Maximize your Imagination and Capture Ideas Wherever you Find Them

(Sumo Wrestlers between rounds)

I used to wonder where the wild critters came from in fantasy and horror movies. Now I know. They are inspired by the real world and a vivid imagination.

When I am out walking with my husband, he sees leaves, trees, and flowers, while I see strange creatures waiting for me up ahead or hiding in the shadows; shapes of animals that would seem very comfortable on the pages of a Dr. Seuss book or a in a Jurassic Park flick.

I can't help myself! I see faces and budding cartoon characters in the plush shadows of carpet and in the loops of shag rugs. I always say I'm going to create a painting from one of them some day, but the images are quickly forgotten. Why? Because I forget to jot them down.

Well this time, I decided to hold myself to my promise. A shag throw rug was my canvas, and in it I saw a large Japanese face; but not just any face, a cubist shaped face that only a mother could love. 

I saw vivid and bold colors in orange reds and browns with accents of blue and green. I knew I wanted Japanese lettering, and I took it a step further and imagined the words of a recipe scrawled across this abstract scenario.

After sketching a very quick rough idea of what I wanted, I began to do my research. I ended up with a Sumo Wrestler for a model because I had clearly seen his ebony "topknot" right there in my shag carpet.

I am still putting the pieces of this composition together. What I didn't know at the time was why a recipe, and why a Sumo Wrestler?  Then a lightbulb went on in my head! The title of my painting would be "Stir-Fry." It paired nicely with what wrestlers do as they twist and turn their bodies together and slam them down on the matt.

Now if I can just see my vision clearly enough to paint what I desire. For me, ideas are the fun part of creating. I can see what I want in my head, but sometimes my skill level hasn't quite reached that pinnacle of perfection. I hope in the next few weeks you will enjoy this creative ride with me!

炒め

Yasai Itame

Ingredients

1 Tbsp vegetable oil

1/4 tsp garlic, minced

1/4 tsp ginger, minced

5 oz (150g) pork, thinly sliced and cut small

7oz (200g) cabbage

4oz (120g) bean sprouts

1/2 carrot

1/2 onion

1/2 green pepper

1/4 -1/2 tsp salt

Pepper

2 tsp soy sauce

Instructions

1.    Cut cabbage into 2" squares, and cut carrot, onion, and green pepper into thin slices.

2.   Put oil, garlic, and ginger in a wok, and heat at medium heat. After the wok is hot, add pork and fry for a couple of minutes, stirring until brown.

3.  Add vegetables, turn to high heat, and cook stirring constantly until vegetables wilt (but do not over cook).

4.   Add salt, pepper, soy sauce to taste, mix, and remove from heat to serve.

Making Japanese Stir-Fry 

  

Pros and Cons of Control – when Enough is Enough

(A good example of "controlled" looseness)

We all like to feel in control of our lives, but some things are simply unpredictable. This year, travel and medical problems and procedures made it difficult to keep my blogs up to date on a regular basis. The interruption into my routine of writing and painting brought to mind the catch-all phrase emphasized in the movie Forrest Gump “Shit Happens.”

When this chaos affects. me and you, our projects and paintings may get messed up; and sometimes they turn into mud.  Almost every aspect of artwork must be supervised and controlled meaning that you should have some idea what you want to say, how you’re going to say it, and a visual image of how you want your composition to look.

(Yes, the artist knew what he or she wanted, but left room for creativity)

Even when you loosen up and release your tight grip on the brush, you are still in control. Taking a feathery fan brush and holding it loosely doesn’t mean you don’t know what you’re doing. I watched Lynne Pittard expertly push her oil paint with the tip of a fan brush softly and lightly; lifting as she finished each stroke. Lynne left behind perfectly separated sea grass in her wake. When she wanted to indicate seed, she simply pushed slightly downward (See YouTube video below).

The brush dangled loosely in her fingers as she moved the creamy oils with gentle persuasion. Although her touch was light, she remained completely in control because she knew what she was doing.

(Expressive Control -- A vision and a plan without rigidity)

Clouds can be made in much the same way making them look wispy and fluffy. Control comes in when you understand the feeling you wish to create and exactly where the clouds are needed. Keeping the paint smooth and flowing assists in the process. But if you get too carried away, the clouds may take center stage rather than settle into the background. Let’s face it. There is fun and pleasure in applying paint to canvas. But if you get lost in the process, you lose your overall vision and focus.

Certain techniques such as glazing require a soft touch. Waves that rise and fall spilling frothy foam over translucent layers must be executed with a gentle hand; but in every case, the artist is still in control.

The secret to a successful painting is to make it look effortless, as if the paint has been laid down with a feather rather than labored over or overworked. In order to do this your vision must be clear. On the other hand, you don’t want to be so rigid that unexpected splashes of color or shape are withheld because they weren’t part of your original plan.

Style dictates how brush strokes are laid down. Bold colors and broad swashes of paint help tell a different story. I have a new painting in mind that will require this approach. I personally believe the diversity in our world is beautiful and the people in it have unique individual stories to tell. Cultural differences may also require a bolder brighter touch.

Somewhere I heard the expression: “Let it happen.” If that’s a bit too unstructured for you, then have at least a concept or a story that must be told. Sometimes simple is enough.


Lynne Pittard's "sea grass" tutorial:

Straddling the Line between Traditional and Innovative

(I decided to add jewels and pizzaz to my baby elephant) It will soon be on sale in my Etsy Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AnfinsenArt?ref=hdr_shop_menu
The canvas is a woody palm frond from Florida.

When my youngest two were teenagers, I took them to a movie they were eager to see. I was prepared to be bored; but as it turned out, I was anything but. Although the humor was warped and risqué for its time, I laughed aloud in spite of myself. “Wayne’s World” was another daring leap by Mike Myers, a Saturday Night Live comedian and innovator who brought the word “bodacious” into common usage.

Myers illustrates that In order to succeed, you must take risks. You either expose your “soft under belly” leaving yourself open to criticism, or you conform to accepted norms and techniques never allowing your vision to see the light of day. 

I received an email from a friend that said “Some days you’re the top dog, and some days you’re the hydrant.” Watching the Republican CNBC debate on Wednesday night brought this saying to mind. 

“Talking Heads” were ready with their fiery darts and jabs to take down the candidates, but the tables were turned as the candidates fired back. The media ended up with mud on their faces for asking “gotcha” questions, and the candidates were cheered for answering the questions that should have been asked.

Sometimes you have to go beyond the comfort of “fitting in” by daring to do something different and innovative. Entrepreneurs must follow their gut instincts to stand out. They go above and beyond expectations. I came across a great web site designed to motivate and inspire entrepreneurial thinking.

The 12 Greatest Innovators of all time

These innovators were at first ignored then criticized, but they were not deterred. There is a learning curve to greatness. You have to be willing to make mistakes and let others witness them in order to get the experience and the skill necessary to overcome them.

 

(The two canvases here are a sample of how different editing and photo programs change the color of paint. The canvas on the right is the true color and the one below has been given a purplish hue. This is a work-in-progress and an attempt to recycle a canvas.)

For your enjoyment: 

Mike Myers went on to do the Austin Powers series and to continue to make people laugh. I don't know what he's into these days, if you have a current update, please share them here. 

Below is the trailer for "Wayne's World" and another clip of well-known quotes from the movie that will be remembered for a very long time.

Self Portraits are the Most Revealing of All

An artist named Abbey's self portrait

I haven’t done one yet, but I believe that when artists create their own personal self-portrait you can learn a lot about them. Drawing from their internal psych and emotions, they skillfully illustrate not only outward appearance, but personality strengths and flaws.

You’re probably familiar with some of the “famous artist” self-portraits. When lesser known artists add their own portrait to the mix, their unique style and preferences make them standout.

Self-portraits can also be used as a trademark that represents who you are and what you have to offer. People enjoy seeing an artist’s interpretation of themselves and how it relates to the style of their work.

In the latest Republican debate, the candidate’s facial expressions were telling. Only time will tell who comes out on top of the heap.

There was a back and forth between Donald Trump and Carly Fiorina over a comment Trump had made earlier about her “face.” “Have you seen that face,” he chided? “It’s not Presidential.” Later he backed off of those comments.

Gustave Courbet, "The Desperate Man"

Fiorina did not outright blast The Donald. Instead she came up with a fantastic commercial showing ordinary women’s faces concluding that they had great things to accomplish. She also verbally jabbed him at the debate saying “The women in America knew exactly what your meaning was,” and the audience applauded.

Carly Fiorina fires back!

Politics! Trump said after her remarks “I think she’s a beautiful and a wonderful woman.” Did Carly accept his attempt at graciousness? Absolutely not. The eye darts were flying. Most of the audience thought his comments were patronizing and insincere. Which just goes to show you that actions speak louder than words.

Trump’s body language and expressions showed that he is perfectly at ease with who he is in spite of his brash and at times insulting comments. He is confident that he knows how to get things done and that he will be successful.

Lucien Freud, Reflections, self-portrait

Next to body language, faces are the most expressive part of the body. There are some people who know how to put on a happy face even when they’re not. Some can show no emotion whatsoever which makes it easy for them to get unnoticed and unrevealed.

Beware of reading too much into body language or facial expressions. Some people (con men and women) are especially good at making themselves seem just like you and me. 

Follow your gut instincts. If something doesn’t seem quite right, it probably isn’t.

Don’t take people at their word either. Make sure you follow through with requests for identity and references. A telephone call to a friend or neighbor may just secure your safety and your money.

Rembrandt, self-portrait

Allowing people off the street into your house just because they have a flashy business card and a friendly face is foolish. Tell them you were expecting company or that you must leave for an appointment and ask them to come back another day. 

This cautious attitude pays off in politics as well. Take your time to assess a candidate over time. Do some research. The truth is somewhere in the middle as opponents may try to negate their competition. We have a lot at stake this year! Do your homework and then get out and vote!  If you don't vote, please don't complain later that you’re upset with the outcome.

Diane Edison, oil, self-portrait

Owlish Eyes make Smart Girls Look Chic

(I've been wearing glasses for about three years now. Before that, I wore contact lenses)

It wasn’t that long ago that people said “men never make passes at girl’s who wear glasses.” Pity the girl who believed that saying because her self-esteem was sure to plunge.

Now career women everywhere wear glasses whether they need them or not. Glasses give the impression that #1 (moi) is ready to be promoted! Wearing spectacles makes a girl look serious and hard working. Glasses are trendy and classy. Magnifiers like “Foster Grants” add a fashion flare; the more pairs the better.

In spite of the availability of laser surgery or lens implants, more people are wearing glasses than ever before. When I got my first pair as a child, I was mortified. I’d already been sitting in the front desk at school. Now what would they think when I walked in with a pair of these?

For awhile I got the usual “four-eyes” and “nerd” comments all of which I’d dreaded and expected; but hey, for once in my life I could see! 

I remember how clear the mountains looked. I could even see sagebrush! The clarity of my new world was breathtaking. I couldn’t believe what I’d been missing.

Still I felt ugly and self conscious. To make matters worse, the boy I loved had fallen for a girl without glasses; one that was athletic and well coordinated. I felt clumsy and awkward. In those days, my feet grew faster than the rest of me. I was called skinny, and big foot -- now this?

During the summer I worked in the fields for money like all farm kids did in my community. After picking beans all morning in the hot sun, we gathered around for lunch in the cool shade of -- you guessed it, beans. One of the older boys threw me a smile and said “You have beautiful eyes.”

I couldn’t believe my ears. “How can he see my eyes when I’m wearing glasses?” I wondered.

Instead of saying thank you, I ducked my head in embarrassment and wished I could swivel like a corkscrew through the earth. I still remember his compliment even today. Whenever I feel insecure or unworthy, I reel in his comment and savor it once again.

(My first ever portrait when my Dad was a younger man.)

Painting or drawing glasses is fun. It adds another dimension to a person’s personality. One of my very first portraits, a simple sketch of my father, shows him wearing glasses. Some artists prefer to show the person without glasses. But if that’s how most people are used to seeing that individual, you’d better know how to draw glasses realistically.

The following YouTube video is the best I’ve seen for how this should be done. It’s also in one of my favorite mediums: pastel. Expertly drawn by “Agnes” this short video is a treat to watch. When it’s over try adding glasses to your next portrait; go on, give it a shot!  

Faith, Family, Community and Work – Nothing Else Matters!

Cute enough to paint -- Amelia the Cook! (my granddaughter)

Have you ever tried to plug up a leak? No matter how hard you try, if there’s a weakness, the water (or air) will find a way to escape. My bicycle tire had a minute leak so small we couldn’t find it; but sure enough, by the time we were half-way to our next destination, the tire was flat. Slowly but surely, the air, under pressure as the tire revolved, pushed out from a tiny hole.

Like air, Water finds the place of least resistance and flows where gravity pulls it. Under enormous and unending pressure, a dam requires constant monitoring to ensure that it holds back millions of tons of water weight. A leak can weaken it to the point of destruction.

Liken the water and air pressure to Passion. If you have it, you can’t stop it! The same principle applies to all living things. A seedling fights to obtain sunlight. It will bend and twist and elongate in order to find its energy source, its power. In the same measure, if you have the passion to excel in your field of endeavor, nothing but your own negative thinking can stop you.

Proud as a Peacock!

A Winter Olympian was asked by a Reporter about competition and how her team handled stress? When problems arise, how do you respond?

Her answer: “We’ve done it before. We know how to do it. We try to stay focused and that kind of takes the pressure off.”

Creative people need to adopt this same kind of fearlessness. When failure or negative thinking wedges itself into your normal routine remember that “you’ve done it before. You can do it again and stay focused!

An Earned Taste!

If you’re passion doesn’t drive you and it isn’t as powerful as your need for water or air, get inspired. Find time to think and dream. Restore your imagination and creativity by feeding your empty vessel. Fill yourself so full that eventually you’ll “spring a leak” if you don’t sing, write, paint or work.

"Dainty Diva" a 20 x 24 oil on acrylic under painting of Amelia a few years ago.

I recommend a YouTube video called “The Secret to Happiness” presented by Arthur Brooks from the American Enterprise Institute. Happiness is all about building your life not your career. “Don’t spend your time obsessing about the ‘great big splash’” Brooks recommends. “People who are happy in their work feel they are creating something of value and serving others.”

Get inspired. Watch this short film: