Paint Like Matisse {HappyMess}

What have I done recently?

Not a lot. Mostly sleeping. Two separate trips to the Doctor in a Box. Major antibiotics. Two rounds of cough medicine. 

I thought it was allergies or a cold. Nope, when I went to the Dr. after 5 days (too long?) the doctor said my lower left lung sounded like crackling paper. It was either bronchitis OR pneumonia. But the treatment was the same...a major antibiotic. (And boy am I thankful for pharmaceuticals).

I missed 4 days of work!! I was in bed for 6 days!! Back to work last Tuesday. Too weak to drive. {Have I mentioned that I have an amazingly wonderful husband?}. 

My Take on Comparison and Joy

I mentioned yesterday that I wanted to write more about our paintings of "Lover's Lane in the Rain". In case you don't remember, mine is on the left. Anyway, I like looking at these paintings together. 

Saturday with Sissy

Sissy & Me {And Jacob}

One of the nice things about being in my hometown is that I'm near my two sisters. And my two sisters are two of my best friends.

You may remember that Sis and I have had parallel playdates at her house. I paint, or scrapbook or whatever while she reads or does whatever. Typically I do very different things with each of my sisters. For instance, Horseback Riding with Sis as well as Moonlight (i.e. dark) Canoeing. {I don't think I've written about the canoeing.}

Sissy and I usually go shopping together. Sissy has real style and helps me make it fun. Sissy has a good eye and can find things and totally put together cute outfits. After shopping with Sissy, I almost always have at least one new outfit that makes me feel pretty AND that was on sale or consignment or some other gratifying purchasing experience.

Last weekend, Sissy and I went shopping for a new work outfit for me. We got a simply adorable skirt for an amazing deal and a leather jacket. I need to put that outfit together for you so you can see just how cute it is! 

Anyway, this weekend, Sissy and I decided to "shake things up". Yes...we decided to do something different together. We decided to paint! And by "we" I mean "she" wanted to paint! Of course, I always want to paint. So, when Sissy said "I want to paint", I wasted no time setting up the easel and paints. The paint supplies were all set up before Sissy even got to the house.

I have a new easel (you may have noticed). So I painted with my easel and Sissy painted at my kitchen desk with my desk easel (tabletop easel). I forgot to take a picture of Sissy's painting. But we both painted the Girl in Rain Boots. Mostly, we painted the boots. I'm super excited how this turned out. It's my first "big" canvas that I painted without a net (or instructor). The paintings I've done at Sis's house have been smaller canvases. I'm feeling quite inspired again.

The question is: What will I do with all these paintings I'm painting? I have to find homes for them. Think about it...let me know what I should do.

P.S. Here's one last look:  

I'm Painting...again..

Here is my most recent piece. I created this today while visiting my sister. Sis & I enjoy parallel play.

I believe in the POWER of PARALLEL PLAY. Sis and I just enjoy hanging out. We both MAY have a touch of A.D.D.  {UN-diagnosed!) Scratch that...we both have a higher than average CREATIVITY gene that MAY look a lot like A.D.D.

For some reason, my creativity gene manifests itself with a little disorganization and inability to paint precise lines.

Anyway, I like to paint while Sis does other things.  We both sit on her couch doing our own thing and ask each other for advice compliments feedback from time to time.

Because I'm new at this whole painting thing and this is only my second attempt to paint without an instructor...I documented my steps.  In case it's not immediately obvious, this is a painting of Pike Place Market in Seattle. If you get the chance to go to Seattle, Pike Place is not to be missed.  The flowers are amazing!

I'll Paint {if I want to}

I definitely have more to share about Vegas.  But today, I want to share about my weekend.  Several weekends ago I wrote about painting a coffee cup at the local Painting Party Studio.  You know the one where my Dad said my cup looked like a hat?  Yeah.  Well, I said I had plans for that painting and the plans didn't include being/staying framed.  I'm still thinking on that.

But as you can see, I did feel compelled to try again.  This time on my own.

I woke up yesterday with two things on my mind:  1.  Hanging Out with my sister {the middle sister, that doesn't like her photo taken}. And  2. Finally doing the art project I had in my head for weeks.

Paint Like the Artist You ARE

Saturday evening my daughter and I went to an Art Studio to learn (by doing) to create a painting on canvas.  This seems to be a new trend in hobby studios. (Back in the '90s I spent many an afternoon painting ceramics in similar studios). The artist instructor truly did give step-by-step instructions and we all left with paintings that looked quite similar to what we intended.

If you live in the Triangle Area of NC you should check out the Painting Studio called "Artistic Abandon". What a great name! They are said to have the Best Wine and Painting Parties in Raleigh. You bring the wine (and munchies if you want) and they provide the rest: Canvas, Paint, Brushes, Aprons and amazing instruction. --Of course, wine and munchies are completely optional.

The website information is here: Artistic Abandon. They also have a Facebook Page.

Let's play a game:  Below are two paintings from this weekend's painting excursion. See if you can tell which one is mine and which one was painted by my daughter. (Answer is at the end.  --Though my discussion of our painting styles may give you all the clues you need.)

I sat beside my daughter and, although the teacher said several times "this is not a competition", I was completely intimidated by my daughter's talent. She has such a steady hand and is able to precisely draw and paint. Her flowers were so much more the look I was striving for. Even though I love precision in paintings, I have not been able to train myself to achieve this. So while my daughter and I were both following the exact same instructions, my piece looks much more impressionistic.

I think it's cool to see how two people can paint the exact same thing and have different results. I know that art is like that...everyone is influenced by a  different point of view. This exercise helped me see that it's not only an artist's point of view that differentiates their work. We can each see the same thing a little differently. In addition, we each have a unique way of expressing ourselves. So, even if we saw it the same way, our depiction of that "thing" will have another nuanced difference. 

Below is the answer to the game above:

We've all heard that point of view is shaped by our experiences. But I don't remember hearing much about the artist's representation of that point of view. My weekend painting experience helped crystallize for me that the artist's "expression" may not reflect the essence of what they were trying to create.  For me, it's most likely lack of training and practice that results in a painting that is much more impressionistic than I intended.

Here is a snapshot of how my painting was accomplished:

I had a great time. And I'm pleased with my first attempt at putting a paintbrush to canvas.  I've already signed up for another class/party. There are a few paintings that I'm dying to do! 

And, oh....since I will be spending a lot of time at the Art Studio, friends and family shouldn't be surprised if they receive an original work of art from Yours Truly for Christmas.  --Then again, I may become too attached to give them up.