Creativity & Lessons Learned

Since my last lesson, I have found that the more I paint or think about painting, the more ideas I have for the next project. I also have been thinking a lot about creativity and how we are inspired. There is a video of John Cleese on YouTube talking about the creative process to Flemmish students and I found it very interesting. I love how he explains his experience with creativity and how to nurture the process. (Thanks to Wry & Ginger for tweeting this link!)

I am also reading the book "The Artist Within" by Betty Edwards I told you I'm obsessed! I love the way she talks about art, creativity and the brain in her books.  This has helped me realize that the process is important and I think sometimes I get too caught up in the product or result and I don't give the process a chance.

I have also realized that the space and tools are important too. I decided that if I was going to take this seriously, I need good quality materials, and a space to work in, particularly before my next lesson. I went to an Art Supply store earlier in the week and purchased paint, solvents, Gesso, brushes and canvas. I had been using inexpensive paints before,  but once I had a chance to use better quality paints, I did notice a difference. I also set up a space where I can work. It was important to do this because if I hadn't, the materials would have stayed in a box and I would have given up too quickly.

I had my second lesson the other day which was fantastic!  I have been painting a lot since the last lesson and I had a lot of questions, from how to mix medium, to where to get the best brushes.
I learned a lot from this lesson, Daina is such a great teacher, she makes it look so easy. 

I painted Gladiolus and I am quite pleased with how they turned out, but the composition needs work.  I received great feedback, and the next time I will try to take up more of the canvas because they appear to be just floating there.  As you can tell, it is definitely a learning curve for me.
 

Gladiolus 2010

What it would have looked like if it had filled the canvas.

I also reworked another painting I had done previously because I felt it was flat. It now appears to have some more depth.

Dahlia 2010

Dahlia (reworked)