Monday, January 21, 2013

Winter Moon

January 20

Great day in the studio today. One of the advantages of a sick husband is he doesn't notice if I'm not around!  He came back from England with "flu-like symptoms" so is taking extra ASEA (www.mcmayer.teamasea.com) and drinking lots of fluids.  I am keeping the fridge stocked & tossing food at him from a safe distance...

Today's painting is a simple 4x6 abstracted winter landscape on canvas panel.  The under painting is a coat of Indian Red, which is visible in places.  Sort of a play on warm & cool colors.  I think I got the reference shot from a post by "The Lodges of Olympic National Park" on Facebook.  Facebook is proving to be an excellent source of reference images.  By the time I paint them they barely resemble the original image but it is inspirational in any case.  Just don't have Hurricane Ridge, WA, outside my door here in Ohio!

1/20/13 "Winter Moon", 4x6, oil on canvas panel


Original photo reference

Since I am an artist not a camera, I feel just fine changing the image with paint.  The downside to commissioned portrait work is the client wants an exact rendering.  I am not a photo realist. I like brush strokes & marks to show in the finished piece.  Its all good! 

Morning Pages are going well.  I keep feeling nudged to teach The Artists Way again. Maybe its time. That book contains some of the most empowering material I have ever found.  When I taught groups of folks (1997 - 2008) I saw miracles occur. One woman cleaned out a closet in week 3 & was moved to a new house by week 12! Took my breath away...

I have a studio and a life as a working artist thanks to Julia Cameron's book as well.

I am grateful for the many blessings of my life as it is today. 

Start where you are
Love what you have
Do what you can



9 comments:

  1. You captured the chilly winter moon beautifully!

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    1. Thank you. It's a departure for me and I love how it turned out.

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  2. Good to see a snow scene! I wanted to see if I could find out more about what you do. I also have a degree in art (education) and have considered continuing in the art therapy field. I'm not sure the MFA program would be the best option, since I'm not conceptual in my art-making. But I do love art and the therapeutic effect it has on me and others. I have gotten several artistic books (The Artists Way and The Muse) to help me work on my creativity (also one on Creative Visualization). Hope to be in touch.

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    1. Rachel, I recommend studying social work or counseling and taking workshops in therapeutic art whenever possible. Art Therapy as a profession is still looking for recognition after 40 years. Licensing is an issue. I gave up on art "therapy" and specialize in personal growth/creative coaching instead. (Way less professional liability.) The Artist Way is one of the most profound books, but you have to do the work. Owning it just isn't enough! ;-)

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  3. Hi Marion, I love your painting for the challenge today.
    I am also a fan of Julia Cameron. I did morning pages for a long time, maybe I will begin again.

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  4. Although the photograph is beautiful, your painting supersedes it in EVERY way!

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