Whether
painting is your pastime or your occupation—or whether you have some other
passion--you may find it changing you in ways you hadn’t expected. It’s generally accepted that “you bring
yourself to your painting” and “you paint what you know”. But I think it’s just as true that the act of
painting itself changes you. My artistic
journey has brought about these changes:
To
be observant and involved
You’d
think that all artists are natural observers.
While I’ve always enjoyed “people-watching”, I’ve never considered
myself a naturally good observer. But to
paint, I’m forced to focus and observe.
Sometimes I’m forced to take in and record information quickly. I keep a small sketch pad with me. Through frequent
drawing classes and painting outdoors (with constantly changing light), I practice
rendering both stationary and moving subjects.
I actually see more! Yes, I see more shapes, more color and different colors than I used to see! The
plein air painting Shimmering Stones
below was such an experience where colors jumped out at me (available here).
 |
| Shimmering Stones 10 x 8 oil Available |
To
respond to the moment.
When
I paint, I focus intensely; once started, it’s tough for me to pull away. But when
I’m painting outdoors, I must not only respond to the physical environment
(run, it’s raining!), I must respond also to the social environment--interruptions
of all kinds. “Hello, thank you for
looking at my painting”; “Yes, these are oil paints.” I’ve learned that
“interruptions” can be pleasant interludes, that my attitude makes a
difference. Being open and spontaneous
is a choice!
 |
| Reaching for the River 16 x16 oil Available |
To
take risks
Take
risks with subject matter, take risks with places, take risks in technique. Reaching for the River is an example of
taking risk with a place. It was a
difficult place to access, but was worth the effort. It’s hard to take risks with things you care about!
And for me, a third generation painter, I felt I needed to “prove” I could
draw, so I had to be exact. My biggest
risk has been to be more expressive, less exact. I’m now more concerned in telling a story in a
simple way. Which brings me to my next
point . . .
To
accept myself
I’ve
learned to accept where I am and not compare myself to others. I certainly strive
to improve and be the best “me”, but at the same time not wallow in what I
haven’t yet achieved. As Popeye said, “I
yam what I yam”. That’s pretty freeing!
 |
| Castaways 9 x 12 oil Available |
To
travel light
Many
painting places are inaccessible unless you walk and carry your equipment. If
you’re not willing to do this, you can’t get off the beaten path. Outdoor
painters carry the essentials. I’ve learned to discard unnecessary items and to
understand how very little we really need. And regardless of the load, it’s
good to have a companion traveling the path with you. Painting has helped me convert a pack of goods
to a pack of memories. My painting
“Castaways” [available here] is a reminder to: go simple, go light, go in
pairs!
Thank you for going
with me on this journey!
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essays, please share with your family and friends. I’d like to hear from YOU! Please leave comments and questions.
My paintings are available at my
studio in Cary, NC, online at Sheffield Art Studio and at my Daily PaintworksGallery (see also clickable link above right)
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