Challenged to Paint a Masterpiece
barbara schilling
Still life and Landscapes in oil at Fine Art Impressionist Painter
Spring's First Peonies 12x16" oil on linen Barbara Schilling Fine Art
Last week I was privileged to take a 3 day workshop with one of the top contemporary masters out there. What a treat! Besides being an incredible artist, he is also a marvelous and generous teacher. I went away totally inspired.
Now, I'm geeked! I've been given all the tools to create a masterpiece...I can't wait to get at my easel. So, back at home I start to paint and I discover I have apparently completely forgotten how to do it. I can't seem to paint a stick figure. My brushes feel like lobster claws, my paints are out-of-control, my brain is frozen.
How could this be happening?! As I ponder on it, I realize this probably happens to a lot of artists. And so I thought I'd share.
A good teacher inspires you and leaves you with much to think about, and much to learn. It is natural that you are excited about trying out the new stuff.....but perhaps it would be wise not to expect your first painting after a workshop to be a masterpiece. You have added new perspectives, new information, new processes. It will take some time to master this new way of painting.
So this is what I did to unlock my frozen brain....I let go of expectation and just allowed myself to have some fun. Be experimental. I reminded myself of the newly acquired information, but I spent the day playing with the paint. Before long I felt those lobster claws disappearing back into brushes.
Maybe I didn't create a masterpiece, but I enjoyed the process and I am easing my way into the new way of seeing.
B.A. In Art History Seeking Curatorial or Admin. Assistant Position
7 年You just hit a rut. My art is different, but you ARE talented. Sometimes you have to step away from the paintbrush !
B.A. In Art History Seeking Curatorial or Admin. Assistant Position
7 年AWESOME!!!!
Art Preservation Assistant Manager, Bark Frame Works
8 年Every time we discover new facets of ourselves it takes time to feel comfortable with it. So it is with painting. Those means that we had developed and were comfortable with no longer seem able to fill the void the new level illuminates. With time and patience the new levels may show us the ways to adopt the old means needed to achieve the new ends. Ahhh the excitement of discovery is what keeps me going! Good luck Barbara, I know you will master this too!
Award winning Artist / photographer
8 年I cannot see clearly on a phone but love the little glimpse of landscape between the dominant and powerful blooms. Great thinking and execution. Being hypercritical, could more contrast between tone values and complementary colours in the blooms enhance this even more? Just a passing observation from one who has not reached your level but who tries to teach from what he knows! I must look up Quang Ho!
Award winning Artist / photographer
8 年Another great Schilling