Tuesday, April 29, 2014

VINTAGE SWIMSUIT and CREATIVE BLOCK



7x5 on Canvas Panel
After attending two fantastic workshops, I found myself without focus and momentum to work in the studio.  Each time I did (thinking "just get in there and get busy and this will pass"), my attempts to paint larger were so bad that I would end up with wipe out after wipe out.  In between these times I would paint smaller and read about art with my books and magazines and on the internet.  Although my blogging stopped I have continued to look and admire all the work on your blogs.  I've reviewed my notes from workshops and watched DVDs.  It's been a difficult time.  Thankfully, my good friend and artist Linda Reedy listened patiently with my complaints and offered good advice and a wonderful book that I am now reading and will re-read again and again.  The War of Art by Steven Pressfield is a book that speaks to every creative person that goes through a time of creative distress.  Thank you, Linda!  The last few weeks have been better and I am close to completing two large pieces.  They aren't great, but I will finish them.  I know that painting larger will continue to be a struggle for a while, but it is a goal I want to work toward.  This definitely was not an easy time and I hope I never experience such a long art slump, but now that the air is clearing and my thoughts are returning to times of less struggle I realize that this has been good for me.  I've learned more about myself (I don't think that ever stops!) and more about art.  

When an art crisis hits you, what do you do that helps pull you out?  I would love to hear from you!

26 comments:

  1. I’ve been bad about blogging of late as well, but not because I wasn’t painting. The Plein Air Trail blog is one that I reserve mostly for my calligraphic on location/plein air watercolors, and I went through a period this winter when I did very few of them. I am an art addict, Linda, so I either have to paint or get depressed. I think it’s habit forming. I know it is happy-making. I like the work I see coming out of you, so maybe a rebirth just had to gestate in you for a spell. I wish you well and much success.

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    1. I really appreciate your comments, Brenda! You are so sweet to take the time to visit my blog and leave bits of encouragement - thank you!!

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  2. Bonjour ma chère Linda,

    Il n'est pas facile effectivement de vivre une telle traversée... Cela m'est arrivé et m'arrivera encore je pense... Est-elle peut-être nécessaire ?... Je me dis que rien n'est négatif.
    Il faut juste se dire qu'inévitablement le rebond est au tournant du chemin de notre vie.
    Je vous souhaite plein de courage et moi je compte sur vous car j'ai envie de découvrir du Linda Popple encore et encre !

    Je vous embrasse affectueusement,
    Gros bisous ❤︎ ❀ ❁ ❀ ❤︎

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    1. Translation:Hello my dear Linda, It is not easy indeed to live through such a ... This happened to me happen to me again and I think ... Is it perhaps necessary? ... I say nothing is negative. You just say the rebound is inevitably turning to the path of our lives. I wish you courage and I count on you because I want to discover the Linda Popple again and ink! I embrace you affectionately, Kisses ❤ ︎ ❀ ❁ ❀ ❤ ︎

      Thank you so VERY much, Alison! Your kind words are appreciated more than I can express!

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  3. Go easy on yourself! You are in a new home, you've had TWO workshops (I become comatose after ONE). Things are settling down inside you. Your awesomeness is just bubbling along. Paint a few really bad paintings. And then... somehow... it will just sneak back and you'll be happily painting again. And I am supremely jealous of your figure workshop!

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    1. Good words coming from my conjoined friend! Thanks so much, Kelley!! :)

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  4. Aren't we hard on ourselves? I have been through a similarly rough time and the painting has been hard but I too have been studying..alot of web stuff. We are atthe beach so Dave can fish and I've hauled all my stuff too! I'll check back in

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    1. We are hard on ourselves, but sometimes I think it is good because we learn and grow from our experiences. Have fun at the beach and I hope to see some beach paintings!

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  5. Linda, You are a brave lady putting your block into words. Blocks seem to be there and it is so hard to work through them. Changing painting styles can be met with rejection even when you know it is the right move that is needed for you. Thank-you for sharing your story and the book. I do love your new Vintage Swimsuit painting. Take care.

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    1. Thank you, Ruth! Your comment means so much to me!!

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  6. Hi Linda,

    I wrote about this on Alyson Stanfield's blog see my piece on my blog on January 23 for the link. I could not paint after my mother died on Canadian Thanksgiving. I got back to it slowly, in the way you describe. I'd almost forgotten about the first big piece I did. But I do like it. First of all I am sure the big pieces you are working on are good. You need to encourage yourself.
    I heard a program on CBC, our public radio that said there is now scientific proof that how we think actually affects our vision. So you know you are an
    excellent artist. I love your work. You get back by doing. You figure out a way to shut out your own and others negative voices. Plus what matters is doing it -- it's part of your soul. Hugs to you, and I will be waiting to see your wonderful work.

    XOXOXOXO Barbara

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    1. Thank you, Barbara! I read your article (and I am now printing it) on Alyson's blog. I don't know how I missed it in January. However, it certainly speaks to me now. Isn't it wonderful that our art community jumps in with help whenever needed? So many artists that I know only through the internet have provided words of encouragement. Again, thank you!!

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  7. It's so good to see you back again, Linda! I think we all go through that "slump" period ...which is okay because that's the time I read more art books... visit museums .... and visit all my incredible friends here on blogland which inspire me every day... this means you as well...you have inspired me through your wonderful art!! Let's paint!!!

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    1. Your kind words are encouraging, Hilda. Thank you!

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  8. Ohhhhh Linda. This is so heart warming and heart wrenching and are we twins???? Same..Same
    xo

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  9. Oh Linda, you must know you are not alone in facing these episodes of artistic inertia. I keep going through them as well, and oddly they seem to follow what should be inspiring events, such as after I was accepted into a gallery, or after attending a workshop. But I think you have to respect those times as a period of processing the new information or the new challenge. The more I put pressure on myself to paint, the less inclined I was to start painting. If you start to regard painting as something you have to do, then it becomes more work, less joy and less inspired. For me, I suddenly see something that lights the spark and then I'm back at it. Clearly you're back as well - the Vintage Swimsuit is a wonderful figurative and value study. Lovely work. I know you just keep coming back better and better all the time!

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  10. I am so grateful for all the encouragement and understanding that you and other artists have shared. Thank you, Terri!!!

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  11. I have read the Pressfield book twice. I was so impressed by it I gave a couple of talks about all of his ideas. Artists should sit down with his book whenever they "stop" painting. He explains it all. Don't you think he is right?...that it is just fear and that not doing our work is a way to pretend all the demands will magically go away? The truth is, painting or any creative endeavor can be quite tedious and daunting. If we just do as Pressfield so eloquently tells us (show up and work!) all will be right with the world again. resistance is a mean As&^*$e trying to get you to give up painting...but you have to tell resistance to F%#* off!

    p.s. I think this swimsuit painting is one of your best.

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  12. Thank you, Celeste! And I totally agree with you about The War of Art. It's a book that needs to be kept close by so that any time that you feel that urge to procrastinate (no matter what the reason!) you can refer to it. It is a HUGE help in just getting the job done. I love this book!

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  13. Fabulous painting. Love it, love it!!

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  14. Me guata tu blog. Te sigo. Abrazosss.

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    1. Translation: I like your blog. I follow you. hugs

      Thank you, Ma Carmen!!

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  15. Hi Linda!
    What a great post! I know exactly what you are going through. I have been there many times myself and I know there will be more to come. When we are feeling uninspired, or feeling like whatever we are painting is ( in our eyes ) simply awful I think that we have to believe that it is just another 'hiccup' in our creative process. We have to tell ourselves that it will pass, and that very soon we'll be back painting with a vengeance ! It's really difficult sometimes but I can see that you have the right attitude .........And I absolutely LOVE the painting of the Vintage Swinsuit!

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  16. Thank you, Helen! Unfortunately, there will be more to come, but I think that next time I will be more prepared to deal with it ….. at least I hope so!!

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