Author: Cheryl

Teacup300

Re-Energizing

Cheryl 6 Comments
As an artist, I get energized by great photo references. By putting the paint out onto the palette. By the happy anticipation of a blank canvas all set to go. By the movement of colour and the placement of strong darks next to lights. However, I find that even on a productive day, I can work too long and lose the zing. Sometimes forcing myself to continue is a recipe for disaster! There are signs I have learned to watch out for. Things like fussing too much over a small area on the canvas. I tend to paint vigorously, so I pay attention if the brush starts moving slower, or I sense I’m just not concentrating well. At times, I just need to stop and make some chai tea, and then I can go at it happily again. Sometimes going for a brisk walk does wonders. Still, each of us is so unique. What gets me going, might not do a thing for you. It’s really worth examining your life and figuring out which are the energy giving things for you – both to get you started, and to keep you going. Today I’m wondering, because it might be really helpful to fellow artists – including me, what kind of breaks re-energize you? 
NoWor250

3 Sure Fire Signs of Creative Mode

Cheryl
All artists long for more of it – the sometimes illusive creative mode. How does it manifest? 1. Time stands still – in other words you lose all track of time. Einstein said, “When you are courting a nice girl, an hour seems like a second. When you are sitting on a hot cinder, a second feels like an hour. That’s relativity.” The first part, about courting, that would be the creative mode. 2. No worries, no problems, no matter how pressing, can intrude into the creative space. This aspect of being absorbed into creativity is just plain wonderful! A refreshing escape without having to pay for a plane ticket. 3. At times it feels like the creative work is making itself. What happens feels so natural that the artist has the odd sensation of being a mere observer of their creation. These 3 are my own personal experience as an artist. How do you experience the creative mode? Anything to add to my list?   
WetlandsT150

Green for the Irish

Cheryl
In honour of St. Patty’s day, I thought I’d share some of my favourite green mixtures. The can’t-miss-must-have mix is ultramarine blue plus any primary yellow. I find myself using cadmium yellow these days. This mix can lean to the blue, making a hooker’s green, or lean to the yellow, making a sap green. I never buy those 2 greens – they are just too easy to mix. The one green that I do buy is phthalo green (yellow shade). The brilliance of this colour cannot be mixed. Think brilliant emerald green. If you want to tone it down, a bit of burnt sienna does the trick. I also add yellow or blue to the phthalo green from time to time. And the green they put into beer tomorrow? I have no idea. Happy St. Patrick’s day everyone! 
WintT

Lawren Harris

Cheryl
The current class is enjoying learning from Lawren Harris and A.J. Casson. Both were members of our Canadian Group of Seven. Both also employed a beautiful simplification and smoothing of form. One of the things we have learned, is that the simplification is more complex than you imagine from just viewing the painting. When you actually start to paint through one of their works, there is more detail than you might think initially, and the exact value and colour shifts are subtle and so skillfully done. Here is a link to see some of Lawren Harris’ works – enjoy! Paintings by Lawren Harris – find link on my website cherylo.ca,    if reading this on facebook or elsewhere. 
Wetlands500

Paint Ontario

Cheryl
“Wetland” – currently available at Paint Ontario in Grand Bend – Paint Ontario is an annual juried show held in Grand Bend at the Lambton Heritage Museum (across from one of the entrances to the Pinery on Hwy 21), open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  I am happy to have 3 paintings in this year’s show. I am also very proud to have quite a number of students and previous students featured there. It’s a wonderful show, well worth the drive. It is on right now and ends April 1st. Hope you get a chance to see it. Here’s their website for more information: Paint Ontario (find link on my website, if reading this elsewhere) 
Flow2T

Loose Women

Cheryl
Describing the upcoming art class “Toward Abstract”, I was carefully explaining that in this class, people do not have to work without a subject, but that the exercises will encourage people to have a looser approach to their interpretations. A student responded with enthusiasm, “That’s great – I think I’m more of a loose woman …. oh!” We laughed. And if there are other loose women or men interested in “Toward Abstract”, this class still has room for more and starts April 5. (See Local Art Courses on my website.) 
RedCanoe250

Lazy?

Cheryl 2 Comments
There are some things in life you don’t want to be lazy about. Lots actually. Things such as: what side of the road you drive on… or… getting to the airport before the plane leaves. Things like that. Then there are the other less obvious things. Such as: change the water in your container before it’s a swamp. Long before. Because when you use that dirty water to paint with, it is subtly dulling down your colours. It really helps to have a larger container for water. 2 litres is good and the water won’t get dirty nearly as quickly as with a little container. Don’t be lazy – your art deserves better than that.