The Daily Spectrum - Is There A Logical Progression To My Work Or Is It All Random?

If you had asked me this question an hour ago, I would've said it was all random with no rhyme or reason to it.  However, my life seems to progress in the same fashion.  I became overwhelmed with my emotions- anger (red), resentments ( fushia ), jealousy (lime green) -these colors dominated my work with thick brush strokes emphasizing my every move.  When I studied for art therapy, I began to notice what I had done instinctively...self-preservation prevailed.  I expelled toxic emotions without hurting myself or others.

As I've come to heal and mature, I have reverted back to the peacefulness of pen and ink drawings.  My oil paintings flow quickly with pure colors of the spectrum - soul colors.

So, yes, there is a logical progression to my work for whatever reason it needs to be whatever it is on any given day.  I build upon what I did the day before, becoming a better person for it.  The practice is what it is.

Until Next Time,
The Happy Painter,
Jill

The Daily Spectrum - When Do I Make Art?

My daily routine goes something like this:  The morning comes and the birds begin chirping - as it's been lately- they begin cackling at 4:30a.m.  I get out of bed, stumble around trying to get the sleep out of my eyes.  Grab a glass of water, and eat a banana then climb back into bed for another couple of hours if possible.  When I wake on my own powers, I then eat breakfast, have a cup of coffee, and begin reading meditation books to get pure thoughts into my head for the day.

Next, I put on a Buddhist monk, and do "bed biking" for exercise.  Once the brain has gotten sufficiently fed with nourishing thoughts as well as blood flow, I get dressed and begin whatever learning is meant to happen. I look up other artists, study their works for pointers or read, or go to my therapist, or to a group at the library to draw from another artist's classes.

I stop in town for lunch and fresh air.  I walk the town in search of subjects to paint.  I have camera in hand for that glimpse of life to arrive.

I then go home and begin the routine of getting out all my equipment and setting everything in the order I prefer: paint and thinner to my left, canvas directly in front of me and a rag or paper towels to my right. Then I sit down and begin with a prayer... God help me.  Energy fills my body and I begin painting.

Yellow first goes flying over the surface, followed by orange, red, green , blue and violet.  They all came out to play...they did their dance, related joyfully with one another.  Satisfied- I pack up and call it a day- even though I still have many miles to go before bed.

Until next time,
The Happy Painter,
Jill

The Daily Spectrum - Why Do I Make Art?

Making art, for me, is an essential aspect of my life. I was born to create.  Creating is like breathing; if I suddenly stop, I will die.  Maybe not physically, but spiritually.  Creating sends a flow of energy from the cosmos into my being.  I become charged - fired up and off I blast into a bohemic frenzy.

I sometimes listen to exciting music while I paint and the energy is transmitted onto my canvas.  Other times I sit outside and let the flow of life carry me on its wings as my paintbrush soars over the surface.  I've been experimenting with pure, undiluted color.  I was curious to experience the effects that would be created.  The way the colors related was electrifying and bold.

I've also been working on strengthening my powers of intuition with the placement of the pigments garnering surprising results. Utilizing this intuition has become a way of life in other areas as well.  Last week while at the harbor, I met a gentleman who was painting plein air.  He turned out to also be an art coach.  If I had followed my mind and changed my plan, I wouldn't have met this man.  I had heard a voice from within say, "Take your walk."  Thank God I listened.  Like they say, "When the student is ready, the teacher comes."

Until next time,
The happy painter,
Jill

The Daily Spectrum- What Is My Inspiration?

For the past two weeks, my inspiration has been the idea of having a successful business doing what I love: painting and teaching art.  I am in the process of reinventing myself and showing the world- the REAL ME. No more pretty pictures for pictorial sake.

Blogging allows me to glimpse into my mind; painting allows me to glimpse my soul and interacts with me where I am at.

Life has its own way at synchronicity in having events fall right in order at the right time in the right place for the right reasons.

I want to live in peace and harmony with all peoples.  The better I understand myself and my creative process, the more effectively I can reach my ambition.

Art therapy can be achieved by painting with a full spectrum- no diluting of color.  As I actualize myself- I  hope to help actualize others.

Until next time,
The Happy Painter,
Jill

The Daily Spectrum - How I Know A Piece Is Done...

There are days when I find it harder to work than others. On those days, I may cover a board with colors and call it done because I don't have the energy to continue...the energy just isn't flowing through me. At other times, I may be feeling more vibrant and the flow is overwhelming. I go and go like the energizer bunny! I pick up the brush and begin the dance. Just like a dance, when the music stops, it is finished...when the flow of inspiration is over- the painting is done.

Until next time,
The Happy Painter,
Jill