A Foggy Morning Pastel
“The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice.” Brian Herbert
Before we can develop our creativity it is good to learn a few basic skills. This way we build a toolbox from which we can pull things out to help us along our journey.
Like everything else in life we need building blocks. We learn one skill at a time and when we understand it, we add a second and build on each one.
Becoming a good artist does not usually happen overnight. It takes a lot of "play time" Experimenting with new skills, adding to those skills, practicing them, and having a lot of tools in your toolbox. But that doesn't mean you don't create many projects and paintings along the way. Remember it's the journey that counts.
We all come to points in the creative process when we step back from our work and say what now? I'm I done? What do I need to do to make it stronger or say more? That is when you go back to all the things we have learned and say... what if I try this? It could be the answer or could make it worse! It is about not being afraid to try. Fear holds us back. It’s about wanting to learn something, being patient, enjoying the process, and practice, practice, practice.
I always love the question from viewers, “How long did that take you to do this piece?” The honest answer is years. Years of risk taking, experimenting, and not being afraid to make a mess and start all over. Nothing is ever lost. With each mis-step comes knowledge, and knowledge is power, and just a few more tools in our toolbox. Things we can expand upon, or fall back on.
“It took me 20 years to discover painting: twenty years of looking at nature, and above all going to the Louvre. But then I discover-I am still beginning, and I will go on making mistakes.” Pierre Auguste Renoir
A friend recently asked a copyright question. I gave her a few suggestions on how she could use a magazine piece in her work. She replied, “it’s nice to know I have options.”
Options are important. That is why having enough tools in your toolbox is important.
I have options because I faced my fear of failure. I took my building blocks and experimented with each one putting new tools in my toolbox. And now the most exciting thing is knowing I have knowledge and supplies I can pull out and use when I hit a road block.
“Ancora imparo” is an Italian phrase meaning “Yet, I am learning.” It is often attributed to the great Renaissance genius, Michelangelo, supposedly observed by him at the age of 87. Yes we all need to keep learning, experimenting, and enjoying the process.
I have published two other blogs which did not come to your inbox because of a site problem. They are on my website and Facebook. You may also find them at the bottom of this blog . Keep reading!
Keep learning. Carolyn
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