Thrown

From the Clover

Original oil Painting 20x16"

by Susan Roux

Ok. I admit it. Taking a workshop can totally throw you, no matter how wonderful a workshop it was. Admitting you have things to learn and be willing to change your approach takes great commitment. Don Hatfield opened my eyes to things I've never noticed before. It is impossible to return to where I was prior to this enlightenment. One must move forward.

From the Clover was started before I took the workshop.

Some of the things I learned, or perhaps was reminded of, was focusing on lights and darks. Though I think it has always been my focus, there were elements that I missed. Elements like the necessity of grays. I pondered this for some time before daring to approach this painting.

How do I go about it now? That was the real question.

This composition was not the best to apply my new found knowledge. A sharper contrast between lights and darks would have been better. Nonetheless, I attempted to put it into action. I added grays. I focused on the light. I tried to keep my colors accurate.

When you attempt something new, there's so much to focus on. We all know that thinking while painting hampers the natural emotional flow we strive to achieve. I know in time I'll be able to do these things without thinking and what is within me will pour out easily again. For now, my work is cut out. I can see a direction to follow. It makes sense and its stimulating. This will be a time of experimenting and learning.

I'm really hoping to see significant improvement in my work from this experience. That may be too much to expect, but I expect it anyway...

Time will tell.

(note: I couldn't adjust the colors accurately on this photo. It gave me lots of trouble. I've photographed it 10 times in different light to get it right. Still, it isn't... There's a lot to be said for viewing the original art.)

Exploration

Way to the Pond

By Susan Roux

Original oil painting 30x40"

Exploration.

What comes to mind for you? A simple word filled with intrigue and wonder. A journey into something unknown, something unfamiliar. Oh, the things we could explore! Anything from what's in our minds or deep in our hearts, to a walk down a different path or even a shopping spree. It all qualifies.

I feel like having a day of exploration. Will you join me?

Today, between loads of laundry, I want to explore color. I want to move paint around in no particular way, just move it around. I want to react to what I see appear before me on canvas. Just let it flow. Let my emotions flow out of me in whatever color or shade presents itself. I want to explore unfamiliar mixtures. Pretend my palette is magical and watch what it creates. I want to make surprises happen.

Today is February first. Let's get out of the daily humdrum we get caught in, especially in the middle of winter. Let's shake things up and put some excitement in our day. Let's take a little voyage into the unexpected. Go someplace different for lunch. Call an old friend out of the blue. Bake cookies for your family. Anything. Anything different. Go have an exploration that will make you smile and stimulate your spirit!

Treasure hunt

Combarro

Watercolor by Fernando Artal

I'm really enjoying blogging. Not only is there the fun of letting out some of the many things in my head, but there is the adventure, the scavenger hunt, of exploring all the wonderful things that you have put up to share. Wasted moments sitting at my computer have been transformed into explorations.

You stimulate me. You encourage me. You inspire me.

Somedays I find myself going to paint so I can have something to show you. I suspect the same is true for some of you as well. Especially those who've signed on as daily painters. Wow, its a huge commitment and I admire the dedication it takes to accomplish this. As someone who doesn't paint daily, much less finish a painting daily, you inspire me to go to my studio.

Yesterday I did just that.

My painting is well on it's way. In shades of yellow and blue my model dances at the beach. I'll share her later when she's done. This one is not a child.

...am I keeping you in suspense?

While breaking for tea, I visited your blogs. It helps to keep my painting energy at its peek, even in my down time. I came upon Fernando Artal's work. I was very taken by it and I wanted to share it with you. He is from Spain and his blog is in spanish. Fortunately for me, most of his posts are paintings, so the language is not a problem. He has 23 followers. I suspect many of you have not found him yet. Therefore, I've decided to share my treasure hunt find with you. His watercolors are unlike anything I've ever seen. I tried to leave a comment, but it malfunctioned. He doesn't know I'm posting about him...

I want to return to work on my beach dancer. I left her skin half finished yesterday and I really want to complete it with the same colors...

Thanks for keeping me stimulated on my down time. Keep creating, posting and blogging. We all benefit from each other!

Dare to Imagine...

Change. Dare to imagine change. Dare to imagine possibilities. What would happen if...? Open your mind and view the world from a different stand point. Reach out to people you haven't met. See where it leads you. This is exactly what I do. Sometimes I feel like I'm setting seeds of possibility down and in time, some grow.

Yesterday that happened. One grew. I received a phone call from a past friend and collector of my art. For years now a signed Christmas card is all the contact we've shared. What a delight to hear her voice! She is the type of person who instantly energizes your creativity. Do you know people like that? Just being in their presence stimulates you. Its like a giant wave of tingling energy starting at one point and taking over your whole body. I have always loved talking to June. So many creative thoughts go through my mind afterwards. I become a hyper child, unable to focus on one thought. There are too many.

Well June didn't call to simply say hi, though that would have been enough. A seed sewn years ago blossomed. To my surprise she offered me an exhibition at the hospital. Its a 3 year waiting list to exhibit there. I hang in 16 days! That makes it Dec. 26. Yes, a bit challenging, but certainly possible!

All that inventory that collects because art sales are down becomes a welcomed gift at times like these.

So go sew yourself some seeds! Expect nothing in return. Eventually some will grow. New opportunities will emerge. Dare to imagine!