When I schedule creative time with people who care about me, I’m far more likely to show up. I’m also more likely to enjoy myself.
Working on projects with people makes me happy. Honestly, this is news to me. I thought I had to be alone to make real art. That, evidently, has changed. Having people around, people who care about me, and people who also want to make stuff, it helps me focus.
Sharing studio with good quality people is dang good quality fun. Sometimes there is music, sometimes snacks. This week it got hot, and someone came in with watermelon. Occasionally the stressful world comes in the door with them, but soon everyone settles in, and becomes relaxed and happy. It usually takes a little while – about 20 minutes of friendly chatter. Then, one by one, each person’s attention turns to their project, and the chatter turns to rustling. That’s about the time Lendy catches me deeply engrossed in scribbles, my tongue sticking out like a little kid’s, and I realize I haven’t heard a word anyone has said for…. how long was I gone?
Shared experiences, the moments when I get to say “Hey look what this ink did!” or “How the heck do I do this?” or “Look! I made a thing!” and friends look up and say “That’s fabulous!” – those shared experiences, they feel good, and they build camaraderie.
When I have a creative date with people, I show up.I catch the infectiousness of their interests. I try things I wouldn’t otherwise had tried. I make stuff. When I don’t, well – you’ll likely find me on the computer again, or doing things that are supposedly important, but really could wait another day.
So I’ve learned to schedule my creative time with classes. The set studio times secure my creative dedication on the calendar. Surrounded by other people who make stuff, I am constantly expanding, and sharing experiences with a growing community of people who care about me. I feel focused, honed, and connected. Art classes make me happy.
Still Lifes I haven’t had much time to write but I’m seeing V. Note inspirations everywhere, so even though I can’t type a long and thoughtful post, I wanted to send you these still lifes by Lucy MacGillis, because I like them and they get me thinking about my own work, and upcoming classes for …
Original Article on ARTnews By Sarah Douglas, 03/02/16 THE PAINTER OF MODERN LIFE: KERRY JAMES MARSHALL AIMS TO GET MORE IMAGES OF BLACK FIGURES INTO MUSEUMS Marshall will be the subject of major traveling retrospective this year Along with two other curators—Helen Molesworth and Dieter Roelstraete—Alteveer is currently at work on the largest museum retrospective to date …
Day 24 of our 30 Day January Challenge was Pathways to the Rectangle. Pathways are directional marks and shapes for our eyes to follow across a drawing or painting. They are a powerful compositional tool to keep the viewer’s eyes engaged and moving around a composition. Connecting these pathways to the edge of the rectangle …
Yes! That’s what we want the Seattle Artist League to be like! We are so happy you are a part of the League, Miles. People like you are the reason we are doing this, and the reason the League is growing into a fun, challenging, and welcoming community. We are so glad you’re a member, …
This is what happens when I don’t take art classes
You know this already:
When I don’t schedule creative time, I lose it.
But you might not know this:
When I schedule creative time with people who care about me, I’m far more likely to show up. I’m also more likely to enjoy myself.
Working on projects with people makes me happy. Honestly, this is news to me. I thought I had to be alone to make real art. That, evidently, has changed. Having people around, people who care about me, and people who also want to make stuff, it helps me focus.
Sharing studio with good quality people is dang good quality fun. Sometimes there is music, sometimes snacks. This week it got hot, and someone came in with watermelon. Occasionally the stressful world comes in the door with them, but soon everyone settles in, and becomes relaxed and happy. It usually takes a little while – about 20 minutes of friendly chatter. Then, one by one, each person’s attention turns to their project, and the chatter turns to rustling. That’s about the time Lendy catches me deeply engrossed in scribbles, my tongue sticking out like a little kid’s, and I realize I haven’t heard a word anyone has said for…. how long was I gone?
Shared experiences, the moments when I get to say “Hey look what this ink did!” or “How the heck do I do this?” or “Look! I made a thing!” and friends look up and say “That’s fabulous!” – those shared experiences, they feel good, and they build camaraderie.
When I have a creative date with people, I show up. I catch the infectiousness of their interests. I try things I wouldn’t otherwise had tried. I make stuff. When I don’t, well – you’ll likely find me on the computer again, or doing things that are supposedly important, but really could wait another day.
So I’ve learned to schedule my creative time with classes. The set studio times secure my creative dedication on the calendar. Surrounded by other people who make stuff, I am constantly expanding, and sharing experiences with a growing community of people who care about me. I feel focused, honed, and connected. Art classes make me happy.
Hey look, fall classes are up. Come join us!
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Lucy MacGillis
Still Lifes I haven’t had much time to write but I’m seeing V. Note inspirations everywhere, so even though I can’t type a long and thoughtful post, I wanted to send you these still lifes by Lucy MacGillis, because I like them and they get me thinking about my own work, and upcoming classes for …
Karry James Marshall
Original Article on ARTnews By Sarah Douglas, 03/02/16 THE PAINTER OF MODERN LIFE: KERRY JAMES MARSHALL AIMS TO GET MORE IMAGES OF BLACK FIGURES INTO MUSEUMS Marshall will be the subject of major traveling retrospective this year Along with two other curators—Helen Molesworth and Dieter Roelstraete—Alteveer is currently at work on the largest museum retrospective to date …
30SAL Faves: Pathways to the Rectangle
Day 24 of our 30 Day January Challenge was Pathways to the Rectangle. Pathways are directional marks and shapes for our eyes to follow across a drawing or painting. They are a powerful compositional tool to keep the viewer’s eyes engaged and moving around a composition. Connecting these pathways to the edge of the rectangle …
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Yes! That’s what we want the Seattle Artist League to be like! We are so happy you are a part of the League, Miles. People like you are the reason we are doing this, and the reason the League is growing into a fun, challenging, and welcoming community. We are so glad you’re a member, …