Playing in the studio this week: on a quest for more fun and joy
There's no such thing as too many art supplies, by the way. Plus collage papers and new paints.
Hello friends, this week I’ve been painting a lot of little experiments, collage papers, and in my painting journal. Today’s post is a share of some of the fun stuff that showed up in my studio this week.
Read on for my latest article.
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Thank you for being here, I always appreciate you for showing up.
Love, Kris
On a quest to bring more fun into my art making space
I will be the first to admit that I get all up in my own head sometimes, and it can get a bit serious there.
Ouch, this does not work while creating. Not a bit. When I get stuck like this, I have to surprise myself and find a way to get some play back into myself. Like nutritious food and lots of rest, fun is necessary for life, and for art making.
One of the best ways I have found to break through a creative block is to make a mess playing and experimenting with paint. I dig a bit deeper into my growing pile of art supplies, and try to surprise myself. In my opinion, there’s no such thing as too many art supplies. The trick is to remember you have them and use them regularly.
Today’s painting session was healing and fun, and inspired me to build a surface in a new (to me) way. I like making a lot of layers with my paint, with imagery and textures, so it looks rich and textured. The surface depth is interesting to me, and gives the painting more movement and possibilities.
When I allow myself to play and to simply follow my nose, the possibility of discovering something new and exciting is present. I love it when happy surprises show up in my work - they always remind me to step out of the way and stop trying to control an outcome.
I’m so grateful to have a dedicated art making space. Since my studio and office share the same room, I can sit at my desk while working in my psychic biz space and still see all the colorful fun going on in the art half of the room. This works well for me and helps me have space from each of these parts of my work.
New art supplies arrived this week too - a birthday gift from my awesome sister in law Janice.
I’ve not bought Golden acrylics for some time, and I took the opportunity to use my gift card to order some supplies I don’t often use these days. Plus the new brushes I bought were made by Catalyst, the company that makes amazing wedges and other mark making tools for painting. Great brushes!
I forgot how much I love Golden’s Azo Gold, and the Prussian Blue - wow. I can’t wait to play with this new set of colors. All of the colors I ordered are on the transparent side, so they are all good glazes too.
In the midst of so much change, upheaval, future worries and fears, there are many opportunities presented now to each of us to grow and create something new. This can get a wee bit serious, as you know, and I believe that having fun is necessary and very important.
I hope your coming week gives you the space in which to find some fun and joy for yourself.
Inspiration for having fun all through life
Jane Fonda on having a creative senior moment:
According to Spotify, I listened to Martin Denny more than any other artist this year, and I listened to a LOT of different music. A friend turned me on to Denny earlier this year, and I went on a roll of listening to this super fun and playful music. Listen for the bird and animal sounds Denny liked to add to his music.
that photo of the snapdragons is Wow! can't wait to see what you paint from it! or collage!
Super art you’re creating Kris I see total joy in the bits and process ❣️ and I really appreciate the Jane Fonda link!