Sunday 4 September 2022

Art Soul Gathering {part one}

Hello Friends!

***Important Announcement***

I am no longer allowed to say I cannot draw.


I'm now doing a short online course, rather than a challenge, hosted by the very talented artist Ida Andersen Lang {link below}. It's only 10 days long with two art lessons a day for six days presented by a variety of artists. I won't be able to do all the lessons but here are the first three that I've completed.

Warm up Lesson by Ida Andersen Lang  "Kindred Spirits ~ Horse"

background drawing freehand, coloured using Caran D'Ache and Royal Amsterdam watercolour pencils with Posca pen detail.



Lesson 1

My goodness!  This was the most amazing lesson from renowned Squamish artist Melanie Rivers. I've never done a portrait before and I haven't painted with acrylics for a very long time so to have to remember that they dry out and work quickly on top of drawing a face has really pushed me this evening. I had to improvise a little bit as I had to add gouache to my acrylics to try and get some of the right colours but I'm very pleased with my final outcome



Lesson 2

Eulalia Mejia, aka  Happy Chinchilla {don't you just love that name?}, was the host for this lesson "Finding Your Inner Garden" which I found very relaxing and fun to do. It's not something I would normally do, but it's really good to think outside of what you're used to doing and it becomes part of an holistic learning process.
rubbish colour reproduction in this photo!!!


I think it's fair to say that I'm finding this challenging in different ways. Firstly, it's exposing me to a wide variety of techniques and mediums which will expand my repertoire. Some of these techniques are quite challenging and the work is less than perfect simply because you need to practice for a long time, many maybe years in order to master them. Secondly, I'm finding it challenging mentally because it's making me do things with art that I haven't even thought about trying before, and some of them also make you look inside yourself and explore where your art is coming from.  So, in its own way it can be quite stressful but in a good way because you come through the other side having learned something about yourself and about your art that you can apply to your practice.  It's very different practice altogether from the last three months when I've responded to prompts and do my own thing.

In a couple of days, another short challenge begins, so I will be busy!

Until next time

Stay safe, stay well

Debbie



10 comments:

  1. I think the portrait is my favourite. It's always good to learn new things.

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    1. Thank you, Sue. Although it's not a palette I would normally choose, I did enjoy the process and the more painterly approach. Of course, when following a lesson you have two choices: either to do what the teacher is teaching, or to do your own thing. I feel that by following the teacher you learn.

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  2. Always good to learn new things and challenge yourself a little :) My favourite is the horses although they are all brilliant. So glad you are enjoying learning all these new variations of art work. Stay safe and take care.

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    1. Thank you so much, Ragged Robin. Plenty more to learn and challenge! Happy you like the horses.

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  3. These challenges of learning new ways and new things will make you a better artist, not that I think you can get any better. All three are beautiful, each in their own way, but my favorite is the vibrant bird. Gorgeous!
    Love and hugs,
    Darlene

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    1. Thank you, my dear friend. Oh, there's always room to improve. I am glad you like the bird. Much love, Deb xoxo

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  4. Deb, these are fantastic. I only have the moon woman finished, but mine is different. Today I will get 'Happy Chinchilla's' piece done. The lessons are fun! Have a great week, hugs, Valerie

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    1. Thank you, Valerie. I must look to see if you are on Ida's FB group! Two lessons a day is a lot, don't you find? I know I won't get half of them done as I'm currently struggling with Nimue. Have a wonderful, creative week, Hugs back at you! Deb

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  5. You definitely CAN draw - all sorts and beautifully too. Love the horses

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    1. Thank you, Sue, yes the horses have been popular.

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