As I begin this blog about my recent journey, I realize that we take many journeys in life. Some of them more meaningful than others.
I began this journey with a reservation and a packing list. I was taking a three-day workshop in Leesburg Florida; a town located an hour’s drive away from where I live. I rented a hotel room for my two nights stay so I could concentrate on art. I realize that sometimes as a part time artist, it is good to dive into and focus on art. It was that such journey.
We begin all journeys with anticipation. What will this experience be like and where will it take us?
After reservations and workshop fee was paid, I began reviewing the list of materials needed for the class. Since I had painted with pastels previously, I had some of the supplies. What I thought I lacked was a nicer travel container for my pastels. Since pastels are fragile, I wanted something secure to put them in. I had been using the Creative Mark three drawer storage box, but it didn’t allow me ease in painting Plein Aire (outdoor) because of its design. It was awkward and heavy when taking it along on painting sessions with other artists.
I reviewed the Dakota Deluxe travel small https://www.dakotapastels.com/product/dakota-deluxe-travel-small?cat=53 and the Heilman Backback. https://heilmandesigns.com/?product=heilman-backpack-pastel-box. I ordered the Dakota box (mostly from a price standpoint) plus a few other supplies from the supply list that I would enjoy. If you have ever gone to an artist workshop you know that by the time you pay the workshop fee, hotel room, meals, travel expenses, and supplies, it is not cheap.
When I was at the workshop, I noticed most artists had the Heilman Box. Bummer, did I make a mistake? No, I felt confident in my choice because the Dakota box does the same thing, it is just not as fancy.
Our instructor, Marla Baggetta, https://marlabaggetta.com recommended that we take all the labels off our pastels and organize them by color family before the workshop. In preparation, I sat one night, with a razor blade, carefully slitting the label and putting the label in the trash. I was transforming my pastels.
As an artist you need to have your supplies organized and neat, so that you can easily go from the left brain which strives on organization to the right brain which is creative. It most frustrating for me to search for things when I am painting.
I packed my organized supplies and left on my journey. The workshop consisted of lecture, demos and time to paint.
During the event, I met a woman those paintings amazed me. She had won awards and her work was incredible. I asked her, why are you here? She said, “I can always learn something”.
As I painted, I pondered her response? What was I learning?
I learned I am an Artist, and not a ‘wanna-be’. You might think that a strange insight.
I realized; it is deeper than that. I FEEL like an artist, and it is not just ‘I can paint’.
For example, as artists we live with a chaotic mind anxiety. When we sit down to create, we need to re-frame the impossible as possible.
There is ‘no, I can’t do that’. It is only ‘how can I do that’! The process involves mistakes, paintings that you throw in the garbage, because you don’t want them in your psych.
Before I kept almost everything, now I am throwing away the bad ones. Many times, I was pinning my whole self-worth, my ego, on the thing that was bad.
Being an artist is also about discipline, loving the work in process, and getting rid of the distractions so I can paint. That is a challenge. It is the next part of the puzzle for me.
Even if you are not an artist there is a message here for you. Whether your journey is a move, an illness, caring for a loved one, starting a new relationship or joining a new organization or group, there is always something to learn about yourself and your life.
When learning about my life I noticed that I have an interest in new experiences (adventure). When I am still within myself, I take time to notice and explore. As I do that, I see life more brilliant and I can express that feeling in the art I create.
