Oh, the Artist’s Life is the Life for me!

Moonshines

I’ve been a Popeye fan since childhood. My father, an avid comic book reader, mimicked the “old salt” whenever he could. My mother reminded me to eat my spinich so I’d be strong like Popeye; however, I preferred Olive Oyl’s lanky svelte figure.

Popeye’s favorite song charmed me: “Oh, the sailor’s life is the life for me,” tooted on his pipe which was loaded with spinich. I loved that song and the crazy cartoon characters like Wimpy, Brutus, and Sweet Pea that cavorted over the comic book pages or on the big screen. I started collecting Walter Lanz memorabilia in adulthood.

Why am I going down memory lane as I drive to downtown Fort Myers on an artist’s errand? I found myself singing one of those old dittys, and then replaced the words with: “Oh, an Artist’s Life is the Life for me!” (We artists are a little weird!)

I wasn’t alone, either. Friends from the Pan American Alliance were looking for space where we may exhibit, and we made the rounds of potential locations. We are already “joined at the hip” with the Art Council of Southwest Florida that includes such entities as the Alliance of the Arts, Art League of Fort Myers, and the Naples Art Assoc., but we were looking for space to highlight our group and Pan American artists.

Work-in-progress -- "Hey, Coconut Mon"

This morning we were painting publicly at the Regional County Library to expose the arts to the community, recruit new members, and provide cultural inspiration for the people. Over the next few months, we will be busy with art shows, juried shows, and workshops. I’ll give you the details as they occur.

Today I’m sharing some of my works in progress and a completed painting. Sometimes it seems I take one step forward and two steps back. But progress is being made. Next week I’m participating in a demo sponsored by Golden Paints and all Pan American members will receive a free packet from Golden. These little perks keep me whistling, humming, and singing: “Yes, the Artist’s Life is the Life for me!”

work in progress -- 1st oil application

Redwing Sighting

The air smelled heavy and earthy. The sun melted the last wisps of morning fog and warmed my back as I stood in the wet grass. A few yards away, a pair of male redwing blackbirds sparred in the underbrush, rising and falling like miniature conquistadors sporting shiny black satin and flashy red epaulets.


They lunged at each other, lifting exultant wings; their talons poised and threatening. Between lusty bouts, they perched on low-lying branches until the urge returned and they faced off again with aggressive thrusts and retreating pirouettes.

From the corner of my eye, a brown streaked bird with a long broad tail flapped into view. Was this plain, undistinguishable female the reason for this extravagant display of testosterone? She hovered over them casting her spell, flapping her wings like a butterfly on steroids.


First she tried to distract them by darting from side to side. Then she swooped near, pretending to protest their dual of love. When this didn’t work, she trailed after them as they whirled from bush to bush; a visual reminder of her stake in the outcome.


I left before their contest was over. I never witnessed the losing male’s defeat or the triumphant coming together of the welded pair. What I took away was an impression that later became a painting and brought back memories of Minnesota my second home.

The redwing blackbird is a year-round resident of both Florida and Minnesota. Their red shoulders and ebony black feathers make a striking contrast against the rolling sunflower fields of the upper Midwest where they flock in great numbers. The male exposes red epaulets during the mating season and can become quite aggressive, even attacking passing hawks, crows or people who invade their territory.

Redwing, Minnesota’s sandstone cliffs are a favorite gathering place for many of these migrating birds, attracting hundreds of tourists each summer to this normally quiet city. In October, the changing leaves along the Mississippi river and the quaint antique shops lure additional visitors to Redwing, one of my favorite cities.

In my acrylic painting, the wings and feathers of the redwing replicate the petals of the sunflowers and inspired my title: “Blending in.”For this and other bird art go to my online gallery @ http://carol-allen-anfinsen.artistwebsites.com

moments of libra: Dormant

moments of libra: Dormant

Ideas are Seeds Longing for Their Turn in the Sun

So why do ideas get away so quickly never seeing the light of day? Because most of the time, we ignore them or forget to write them down. They slip away unnoticed as silently as dandelion fuzz in springtime.

(Sketch for Illustration -- on Canvas / will oil paint)

Add our own insecurity and some of our ideas seem just plain silly. We pooh pooh them before they get off the ground. We wonder if we’re off our noodle. We dismiss our ideas and give them labels like lame, stupid, or crazy. We’re afraid of using others for a sounding board for fear they’ll discourage us or make us feel foolish.

Drawing of an Idea for Abstract Scene

But one day, we take that daring leap of faith. We peel off our complexes and fears like yesterday’s banana skin. We go with the flow; enjoy our unfettered, unclothed artistic nature, and we fly! We turn ourselves inside out and expose ourselves to criticism and critique. Joy begins when our greatest fears are exposed for what they are: foolish! We step into the light and enter the ranks of “professional.”

Work-in-progress -- Acrylic under painting on canvas

I’ve been doing my share of floundering and exposing. I’ve been trying out new mediums, new subject matter and revealing my weaknesses and strengths. A blog is a public space and you are my critics and fans. If my journey has helped you, entertained you, or given you courage I’m pleased.

My blog contains works-in-progress that explore different aspects of my artistic journey. My goal is to paint from my heart and imagination more, and from photographs less. I’m not here to copy or to change, but to create. I’m taking a journey inside myself in order to be more open, more experimental, and more willing to take risks.

1st coat of oil paint -- work-in-progress

Some of my work may flop, and some of it may succeed. Discovery is a “wild child” that dances, bumps and grinds to the cranial surface from the depths of heart and soul. We as artists must “step out” and let our inner child reign free in order to achieve our dreams.

Enjoy What You do and Success Will Follow

Do you believe the above statement? Do you truly believe that if you have a passion for your work, if you enjoy doing what you’re doing that success will follow? If you don’t, then perhaps you should change course. Why? Because enthusiasm shows. Passion resonates. Enjoyment promotes health, longevity and determination.

With These Hands -- Wonder

Let’s face it. If you’re work has become a drag, something’s wrong. You need a new angle, a fresh perspective. Try something new, even if it’s short term. When you come back to what you’re doing, you may see things differently.

We all need to take a break once in awhile to recharge our emotional and spiritual batteries. It might be as simple as going to a movie, reading a good book, or exercising. Yup, that old demon exercise gets your cells producing, returns health to your body, rejuvenates your soul, and gets your blood flowing.

With These Hands -- Hope

Christian churches talk about the blood, the saving blood of Jesus Christ. I firmly believe a long healthy life depends upon the blood. Every organ and cell in your body requires nourishment pumped by the blood. As we age, our blood transport system slows down and may get clogged up with plaque and fat. Without blood to renew us, vitality diminishes and cells wither. Exercise, especially walking briskly each day, keeps the blood pumping.

I have osteoarthritis. When I get up in the morning, my feet and legs are stiff and I feel three times my age. Even though it’s painful, I take my morning walk. The first block or two seem sooo long. My limbs bark at me, begging me to quit. But I know from experience, that if I keep on trucking, in another ten minutes, I’ll feel young again.

With These Hands -- Love

Why is an artist blogging about exercise? Because everything on this earth benefits from exercise or practice. Repetition builds either good habits or bad. If you repeat good habits long enough, success is sure to follow. I must “practice” my artwork each day or lose touch with the motivation and knowledge that inspires me. I may even forget what I learned yesterday or the day before and have to relearn it. Persistence, practice and follow through pay off!

When the blood flows through your body, you may have a break through, and what you’re doing may give your life new meaning. You may not have a “come to Jesus” moment, but you may have a physical and spiritual rebirth through practice, determination, and hard work.

Carol’s online gallery is packed with examples of her passion for life and color. http://carol-allen-anfinsen.artistwebsites.com/

Be Daring – Experiment! Join the “Art Revolution”

Lisa L. Cyr’s first book: “Art Revolution; Alternative Approaches for Fine Artists and Illustrators” is a wonderful way to rev up your artistic engine. Cyr’s book is filled with examples, techniques and ideas featuring many different artists. The book motivates, excites, and inspires me every time I pick it up.

I also have her second book: “Experimental Painting; inspirational approaches for mixed media art.” If you’re already familiar with faux techniques and collage, this book will merely springboard you to your own experimentation.

"Release" -- 24x30 mixed media

Above is my first “exploration” titled “Release.” I know I will get better as I gain more confidence. My recent workshop with Art Cunanan made me realize just how “tight” my brush work has become from drawing and painting portraits using oil paints as my main medium. Although I was pleased with the bright colors I used in my watercolor, it was evident my brushwork and approach were far too precise; at least to suit Art.

Sample close-ups within the painting

I’m hoping that a few experimental paintings will help me focus on imagination more and fundamentals less. My featured painting has been an evolution of ideas. The first draft included a monkey, a woman, and a different phrase by Joseph Campbell. My goal was to have a painting within a painting; but the overall effect made the painting look like an “origins of man” theme and the interior orchid looked overtly sexual as if being compared to a woman. Campbell’s verse was: “Ohm..the sound nature makes when it’s pleased with itself.”

This could have made an interesting painting, but was not the statement I wished to make. The second draft used this verse from Campbell: “Art is the set of wings to carry you out of your own entanglements.” Using this verse made the painting’s title obvious: “Release;” and for me it was a release.

I was able too use the same “jungle” theme with vines, hints of leopard and gold leaf, and butterflies to represent the “wings” in Campbell’s statement. Using Cyr’s instructions, I first applied butterfly pictures using a medium gel gloss directly on the colored surface and then applying it to the canvas. A brayer and my fingers, pushed the print color onto the surface. A few minutes later, I lifted the paper up and pale images were left behind. In some areas, I left them as they were, and in others, I livened up an edge, or added a touch of color.

I also used modeling paste on the gessoed canvas before adding any paint. I wanted some of the vines to be three-dimensional. I also applied modeling paste to a fern leaf and pressed it on the canvas for a raised leaf effect. The interior painting also has a frame fashioned with modeling paste and lace. Gold leaf and acrylic finished it off.

I wanted a clear contrast between the wild jungle background and the beautiful wild orchid in the frame. I used acrylics on everything but the interior portrait which was finished in oils and glazes.

I’ve taken shots of some of the detail in the painting so you may see what it entails. The 24 x 30 mixed-media painting is available on my online gallery @ http://carol-allen-anfinsen.artistwebsites.com

To Frame or not to Frame, That is the Question?

And all that Jazz

I belong to a network called LinkedIn and participate in various discussions with other art professionals. Most of the chit chat is ongoing, and artist’s type in their opinions, links, and advice which is viewed and shared by all.

One recent discussion involved framing. Should artwork be framed before showing? There were as many different opinions as artists. Some felt that it was imperative to frame, not only to protect your work, but to present it in its best light. Others, from their own experience, found that customers often prefer to select their own frames and often discard the one the artist has so carefully chosen.

Lucky Lady

Mixed opinions circulated on wrapped canvases. Traditionalists thought wrap around art was tacky; younger more “edgy” artists thought it perfectly acceptable, and that it was preferred by their buyers because it made the artwork more affordable. Apparently, purist attitudes have gone the way of the economy.

I have done both. 50% of my artwork is framed and 50% is unframed; but more and more, I’m leaning toward painting the edges, and allowing the client to choose whether they want it framed or unframed. If the choice is framed, I help them in their selection if they wish and I point out that the painting would cost anywhere from $100 to $200 more (depending on the cost of the frame) if a frame were included. I’ve found this actually helps clinch the sale.

Shimmy Shake

The matter of fragile watercolors and pastels was discussed. If you’re going to show them, they must as a matter of necessity be framed, and properly. A mat that allows breathing room (space between the glass and the painting) is needed. Transporting these fragile works from show to show requires the utmost care.

Vamp on a Ramp

I enjoy doing pastels, but I seldom frame them. I follow in the footsteps of another pastel artist who folds newspaper sheets around each fragile pastel and stores it flat. Apparently, the news print from modern presses does not rub off on the painting. My images are also stored and displayed online. If a buyer chooses to purchase an original, I would price it to include the matting, framing, and shipping.

Each artist has his or her own specific preferences learned from their own personal experience. As in most creative work, there is never a right way and a wrong way. There is a unique perception and a preferred way of working for each artist. We shouldn’t be so opinionated that we can’t learn a thing or two from others. I prefer to have an open mind so I may weigh and evaluate my options and then choose accordingly.

Yes, Sir that's my Baby!

I work best when I’m not limited by the opinions and decisions of others. I feel hand-cuffed when all the parameters are rigid and demanding. Teachers and professors in long standing sometimes get in a rut. They teach as if there is only one way to approach a problem or to execute artwork – their way!

No wonder we as artists find it difficult to have a fresh idea or style? No wonder we find it difficult to stay “loose” when what we’ve learned comes back at us in memory replay over and over again. Every artist should listen to their own voice and build confidence in their own abilities. Trust your instincts! Let your own muse guide your hand and imagination. Let your own unique style emerge. Let “Jack out of the box!”

The mixed media paintings on this blog are available unframed or in colorful red, black, and gray boxed frames. See Etsy link in right-hand column.