Does Mood Influence Your Art?

ACEO/Miniature Painting 

People have asked me do you have to be “inspired” to paint and I usually say no but mood does influence the subject matter in front of me.   Painting or constructing art is a process of searching and researching in my mind and environment until I’m ready to say it with paint… 

This ACEO was a happy thought regarding a day at the Carnival but it’s been raining and cloudy the miniature painting is a little more moody and impressionistic...  So did the rain and my mood affect the painting?  Yes, I think so...

Art & The Subconsious

 

I’ve been thinking and painting clouds this past week. The clouds are a memory of rainy weather at “Poche Beach” an area of Southern San Clemente, California. California is in a drought and I think my clouds are a subconscious wish…

I haven’t completed this painting it's still in progress; I enjoy the abstract qualities of the sky and sea. Still, I feel as though there is a push pull in these clouds and it’s not finished yet… I’ll put the painting away for the evening and continue tomorrow…. Painting sometimes has its own time table. I guess life can be the same way…

Original Watercolor Ink Aceo Landscape and Experiments

“Purple Tree Fantasy”

 

ACEO Chinese Ink Paintings

 

The first image is my fantasy impressionistic tree in a summer cloud burst on 140lb. watercolor paper with watercolor and ink.   This miniature work is a combination imagination and enjoyment of color.   Well it’s not a total fantasy, I often see a tree this shape near a park I travel.  Smaller paintings can stand alone or are the basis for larger work.

The second image is ACEO’s I had painted in the past on thin rice paper with sumi ink and bamboo brushes. I appreciate calligraphy and sumi paintings so I gave it a try.   The works on rice paper were mounted to a backing paper with glue in order to smooth out the edges and bring out the color of the work. 

What I enjoy about the smaller format efforts is the ability to experiment with different tools, processes, mediums and genres.    Sometimes my experiments don’t work but at the very least I’ve learned about a new product, art form, and had a little (2 ½” X 3 ½”) art adventure.

 If you want to experiment or collect art, ACEO miniature artworks are a wonderful way to start.

Just a Little Soot and Water

This is a print of one of my ink brush painting landscapes. I have a strong regard for calligraphers and Chinese and Japanese brush painting techniques. So when I’m in a peaceful mood I bring out my ink brushes and I wonder into that beautiful art form. 

Personally I use liquid modern day sumi ink but I’m reminded that in ancient times master calligraphers utilized soot and animal glue. It's amazing what past and current artists could do with soot, measured strokes, and a flick of the wrist.  

See some additional contemporary ink favorites from other artists.... 

Original Watercolor and Ink Painting Landscape Utah Mountain

This landscape painting is my impression and memories of Utah and driving through Zion. This area is one of nature's wonders...  


As a painter I can only capture a brief moment or glimpse of what nature has done.  While a passenger in a car I wanted to soak up everything so I took photographs.  The camera almost became a barrier; I stopped taking photos so I could soak up all the beauty. 

My camera has always been great for references but sometimes it just nice to be in the moment.  I’m sure I’ll be painting more of these Utah memories.  

Imaginative California Landscape

Mountain Fantasy

 

After a train excursion I painted this landscape in my studio, I remembered glimpses of landscape during that adventure and the patterns of the hills. It usually starts with trees, they all have different personalities and then the mountains, sky, and color.  I tried to make the strokes of the painting as expressive as possible.

During the process of painting I was listening to the news in the background.   Somehow the original color patterns I started with changed, I think the colors and texture where influenced by the sounds I heard.  Breaks in the news cycle can be full of drama….and hopefully not to much misfortune.

It’s interesting how all are life experiences, even the subtle sounds can come together in your artistic process.

The Creative Spirit

Art Connection Treasury

“The object isn't to make art, it's to be in that wonderful state which makes art inevitable.” ― Robert Henri

Some how an artist will connect with their creative spirit and communicate their feelings in a two dimensional way. Sometimes the journey is difficult but the process is always what keeps the artist going....

The above collection sampling is a great example of the creative spirit you'll discover on Etsy.

Southwest Memories

The Southwest Memories treasury was triggered by this wonderful photograph my friend sent me. You can see in the photo nature is in charge and beautiful. After thinking about past adventures in Arizona and Utah I decided to put this treasury together:



The southwest landscape is majestic and the artists and artisans capture that beauty plus the traditions in jewelry and leather. The paintings have a beautiful weight and power. I also enjoy the abstract paintings non-traditional expression that captures the southwest….

Nature in the desert, mountains, or sea seems to ground me and that’s a wonderful feeling. I feel grateful to live in a place where nature is close. Most of the artists in the treasury are either part of the Finding Fine Art Team or Native American Forum on Etsy.

Original Landscape Desert Painting

Traveling the Arizona Highway

I know as an artist I should have a camera and sketchbook at
the ready but sometimes I do the best I can with the tools I have…. While rolling down the highway toward Wickenburg, Arizona I saw this set of shapes in the landscape. We stopped for a brief time and I jotted this scene on a paper napkin. (What can I say but I love "In and Out Burgers” and I save the napkins.) After a trip I usually have a couple of “napkin sketches.”

So although I applaud plein aire painters, that day I was not ready to absorb the desert heat. A brief sketch with a strong idea can be better for my art work than a reference photo with too many details. In a way reference photos can be a hindrance if I become absorbed in the details of the scene and forget about the spirit of the painting I wished to capture….

Etsy Updates and A Snippet of Favorite Treasuries in the month of June:

Original Art Treasuries curated by the artists of Etsy:
Summer art for everyone by Ruthsartwork
Fine Art Every Which Way No Matter How You Slice It! by CJsArtShop
"If you see her, say Hello by Bob Dylan" by ArtbyTrudi

Vibrant and fun summer treasuries:
Textured Bliss Studio by jcstrong

Awesome summer arts and crafts for anyone by Ruthsartwork

Ink Play

While taking a figure drawing class, students discussed the cost and lack of availability of figure models.  The teacher pointed to the outside landscape and said paint a tree.  He wasn't trying to be sarcastic but was serious while he shared his feelings about nature.   The teacher shared that trees have weight, curves, and  personality...



I think our forests, backyards, and urban sidewalks are filled with resilient "spirits" that have helped many artists including me with their journey.  I call these paintings "Ink Play."  The first painting was a combination of a large brush and heavily loading it with ink.  The work on the bottom was completed with medium brushes and dragging a partially loaded brush against a dry surface. 

I've always enjoyed the beautiful work of Chinese and Japanese calligraphers and painters.  I love the pictographs.  My art journey is always a combination of nature, memory, and absorbing different cultures...







A Thankful Artist

Happy Thanksgiving! My plan is to be with friends and family today and reflect on all the good vibes that have come my way this year. Best wishes to my online friends and thank you for your support. I hope you are having a peaceful and fun filled day.

"Second Chances" Original Impressionistic Painting

I think the concept of starting fresh and renewal is a great idea. The ship and its occupants looking for a safe harbor and even a painting will benefit from a new day and fresh eyes... I know for me its difficult to leave a painting alone and just let it simmer. It's not that I'm in a hurry but I guess my enthusiasm takes over.

Sometimes when I'm painting I feel like I'm writing a chapter in a novel and need to see how the chapter ends. Hopefully my art journey is a long novel with twists and turns and I have the opportunity to start fresh each day....

Prior to That First Stroke

"How Far Is Heaven Road"

This is my latest landscape. I’m influenced by nature and its different faces, friends, music, and images I see and find… This week the Southern California coast has been experiencing lots of coastal fog. My painting was a direct result of me wishing for a sunny day….No sun so I turned to reference material. It’s amazing the images that are all stored in our head, studio or available copy right free via the internet.

My friend sent me some photos of her adventures in Utah thus the orange and raw sienna color in the road. I was playing an old CD my son gave me and thinking of old friends and family thus the title “How Far is Heaven Road.” I also went to Wet Canvas and Morgue File web sites. These two sites are great source for reference material. I put all those influences and created this landscape.

The most difficult part of this painting was funneling down all this information prior to that first stroke. I don’t think I’m alone. Well have a terrific day and thank you for letting me share...

"Branching Out"

My usual painting size is 8” X 10” or smaller. These small format paintings have an intimacy that I enjoy and I’ll continue to express myself in that format but I needed a change this week…

While researching this seascape, sketching, taking photos I felt the painting needed an expressive change. This painting is 12” X 16” it doesn’t seem like such a large leap but it was a way of moving forward. The ocean is so huge, you’ll see surfers, swimmers; people enjoying themselves at the pier but sometimes that big water tugs at you and I just want to paint something huge.

So I looked around the studio and the biggest canvas I had was 12” X 16” not very “huge” but it fit the artistic urge. I don’t know where this is going but I’m certain for myself painting is like writing a visual story and sometimes the story needs a few more chapters… and inches of canvas.

"Your Art Work Doesn't Have to Match"

Prior to curating this treasury I remembered an art history teacher saying “art does not have to match.” The focus should be on the beauty and honesty of the art work and how it makes you feel.

The collection is made up of realistic art, abstract paintings, non-representational art, collage, beautiful jewelry, accessories and a delicately beautiful cowl. The thread that holds them together is they can all stand alone as interesting and beautiful work.

I suppose that's something I have to remember and strive for in my own work. Thanks for letting me share now I'm off to paint...

Art Inspired by Birds and Raptors

I'm a member of a variety art teams on Etsy and I often post Etsy Art Treasuries and assume everyone knows what I'm discussing. A friend of mine asked me, what is a treasury? The following is a little information regarding treasuries and my motivation.

An Etsy Treasury is a "member-curated shopping gallery comprised of lists of items. Lists contain 16 items. Members can feature their favorite items, items selected on a theme or whatever they like...."

My treasuries are usually a mix of my favorite art works of fellow team members and new artists. (Click the links on the above treasury and you'll see details regarding each artwork)

I approach a treasury as a creative process. I focus on a theme, find images that are creative, and then mix different genres of art to create a cohesive theme.... Hopefully this mix gels and will highlight the artist and promote the arts.

Candy For Your Walls=Fine Art Friday

It's Fine Art Friday and I thought I'd celebrate by posting this treasury. This work is a celebration of art in different mediums and styles.

I have eclectic tastes that run from realism, impressionism and non-representational art. The main ingredient is the inner connection. The art can be recognisable or not but if a bridge is made between you and the work its magical...

Original Impressionist Painting Garden Wild Roses

"Out of the Dark"

I found these roses while walking toward the San Clemente Pier. I thought I'd be researching possible future seascape paintings and instead I found theses wild roses. They looked like they were fighting to survive and come out of the dark. The vibrant colors against the dark have an intimate quality.

One of my favorite artists and I have many is Pierre Bonnard. He created these intimate/psychological visual stories with vibrant colors . . . I like the idea of not only making a statement with your subject matter but also with the color, value, composition and brush strokes.

Storytelling in Art by JC Strong

I was thumbing through Kevin Macpherson's book, Landscape Painting Inside & Out and Chapter Seven asks "Why do you paint?" The answer for me is I have an artistic story to express. My visual adventures are rooted usually in my perception of nature.

I painted "Red Balloon," (8'x10")above in the studio after spending time at the park. The trees were reminiscent of old California but the person with the balloon brought it into 2011. I liked the idea of old and new together . . .

I painted "Sunset at Poche Beach" (4" x 6") in order to capture an abstract moment in a very small canvas. My hope is although these paintings are very different they both provide the viewer an entrance into a story they can complete.

Art, Recovery and Healing

I appreciate different styles, mediums, and subject matter in art. At times I’m drawn to the execution of the work and other times the emotion. Earlier today I posted the following regarding trauma survivors and art:

“I do want to applaud the survivors of crime and victimization. It always amazes me, what the human spirit can withstand and continue with a productive life way beyond a trauma. Perhaps that is the reason I enjoy arts and crafts it has that personal bright light. It has the spirit that makes the world spin.”

My general feeling regarding art is it has an ability to be a cathartic vehicle for healing. I appreciate survivors of catastrophic illness, drug addiction and abuse that channel their experiences. The emotions in the work are sometimes raw but authentic and they come out on the other side with the help of their artistic exploration. I’m not a doctor but if creating art helps a person heal, it's a good thing.

I’m not a member of the following web sites but they look interesting and explore art and recovery:
Survivors Art Foundation
Alcoholic Outsider Artist Blog
Healing Through Creativity
Sober Artists

Etsy News, Updates and New Treasuries:
JFoxStudio created Fine Art for A Friday treasury. This treasury has an eclectic mix of fine art.

Ruthsartwork created Mauve and Green Winter Cheer Up
It's a lovely mix of fashion, accessories, and art.

JewelrybyNala created Bring a Smile treasury. It has fun and interesting fashion accessories, jewelry, and art.