: https://youtu.be/pabDpD3tvKc And if you’re on an ipad, you have to scroll to the bottom of the suggested video thumbnails beneath the screen to get to the comments….)
On the extra yardage of paint at the top and bottom: I’m aiming for a standard size, like 8×10 or so, but rather than draw another line I have to paint up to, like a coloring book, I find it’s freeing to just paint beyond it, and not have to fiddle with yet another restriction. Know what I mean? Thanks again for the feedback! xoxo
Belinda, you are a great source of inspiration to me. Working in the studio is indeed lonely (but oh so lovely) and often friends and family don’t particularly understand what you’re up to. It’s communing with people like you that make me realize that I’m not altogether crazy!
Hi there, my friend! We must inspire each other then, because I love your blog posts! Thanks for the mutual-ness of this encouragement between us! And we owe it all to Anthony Ryder! 🙂 Lucky us.
First of all, have to say that your rendition of the boatyard totally WOWed me! I live in a port city and to most people who don’t, a shipyard would not be something seen as beautiful. But you so captured the romance of living in a sea port and makes me so grateful to have these scenes practically in my back yard!. And secondly, yes, we are fortunate to be a part of an online art community. Thank you for sharing and expanding our community even more with your linklove inclusions.
Hi Gayle, The 1st time I saw the Nassco Shipyard, I couldn’t grab my cell phone fast enough to snap drive-by photos. It’s a beautiful place, like a miniature city on the shoreline, and I had a blast painting it. Thanks for your compliments. Thanks also for taking the time to leave feedback on posts – I’m so glad you come to visit. 🙂