Funny thing: When I start practicing one of the arts; singing, theatre, writing, and now drawing, I start to avoid that kind of art. When I went to acting school I couldn’t stand going to the theatre, and I watched fewer movies than during any other period of my life. Same with writing – I love books, have always been an avid reader, I start to write, and don’t pick up a book in months. Only exception has been singing, maybe because I always felt sure I was good enough, I don’t know.
Anyhow, I decided this whole avoidance thing was ridiculous, went to the library and borrowed as many books about art as I could carry. Didn’t look to closely on what books I pulled out of the shelves, just went with what called to me. And I am really glad I did. I found a book by Flora Bowley about painting intuitively and was instantly struck with inspiration. I used to play around a little with paint in my twenties, but never did much with it. I felt the demands for technique got in my way (since I didn’t have any). But now I was presented to a way of painting much freer and I got straight to it and made the first painting I’ve done in maybe 10 years (two mixed media projects excluded, I used painting in them).
It is the first time ever I have tried to paint in several layers and I had so much fun, using different kinds of brushes, my hands, a spray bottle, a rag… I didn’t do many layers, just four, but here they are:
Anyhow, I decided this whole avoidance thing was ridiculous, went to the library and borrowed as many books about art as I could carry. Didn’t look to closely on what books I pulled out of the shelves, just went with what called to me. And I am really glad I did. I found a book by Flora Bowley about painting intuitively and was instantly struck with inspiration. I used to play around a little with paint in my twenties, but never did much with it. I felt the demands for technique got in my way (since I didn’t have any). But now I was presented to a way of painting much freer and I got straight to it and made the first painting I’ve done in maybe 10 years (two mixed media projects excluded, I used painting in them).
It is the first time ever I have tried to paint in several layers and I had so much fun, using different kinds of brushes, my hands, a spray bottle, a rag… I didn’t do many layers, just four, but here they are:
I started out by standing on the board and making a circle to represent my foot chakra, and filled it with warmth since I needed grounding. And then of course I had to put my own feet there - since the foot chakra is also about feeling like you have a place in this world and it is safe to occupy that space. Playing with the bottle was fun, but I ended up almost ruining the painting :). But that gave me the opportunity to try out the rag, and I like the surface that the thinly smeared out white gave. I am definately going to try this out again! It felt so playful, intuitive and grounding. Which was exactly what the doctor ordered.
(The book is called Brave Intuitive Painting).
Until next time, all my love to you!
(The book is called Brave Intuitive Painting).
Until next time, all my love to you!