| Author | Message | ||
  Laura36 |
Just want to respond to Nicoles message, that in our church on Sunday our pastor read an open letter written in 1973 from a Canadian who was commenting at the time to America's involvement in Vietnam. Our country has always responded to injustice around the globe, with very little reciprocal action from outsiders when we need help. I was very touched by the letter and am in the process of gaining a copy, as it shows that someone sees the kindness of America and what this country stands for. The more we stand together, the stronger we are. Thank you for concern, prayers and support. | ||
marlene |
I was painting THE DAY IT HAPPENED oblivious as usual. My husband called me & told me to turn on the TV. I quick called my Mother, hung up and cried. I felt raped, devastated! That this country that was kind enough to adopt me & my family should be attacked like this within its borders is bejond comprehension. My mother who was shocked & terrified said it looked just like Europe after the war.Please God let this be the last of such horror! | ||
nicolemeri |
I just wanted to post a message to share my condolences with all who were affected by this tragedy. There are no words to describe the shock, the horror, the pain and the loss. I too pray that President Bush receives wisdom from God of what to do at this time, as I think that we can recognize the potential if this situation were to escalate and intensify. I have never been to NY, and have no connections to anyone there, and yet I know how deeply this tragedy has affected me. As a Canadian, I would like to let all of our American neighbours know that we stand with you and support you, and pray that you find peace in the midst of your sorrow. God has given you a gift of painting. Use that gift to heal yourself and heal others. Allow your light to shine in the midst of darkness. Many lives will be touched if you allow your painting to say what you cannot express with words. | ||
Roixanne Steed |
To all of us CJ friends; this has been an agonizing week. I found great relief that my dear friends at the Pentagon were not in the part of the building that was destroyed.(it took hours before I found out). But my heart is breaking for all the strangers I never met who are lost to all this destruction. This week I am at a Carl Dalio workshop, here in San Diego. It is a such a great relief to have been able to spend each day with artist friends and have long periods of focus each day (and make me turn off the radio for several hours). Mr Dalio is an excellent instructor and has maintained our spirits through the week. I hope I can sustain the energy in the following weeks. Perhaps the best things we can do....donate blood, fly the American flag, support our President and military personnel, let our friends and loved ones know how much we love and appreciate them, and encourage our fellow artist friends. Pick up your brush (or preferred medium), show up at the page, put it on the surface and make your mark. Don't stop, press-on regardless....this is what brings happiness to an artist, and as difficult as it is, it is another "best thing we can do". | ||
Lex |
I've spent most of this week painting while listening to the news. I've always needed some outlet for pent-up energy and emotions and took up painting in earnest several years ago when my brother was killed in an accident. We all respond differently to these things and there's no single correct way. God bless you all. Pray for peace. Work for justice. | ||
Kukana |
We should most likely move this conversation to the chat area but I can't resist either. I consider myself a well adjusted, emotional stable person. (Maybe a little too 'full of my self!) But the past couple of nights I've had horrible dreams that wake me up. I find myself thinking about it almost constantly and thank God for how blessed I am to have my loved ones safe and sound. The emotional impact of this has taken me off guard. If I am experiencing this, I can't imagine what folks, both physically and emotionally, closer to this horrific event are experiencing. My prayers to all, especially President Bush. I can't imagine what the "right thing to do" is. So many options, so many decisions, so much uncertainy. A new day to live in infamey. | ||
dazey |
the lee greenwood song quote was just what i needed to hear. thanks. | ||
jandrle |
The day of the disaster I found myself painting and framing all day - until eleven that night. I had the tv on in my studio. My artist friend told me that I was the only person she knew that was working. For some reason it was theraputic... and the reality of the situation didn't hit me until I started waking up in the night and the terror of it all came instantly into my mind. We live 14 miles from the Pentagon and could hear the fighter jets flying continually. What a shame. I am so thankful to have a gentle heart. Jane | ||
All of Us and our Friends |
I'm proud to be an American Where at least I know Im free And I won't forget the men who died who gave that right to me And I'd gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today There ain't no doubt, I love this land God bless the USA -words by Lee Greenwood- | ||
Cathy |
As everyone has said, we all feel the pain. To add to the stories, there was a man from my city who had been sent to a training meeting at the towers. He was on the 60th or something floor. The meeting was to start shortly, so he told a co-worker he was going to run down to the 47th floor to get a drink. His co-worker told him not to go, but he really felt like he should anyway. He was down there when the first plane hit. He smelled the fuel, and thinking there was a bomb, he ran down the 47 flights of stairs getting out just in time before the second plane hit. This is an example of how a small promptings can sometimes save a life. There is no doubt in my mind that the Lord is with us. Although many died during this travesty, we cannot doubt His presence. We are blessed as a nation, and as it says in our pledge, One Nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Our country was founded on faith in God and will continue with that same faith. Bless all of you as we join together in helping our brother and sisters in this time of sorrow and troubled future. | ||
patinsc |
Dake, Thanks for your kind words. As you can imagine we are a nation in mourning. There are millions of storys like the one by Laure36 of people just missing being in or near the buildings before the attack. I live in South Carolina and a friend of mine has a daughter in NY who had a Drs. appt. at 2 p.m. on Monday in the building. We are wounded but not broken. I checked the site just to see the comments Mon. and Tues. and saw nothing but blank space. And that is just about how we feel. Blank, numb, disbelieving. But just give us time to rally as we are slowing doing now. We will prevail. Keep painting and posting for those of us who are not quite ready to pick up a brush. We will join you soon. | ||
carol |
i also live in n.y.,as does laura. i'm finding it hard to paint after so much destruction and apprehension about the future. how the state of things can change in a matter of minutes is mind boggling.i'm packing for the maine w/c workshop with don getz and hope to have a productive week. thanks dake for your concern. suture self, great creative painting,like your style. | ||
Laura36 |
I just want to add that one of the first things I did when some calm resumed was to check this site. I feel that when we continue with the things in our lives that bring us comfort and a sense of stability, we rise above the situation. I myself have faith in Jesus Christ and know that God is still on the throne and he sees the whole thing. America needs to return to the values and principles that we were founded on, put our hope in the One True God and unite against terrorism. Pray for our President George Bush and his cabinet that they make sound decisions, not letting vengence override justice. | ||
Laura36 |
Thank you Dake, I live north of NYC by four hours in upstate NY. Our state and the nation as a whole has felt the shock and horror. I was planning a trip to the city in November, to visit museums. A close friend of mine has a brother who had an appointment in the North Tower for Tuesday at 9 a.m. He called the day before to change the time to later in the day. He holds an appointment card that is a certificate to life. On the workshop I went to recently I met a woman who lives next door to the trade center complex. I pray she is safe and unharmed and her family as well. There are so many stories. Our blood drives here have turned people away who want to help, including myself. I too don't feel much like painting, but I think about artists like Picasso who painted "Guernica" as a response to the pain of war and the anguish that cannot be said in words. I am proud to be an American. Thank you for prayers, support and may justice prevail. | ||
Dake |
Hi Nancy, Winsor& Newton...not hard to get and I think it's series 1 or 2 meaning it's much cheaper than the Cadmiums which are series 4. Thanks for the positive comment. I'm not sure about everyone else but I've no motivation to pick up a brush at the moment. I'm so upset about what has happened to your fellow countrymen and women and express my deepest sympathy if any of you have friends or relatives that have suffered loss. Dake | ||
nancy |
Dake, I just love your colors in your Sea Shanty. Who makes Scarlett Lake paint? nancy | ||
Kukana |
OK Dake, just chit chat but did you know stupidity runs in families. Now my son is going with my husband on this big shark scuba dive deal in Austrailia. Tell me its safe and no one ever gets hurt...Did I mention I'm into denial??? | ||
Kukana |
Thanks Dake. I understand totally about painting instintivly. Its always frustating when someone asks me how I did something and I say, duh!!!! Its even more frustrating when Im demoing and someone ask, Whay are you doing that? Or what are your thoughts while you're doing that? and I answer.."My thoughts are that Im wondering if I emtied the cats litter box or not that morning!" Oh well! Also Dake, My husband is going to Sidney Austraila Oct 10through the 20th to go Shark Diving. (Did I mention my husband is and idiot??) While he's gone Im going to take off for Calgary Alberta Canada and go to a Frank Webb Workshop. Why does my trip sound so much safer and sane than his.???Hmmmmm, let me think!!!! | ||
Dake |
Kakuna, I paint instinctively, I have a pthalo green (winsor) on my palet and dip into it sparingly when i feel it will add kick ,if i want a warm green i always mix my own. i temper my pthalo with cad yellow, aurolian, and the standard blues; Ultramarine, cobalt and cobalt deep, cerulean and manganese...i don't have any formulae,just what ever feeeels right provided it remains in the right "key". For instance this piece had to have a cool dreaminess about it, at one stage I had very little warmth in the sailors face, it looked very spooky as though he was playing from davey jones' locker and was a ghost(I think thats the "edge" Lex refers to).I didn't want to frighten little children so put some cool warmth in.A great cool red and transparent alternative to cadium red is Scarlet Lake. Has almost the same intensity as cad red but has more air/light to it. If i'd chosen my usual warm palet with the cadiums and warmer blues and greens it would tell a different story and not reinforce the whimsical,dreamy nature of it. Painting and music are analogous, i have a musical background and since i've been "theorizing" painting in the musical sence, it's made alot more sence to me. Key signatures are the first notation on a piece of music. This determines the scales,the notes,chords that make up the piece. This applies to painting too. When planning a painting we need to determine what "key" it will be in; major, minor etc.I guess it comes down to my personal relationship with both artforms that makes me see it this way, i'm sure some kind of scientific theory could define the analogy but i don't have the intelligence or time to persue it. Sorry all for raving on. Dake | ||
Kukana |
Dake, Are you mixing your own greens or are you starting with a pre madeone and then altering it.? I usually start with a Phathlo Green or olive green and tone it with blues or red to warm or cool ot but I still fight it .Seems that when I mix from scratch I end up muddy and dull. What are some of your favorites tricks and combo's ? I agree about the bridging from violets and blues, I really like that look too. | ||
Dake |
Oh yeah Kukana, Green is something i've been afraid of. But in more recent experiments i,ve found it actually boosts resonance in blues and forms a bridge between the complementaries of blues and violets. Dake | ||
Sid |
Nancy: Here's the link you wanted: Handprint Sid | ||
Dake |
Hi All, Thank you for your encouraging comments. I guess when i paint form my imagination i feel the results may be too personal and not felt by others. Maybe thats the case with the rooster Cathy, I'm very very happy to hear of your achievement. You see..Eureka!!! It Works!! Paint personally from your heart and you will succeed. Cheers Everyone Dake | ||
nancy |
Hi, Can anyone give me the URL for Handprints? I am sure enjoying the chat. Thanks in advance. nancy | ||
Cathy |
Thanks, Kukana :-D | ||
Kukana |
Congats Cathy...3rd place in a huge fair like SLC is awesome. I've been to the SLC fair and your'e right, it big, there is a lot of great entries and placing is wonderful! Im so happy for you! Dake, I'm especially impressed with your use of Greens in your work. I think it difficult to do a painting in greens and not have it jump out and over power the painting. Plus I love the fish!!! | ||
carol |
dake.... great painting... i esp like the strength in the hands and the colors in the instrument. | ||
feather |
Dake; I'm totally impressed! | ||
Cathy |
Dake, remember when you said to paint from the heart etc. etc.... well, you know my whimsical rooster I mentioned earlier in this discussion? It was just something I wanted to paint with no thought of pleasing anyone but myself. I went to the fair with no expectation of winning anything at all because I didn't think the judges would like it, but guess what? I won 3rd place! The fair is not the finest art show in town, but there is some very fine work done in this competition, so I am very pleased. Thanks! | ||
Roxanne Steed |
Argghh matey, I love it. Very New Englandy. Reminds me of Mystic, CT. (and of course, I'm married to a sailor!). More please! | ||
Lex |
Excellent! I love the in-yer-face immediacy created by the perspective and composition. And I recognized the bar behind the sailor as a gunwale, no problem. The dominance of greens and blues really works for this subject matter. So does the bit of warm yellow/ochre on the concertina, as tho' it's picking up some of the feller's skin tone. While the piece seems whimsical at first glance there's also a bit of an edge to it. More! | ||
Laura36 |
Okay, Dake, I accept the green shaft as a boat rail. (Just being whimsical myself). I really like the style and imagery. I want to do more things like that (not that I could rival your ability) but take chances and do things that are pure fun. | ||
dazey |
Dake, I am no great artist, so take my opinion for what it is worth. But I love that painting. The colors are wonderful, and something about it just appeals to me. | ||
Cathy |
Hi Dake, I love your colors! I thought the green was the boat, and the whimsy is so fun. I have been thinking of doing some whimsical pieces myself, and in fact did one for our state fair. It is of a rooster with chicken wire in the back ground, and it is decorated like the rooster's home, with a picture hanging up of a hen with a chick, and a blue ribbon that says '1st place', and little details. I can't post it because it's hanging at the fair right now. In the past several years I have won ribbons and cash prizes, but that was for realistic type work. It will be interesting to see how the whimsy will do. Today the fair opens, so I guess I will find out soon enough. | ||
Dake |
Sorry laura36, I meant to add below that the green bar thingy is meant to be the rail on a boat...maybe? Dake | ||
Dake |
Ki Hukana, No i don't get to hang out with the beautiful people as much as i used to when i was working in a hospital setting.But the broarder scope mental illness and social suffering offers a daunting tome of subject matter, especially in the figurative range of art which is where i want to put my roots. It's hard not to sound precious when i try to describe the sentiment behind this whimsical piece.It's just that old salty grin and bear it, sing through the hard times, kind of like the blues. The sea shanty was a work chant, designed with as many verses as it took to hoist the anchor or mainsail.The songs told of the dreams, fears and adventures at sea and ashore,working,fighting,drinking,womanizin.etc Plenty of raw human experience,when entertainment was hand made.It's an ancient theme that i feel the need to explore. Like to have a little fun though. Theres an old navy adage that goes something like this; Ashore me boys, it's wine women and song...but at sea lads it's rum, bum and concertina. | ||
piper |
I get a sense of celebration, personal but for all, even the fishes of the sea! The colors create a mood for me of joy. | ||
Kukana |
Hey Dake, Funkkkky! You are really talented. From the scan on my monitor the piece has an almost airbrush quality. Beautiful blending and shading. How big is it? And tell us, what was your inspiration for this whimsical piece? Have you been hanging out with some of the crazies from work again??? | ||
Laura36 |
I think this is a wonderfully creative piece. I love your drawing ability and use of color. I am wondering what the green shaft is behind the person's head? I like the concept, and especially like paintings that are different. | ||
Dake |
Now I said i was going to paint a series of "Sea Shantys" This is a new direction for me and before i drop my pants in public i want your HONEST critique. There are two so far, this one is called "Dance of the Little Green Fish" I will not begin to try and explain why i wanted to paint these, it just came out. Dake  | ||
Dake |
Great Cathy, Thanks. I'm off to paint a series of Sea Shantys seeya lata. Dake | ||
Anne-Claire |
I am a full time working Mum... (web designer). So there is little time left to paint. I only paint on week-end, I try to paint 6 hours (3+3). My kids (7 and 8 y old) know that when I paint, I need to be alone or at least quiet. I have a little painting area in a room where everything is permanently set up, so I just need to sit down and start. They know they have to knock if they need to see me, else they stay by my side either painting either playing quietly. Usually it works pretty well... During the week, I do my painting "thinking", do some sketches, read art books, plan my painting week-end session. I don't paint a lot but my work is more "reflected" in that way. During holidays... I try to paint 3 hours each day... | ||
Cathy |
Last night I finished up a painting, and tonight I had to decide what to paint next. So I took Dake's advice and pulled out something I had painted before. It was a couple of young girls in a field of sunflowers. I had painted it about 4 years ago. Instead of painting the same girls, I got a picture of my daughter taken last year, and found a picture of me at the same age and drew our faces in. My daughter Aubrey Anne really got a kick out of it. I am almost done with the drawing and it will be nearly a full sheet in size. This weekend I am snapping some slides to enter into our watercolor society's fall show, due this coming Tuesday. As I was drawing tonight I began to let the feelings of 'hurrying and getting it done' so I would have something new to enter. That takes all the fun out of it. So I took myself in hand, and reminded myself I was doing something I loved and to quite fretting and just ENJOY it. It worked! Getting those other emotions out of the way let me feel that it was coming from my heart. I felt peaceful and happy instead of worrying if this painting will turn out. I am really satisfied with the way the drawing is progressing. I think it will be a good painting. Because of working full time, the only painting I seem to get done is for some kind of deadline. No more painting for deadlines for me... I mean I will still have deadlines but I am going to try to have the 'paint from the heart' attitude. Thanks again Dake for your advice, it is really making a difference. | ||
piper |
Dake makes a really good point with #5. No matter what I am doing my inner Artists eye is in scanning mode. When I do finally find the oportunity to grab brush and paper countless images are shouting for attention. I bet we all do it, we maybe we just have to coordinate unloosing the images when we have the free time. | ||
sisterchris |
One thing that forces me to keep painting regularly is teaching a class. There are a lot of levels to teach at, so most of us are able to share what we have learned if we can just get over the intimidation factor. I teach both drawing and watercolor. I prefer the watercolor but know that I need the drawing practice. Teaching a class really stretches me (in a bunch of ways - I hate teaching perspective - isn't that math anyway?). | ||
Cathy |
Well Dake, you've done it again... got me thinking!!! Thanks for your input. I have tons of painting to do with your suggestion of using a subject I have already done. Doing that will really stretch what needs stretching, my creative mind. Thanks for opening another door! | ||
Lex |
Numerous health problems which make it impossible for me to work a regular job (I was a federal regulatory enforcement officer and a journalist) have given me the luxury of being able to paint almost every day, often all day, in between the odd chores of feeding chickens, my grandmother and, many days when they're visiting, my grandsons (we're a largish extended family in the traditional sense, which has advantages and disadvantages - but it suits me). A serious car wreck in July put a bit of a damper on my painting sessions. Back and neck injuries make it difficult to paint, whether sitting or standing, for more than an hour at a time. And there is daily physical therapy, along with the long drive since I live in a rural area. I'm including the gory details only because nicolemeri seemed honestly curious about how we manage our daily difficulties and continue to pursue art. No need for sympathy cards or anything like that. Other than the shortage of money there are no real disadvantages and I'm happier than I ever was when working full time. The employment/unemployment and health issues have had zero impact on the time I've spent on artistic pursuits in my adulthood. Years ago when my health was perfect and I was working furiously I also spent nearly every spare waking moment involved in live theatre as an actor, director and sometimes writer. When I realized theatre was no longer a realistic endeavor I simply switched focus to painting. Since I've been a serious amateur - and sometime professional - photographer since age 8, studied commercial photography and graphic arts in school, and was fortunate enough to grow up around professional artists (friends of my folks), it was an opportunity to finally do something I'd wanted to for a very long time. I do plan to earn some income as an artist while still having fun doing so. | ||
Roxanne Steed |
Amen to those thoughts Dake, I'm am very grateful to CJ's for this site!!! | ||
Dake |
I'm beginning to realize why this place is so precious to many of you. There are other "mad" people here...something thats so important to the soul...knowing you're not alone. Also with the search for subject matter.. Cezanne said i think...something like..One can paint the same bottle throughout a lifetime and have enough subject to satisfy the spirit...the senitment is there not the actual quote. The subject is merely a motif upon which to hang the emotion and that is what is important. Those quinces are brimming with atmosphere and life by great use of light ,value, color and space. Try painting the same subject using a domonant technique, different for each. eg one using Value another color,another line...texture space ,scale.etc Must run Dake | ||
Cathy |
Dake has some good suggestions (as usual) that reminded me of a couple of things that I do. I take one of those traveling watercolor kits with me to work and paint at lunch! (I have an hour). Or I just practice sketching. I am trying to make it a habit of carrying a sketch pad with me all the time, but usually forget. I also take books on watercolor to study during my break. Right now I'm studying Carrie Stuart Park's book on Marketing. I am really obsessive about art right now. I think about it alllll the time. (Do I need help?) | ||
Cathy |
Hi Nicole, I have been wondering the same thing. I work full time too and I have had to really cut back on other things to give focus to my painting. But as life goes rapidly by, there are days that soon measure a week and no chance to paint. Most of the time though, I manage 3 nights a week to paint and sometimes Saturday. I have had to make it a big priority to do that. My kids are older and pretty much busy themselves, except for my youngest who is 13. I have her interested in painting too so we do it together often. I have my 'studio', (ha-ha) set up where there is a TV and I have my girls watch a movie with me (while I paint) I try to have them with me if they haven't some activity of their own to be to. Otherwise I would be just disappearing into my artist's world and they would be momless for an evening. I try to avoid that. The biggest thing that stops me from painting is what to paint next! If you read the chat area you may have gathered that I have a real block going on about painting the exactly right thing and I need to loosen up and paint for myself. I am working on it. :-) | ||
dake |
Hi nicolemeri, As a full time worker,dad and husband finding time to paint is a constant source of grief because i'm impossible to live with harmoniously unless i paint daily..obsession yes! As a mother full time working,,,hmm even harder, depending on the age of your children. If you can quarrantine 3 hrs weekly by booking into a regular workshop then you'll maximize the benefits from time spent. Less time than this for watercolor is difficult to progress with. I find that by having all of my materials within reach i tend to fit little experiments and excersizes into very narrow gaps of time. For instance that whimsical thingy i posted yesterday took me about an hour when i got home from afternoon shift at 11pm when the rest of the household was asleep. You will eventually evolve a way to make it fit. Others around you will eventually adapt too. So: 1/quarantine time for painting in your diary and make others aware of what you'll be doing at a specific time each week. 2/keep your sketchpad handy to record ideas and plans for later use. Because with watercolor 95% of the work is done before brush hits paper. 3/Set aside an area within reach of you daily activites with materials ,books etc where you can paint without too much reorganization. 4/In the absence of enough time to paint practice value sketches in charcoal..it's cheap and remarkably like watercolor in many ways. 5/Don't give up thinking about painting, keep it in yor mind until the expression part becomes "second nature" requiring less preparation time for the mind prior to actually doing it. This method works for me....not ideal but thats life. Dake | ||
elizabeth zipper |
It certainly is a challenge to give our painting any kind of priority when there are so many other important things competing for our attention. One thing that has helped me tremendously, though, is reading The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. She deals very effectively with the subject of artistic frustration, and suggests you give yourself an "artist's date" once a week. | ||
laura36 |
I work for an agency that provides programs for disabled adults. I have a 50 hour a week job as a coordinator for one of the day programs. I would much rather spend 8-4:30 every day painting. I did just that at a workshop a couple of weeks ago, I felt like I was in heaven. I've been painting solidly for four years now. Art has always been in my blood since high school, and I went to college to study fine art. Painted in oils, did sculpture, drawing, design, fabric design, loved it all. I could eat, sleep and drink art. When I had my son ten years ago, I quit painting for a while to take care of him. I was a single mother and had to work,so having time to paint was just a dream. Now I have the time, I tote my kid every where, along with my paints. I cart an easel and watercolors to the public beach, he swims and I paint. It gets easier as the kids get older, and having only one child is easier than two or three. My husband is very supportive. I basically told him before we got married that he would have to be. I work very hard at everything that I do. My house is not always clean, but then again it wasn't when my son was little either. I rarely cook, which is good because I burn things a lot. My husband cooks a lot and is very picky, so I don't have to come up with new, interesting, creative dishes all the time. Usually what gets in my way is sleep. I paint whenever I can. I used to paint at home, and I found that I never painted because I always had to put it all away when I was done. I needed a place to leave my paints out and just shut the door when I was through. I took the plunge and rented a studio. I pay $3 a square foot and share the space with another artist. I also teach wc classes one night a week. It helps pay the rent. I find time whenever I can. I find painting to be therapy for me. My job can be very stressful and challenging at times, and painting is a release. | ||
nicolemeri |
Just a question-- I find it really hard to find time to paint every week, let alone every day. I work full time, in addition to being a wife and mother. Realistically, I know that there will always be obstacles to my art and that I need to prioritize it. Question: what things get in the way of you painting and how do you deal with those things? How long have you been painting? Where do you find the time that you need to paint? If you have another job-- what is it? (just for fun). :o) |
