Working from photographs

With winter approaching, I know I will have to use more photographs as reference and tools for my work. It doesn't particularly thrill me as I frankly prefer to work from reality. Making sketches on location allows me to observe many details, such a the correct light and colors, shadows and their color too, the overall landscape rather than a framed one, I can move around to see what's behind a rock, even far, I can jot down notes about the true green of trees, and much more. Using watercolor helps a lot too. 

So, photographs limit the artist vision. First, they never truly represent the colors, and the lighting can vary. A camera will never replace your eyes. Photographs are also flat, where the world is 3-dimensional after all. Finally, they are tiny ! When looking at a landscape, the scale isn't comparable and it can be difficult to work from an 8x10 print or smaller if you don't know how to scale it down accurately when you do your preliminary sketches.

That said, they are valuable for other reasons. When cold temperatures hit and snow covers the ground, sketching or painting on the spot isn't easy. That's where photographs come in the picture, no pun intended ! They are a good tool, but you need to keep an editing and evaluating eye while using them.

Finally, it's important to use only your own photographs, first from a copyright point of view, but also because when you take them, you will be better able to translate the emotion from it onto canvas or paper than using someone else's. You did take that photo, your mind and eye remember it, and translating it will be much easier than using one that you know nothing about. 

But if given a choice, do work on site if you can, it will make you a better artist.

Very best,

Aude

When do I paint?

Like everyone these days, I'm very busy with various projects. Most of them are art-related, which is what I prefer by far. But many are not, and this is what our life is made of: following our bliss, when we dare doing so, and everything branching out from it. Then there is... the rest. Some of that "rest" can be quite fulfilling as well, and is necessary; otherwise, as artists, we would be way to obsessed with doing only what we love doing. The rest of life is here to allow us to spend time with family members, walk our dogs, see friends, help others, etc. and address more mundane chores such as shopping for food, cleaning, bills, and more. You know your list, don't you? Some are fortunate and can hire help. Many of us can't and we have to take care of things on top of pursuing our passion.

When do I paint, then? I know morning are when I'd prefer to, but last fall I decided to help a friend of mine for a few hours in the morning during the week. It does help paying bills and it's a fun opportunity to be out of the studio, surrounded with people and helping. I now have as a habit to paint in the afternoon instead, after lunch and exercise. My sessions often start around 3:30 pm and can run until 7 pm with a couple of breaks here and there. I don't like to fall into a rabbit hole while painting and it is good to distance myself from my work. Looking at swallows flying around while sipping on a coffee, or lying in the grass on my back and staring at the clouds are my favorites.

This daily commitment to painting is a great way to progress. There are days, indeed, when I can't paint, or have very little time, and I will always try to get in my studio, even for half an hour. I don't wait for inspiration, I don't let myself be distracted, I simply commit to showing up every day.

It's this constancy that allows my work to move along. 

Best,

Aude

Making progress

It's been an amazing amount of work to progress on the road of promotion. I have felt that there is so much to be taken care of: it can be overwhelming as it takes a lot of time, away from painting, particularly. I wrote previously about being organized, and that implies having a plan in order to have a map to follow and move forward.

At this point, it's important to establish priorities. It appears that one that is pressing is simply to get framed the artwork that needs it (pieces painted on wood boards as they look so great with that dark floating frame). Once that is done, I will be able to open my shop online. But before I get my artwork framed, I need to varnish them all, with 2 coats each. So, working backwards to find what's most important is a great way to progress, as odd as it may seem.

I don't forget to paint, either, as this is what I live for, after all. So... I have almost finished the painting above, but I am not satisfied yet, I have to push it further. It lacks spice!

A great success at the Art Association “Jackson Rising IV” opening reception!

Friday night saw the works of 9 artists being displayed, mine amongst them. It was a lively show, with many people showing up: the reception was part of the Fall Arts Festival and Palate & Palettes, thus attracting quite a crowd. 

It was my first participation to a group show of this size and to see my 7 paintings featured on a large wall, and in the best location, was a true reward. All paintings are different, but my style is clearly established and the whole was cohesive. Many art lovers were present, asking me numerous questions about why I paint this way, what inspires me, drives me, how I create this or that, and I was blown away by the overall response. People really liked what I did and they validated my hard work. 

One of my works was sold, "Summer Between the Sun and the Moon" (keeping the buyer’s name anomymous, but I'm honored). I am grateful for his support, and it motivates me to keep pushing further. I have so much to paint and share, it’s the best part of being an artist! I also want to thank all those who came to see my work, specifically: your support is invaluable!

I can now rest a little, yet I don’t want to “rest upon my laurels” (French expression), and here are 3 actions I intend to pursue by the end of the year: 

1) entering 5 juried shows

2) speak to H.S. about having a solo show at one very very popular place in town

3) ask the newspaper about creating a portrait in the local newspaper

… and paint daily!

Enjoy your week,

Aude

What's the header about?

I created my header to share a small part of what I do. The left side is self-explanatory, it's a cropped view of my work area, a sketch that took me a good hour to make, it's fairly detailed. I probably should sketch the whole area but that would take me a lot longer, so, in due time! 

And about the painting on the right. Do you feel as if you had all the time in the world? If so, you're lucky! I wish days were twice as long. I wish I could buy time. Even better, make it! The painting was an attempt at translating the "busi-ness" of life making us go like mad, and finding a still moment, which was when I was painting. The process of painting is always very meditative, I don't work fast, I observe a lot. This is, among other reasons, why I'm an artist: because it makes me pause and find my center, and sense of freedom (the seagull on the bottom).  I like symbolism a lot, and the Chinese IChing came to mind, and it fit right in. 

Are your days busy? Do you pursue any artistic purpose? What does it do to you, for you, in relation to a busy life?

Enjoy your day,

Aude

Towards becoming a professional artist

This year, I decided to finally embark on the path to becoming a professional artist. Not a small thing, considering that the world probably could care less to have another artist. But does it need it? YES! I keep reading about being showing something different, and I feel that I am. I was sketching and doing watercolors and as of March, entered an abstract realm that is new and suits me well. I am not sure where I fit, and I'm not sure the world will like it, time will tell.

There are so many things to cover before I actually become a little bit known.

1. Painting! It remains the reason why I want to do this. It's about holding a brush, and doing my work, primarily.
2. Social media and networking, which lives in the realm of marketing. I am not fond of having to spend more time than I want on that, however it is a amazing tool nowadays and I am grateful to have access to it.
3. Marketing. That is THE largest part of getting anywhere. It includes many areas to cover.

There are more than 3 but those are the main categories. So, I better keep at it.

On a great note, I have been selected by a friend and artist to be in the upcoming Jackson Rising IV. It is happening soon, more on that in a coming post.

A NEW BEGINNING!

I haven't posted for a long, very long time, in fact. 2014 was a year of questioning and being deeply involved in my graphic design work. I went also on a 3-month trip in France, not exactly traveling since I was also working online. I did much, visited friends, family, made new friendships, did a meditation retreat, walked a lot in cool villages, saw some amazing art, was inspired, felt French again when it was time to go back to Jackson.

Upon my return, I realized that I was at a turning point in my life. I wondered about pushing my graphic design business further, as I enjoy it, and it pays me well. However, when I finally allowed myself to be truly honest, I came to realize I simply wanted to be an artist. I wanted to paint and paint and paint. I knew it all along, as one of those truth embedded in you, that keeps pursuing you, yet you never dare looking at it. Well, I did, and this was HUGE for me. This is my life-long passion.

It has many implications. The first one is that I am making a commitment to paint every day, if I can. There will be days when I can't, indeed. I still need to work in my business, I am not ready to let go of it, and it will pay for my art supplies and expenses. So, I will paint every morning and also develop my presence online, as being an artist today is a bit different than when Gauguin was one. You need to get known on the internet. That takes time too. Yet my primary focus will be to work hard in order to get better and get a direction in my art. I am looking at submitting my work to contest, galleries yet being patient with progress. It can't happen overnight

Voilà, this is what is lined up for 2015. I am thrilled. Joseph Campbell said "Follow your bliss" and I am. This is my passion. I have a voice through my paintbrushes and pens, I intend to let it express itself. I have many details to cover in order to get anywhere, but the foundation is simple: paint and draw.