Martin Campos "Untying the Knots"
Some people can cross your path and change your whole direction~Anonymous
I had the great opportunity to recently attend a workshop by Martin Campos, PAFA (Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts) instructor, artist and philosopher offered by Melinda Cootsona. My intention prior to going to the workshop was not to learn how to paint the figure, which Martin excels in but to learn how to paint outside the lines. He did not disappoint.
I am finding even at my age the desire to learn is powerful and perhaps to unlearn is just as important; "untying the knots that have been tied".
![FullSizeRender[1]](https://janetvanderhoof.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/FullSizeRender1.jpg)
Martin Campos was influenced by his teacher Alex Kanevsky, who gives us permission to destroy and resurrect. The destruction becomes the jewels through transformation; bits and pieces left as signs of their existence.
Martin beckons us to "dialogue with painting, by eradicating and bringing it back. You have to be willing to let something fall apart to discover what is there."
![FullSizeRender[2]](https://janetvanderhoof.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/FullSizeRender2.jpg)
Martin goes to the canvas not knowing what is going to happen. This can be a fearful place for me. This is totally against my process. Although, I allow the painting to tell me what it needs, in the beginning I usually tend to know where I am going or where I prefer to go. Now after taking this workshop, I feel lost, but also exhilarated to discover a side of my creativity untouched. Instead of controlling the paint, I will allow it to control me.
Anytime I experience a teacher of this magnitude with such revolutionary thoughts, it causes me to sit and ponder, to wonder where my art will be taking me now. But, I guess that's the point; "I DON'T KNOW". What a fearful and exciting place to be!
[youtube]https://youtu.be/SmckW8iDZTY[/youtube]
Remembering Ken Auster
"A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself."~ Joseph Campbell
We have teachers that we know in person, we have teachers that are from the past and we have teachers from the present that have formed us without direct physicality. I have been fortunate to have many great teachers. Still, what about those teachers, which have impacted our art without us realizing it? I believe artist Ken Auster has been one of those teachers for me.
My first experience of Ken Auster's paintings was in Carmel, California in the mid 90's. I knew right from the beginning that he was special. I was immediately attracted to his subject matter, his use of neutrals and ability to sculpt with paint. His work was fresh, original, full of life and dynamic.
I never meant to be like him or paint like him, but found myself subconsciously being influenced by him, especially in his subject matter. I love painting cityscapes and interiors. Though, I haven't painted with the impasto he is known for, I am pushing myself towards that direction.
My painting above, "In Memory of Ken Auster" just happened. I found myself at the kitchen table one morning noticing the white tulips, Ken Auster's painting, "I Think They Heard What You Said" (title alone expresses Ken's great sense of humor) and the sun's reflection inspiring me to bring this painting to life. Two things out of the norm proceeded to happen; the painting is primarily neutrals and it is a still life, both of which I rarely do. It seemed appropriate to use his beloved neutrals, the opportunity to have his painting remembered in the background and perhaps a reflection of my deep respect for him.
His passing was way too soon.
Ken Auster will be remembered always as one of the greatest American Contemporary painters. I am fortunate to have met him and have his art in my home.
They are having a Celebration of Life Memorial for Ken Auster today, donations in lieu of flowers are requested for Ken Auster's Membership Fund for the Orange County School of the Arts; Visual Arts Conservatory.
If you would like to purchase this painting please contact me at jvander51@msn.com or call (408)460-7237 Thank you!
New Year's Inspiration
I think in terms of the day's resolutions, not the years'. Henry Moore
Artists it is a new year and it beckons you to take risks, stretch yourself and become the best you can be. I have heard many times that New Year's Resolutions really don't work. Perhaps this is true. But.....How can we as artists motivate ourselves to be the best we can be? I thought I would make a list of ideas for you to give you some incentive, as well as links from inspiring individuals.
- Be productive by thinking better, use this tool to achieve your goals; this is an excerpt from "Think Better" by innovator Tim Hurson.
- Choose a word that gives you a succinct focus on what you want to accomplish this year.
- Discover a new medium.
- Acquire a new skill.
- Paint larger, smaller, use different tools, or materials.
- Read Big Magic Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
- Choose one powerful goal. I'm a firm believer if the goal is powerful enough it will overflow to all areas of your career and creativity. Check out my goal to paint 52 paintings in one year. Be sure to listen to the interview for more tips. "Challenge Yourself"
- Plan an art show and find a place to exhibit your art. (In order to sell your art it must be seen)
- Do something scary! Set a goal that is beyond all goals. BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal)
- Take an art workshop.
- Teach an art workshop.
- Create a website or update your website, including getting it mobile ready.
- Start a blog.
- Blog weekly
- Create a Newsletter.
- Join Pinterest, Instagram, or create a page on Facebook
- Focus on selling your art
- Find a mentor.
- Follow informative blogs: Red Dot Blog, Barney Davey, Alyson B Stanfield, Austin Kleon, Empty Easel, Lori McNee, Artsy Shark, The Abundant Artist, and of course mine Janet Vanderhoof
- Do a video demo, post it to YouTube
- Go to art shows, galleries and museums on monthly basis.
- Join "Doing one thing creative a day" with Michael Nobbs "Sustainably Creative".
- Read "The War of Art: Break Through Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles" by Steven Pressfield.
- Become involved in your local art community.
- And most importantly be consistent with your art practice daily.
Please mention in the comment area below if you have any more to add. I would love to hear your ideas and what you plan on accomplishing this year.
Blessing Of The Day
Definition: Merriam-Webster
blessing
noun bless·ing
: approval that allows or helps you to do something
: help and approval from God
: something that helps you or brings happiness
Why do I write the "Blessing of the Day"?
For the last three years, Monday through Friday, on Facebook, I have written a "Blessing of the Day".
The evolution of the "Blessing of the Day" starts with a sleepy eyed old crone, waking up to the world, looking for a conversation with the universe. "What does the Universe have to say to me today?"
Depending on the mood I go to the heart or the head. The heart always sets precedent and always makes the last decision. Sometimes the blessing starts with a word or even a complete sentence. This starts a progression to go deeper. I then contemplate on what is said and ask more questions if I don't comprehend or need further understanding. As long as I ask, the inspired beginning always takes me to an answer.
My life is a prayer and I believe that the smallest thing we do can make a difference. The "Blessing of the Day" can be a small beginning to a big day.
Some people respond, but some people prefer to read the blessing unnoticed. Some say to me, "How did you know I needed this?" Frankly, your guess is as good as mine; perhaps devine intervention. :-)
Something I have seen or heard, a book, a movie, a song or a dream usually inspires the "Blessings". My dreams many times have been the impulse of my blessings. I am always listening to what the universe has to tell me. And if I feel it's important enough I will write it down for use later. The "Blessing" is never hurried, but sometimes comes very quickly. Many times they come to me loud and clear in a voice unfamiliar to my own.
In a world where it is to easy to be negative and find fault, I hope the "Blessing of the Day", can counteract that energy. The "Blessing" is always brought to you with the understanding we are all in this together. The "Blessing of the day" gives me an opportunity to think about others first thing in the morning.
"Blessings" are very intimate for me and please know that my heart and love for you surrounds it. As you need, I need, we all need to feel included and not alone. We are all looking for guidance. It amazes me how a word of encouragement can change a person's life or be reminded that we are loved and make a difference. I believe in your power and your beauty.
So often we are caught up in a rut with our thoughts. We need to open ourselves to a different paradigm and shift into a positive new way of thinking; trusting that what we hear is what we need to hear.
We all have a higher self that knows better and wisdom is always available if we listen. My wish is these few words a day can shift our way of thinking.
I have always believed what we give away will come back to us and I have always felt very blessed. Imagine, everyone giving a "Blessing of the Day" to others, which would be a beautiful thing. The more you bless the more you are blessed. You have given me much joy reading and accepting the blessings.
I would love to hear from you if "The Blessing of the Day" has made a difference for you. Please leave your comments below.
How Long Does It Take To Paint A Painting?
Give anyone who asks this, the answer that Whistler gave to someone when asked how long it took to do his "Nocturne in Blue and Gold". He said, "It has taken me a lifetime to get to where I can even begin to do this".
—Guest Flora
It always amazes me when someone asks me, “How long does it take to paint a painting?” I had wanted to create this painting shown above for the last two years. I then realized that painting a painting not only means the actual applying of paint but additionally the process of which it takes you to get to the point of application; some say years, some say a lifetime.
I guess the other question could be “When is the painting done?” There is a point when one extra stroke could ruin it and one less stroke would leave it unresolved. I guess I would rather have one less stroke. On observing a woman painting one day, I noticed that she continued painting until she had painted five separate paintings on one canvas, because she refused to stop and get another one. Each painting was beautiful in its own right, but soon became something else. After seeing that display I would often think it would be great to have an observer to tell you when to stop.
My process most of the time is to take photos for inspiration, then I may play with the photo that interests me, either change the color, always the composition, eliminate, exaggerate, combine with other photos, etc. Then the process is in my head. I see the painting painted in my minds eye. In fact, I have been known to paint a painting many times in my head before painting. Sometimes I do small studies of the painting. So much of the painting is done prior to painting the painting the process could go on for months or weeks. I may come back to the idea over and over until it pushes me to paint it. My mind is full, my passion is deep and my energy is at its peak, waiting to erupt at once at the canvas. I need this tension prior to my painting.
Through this process it allows me to spew out the painting in a dramatic speed. I become an action painter, desiring to get out as much as possible on the canvas and as quickly as I can, fearing that my vision may disappear.
Everyone has his or her own style, which is another factor of time involved. Some are contemplative painters, some are action painters or perhaps a combination of the two. Some take years to paint a painting. Some have paintings that are ongoing and never completed, others may do a painting in a couple of hours. They are all approached differently, but in the end we all take our experience to each painting; we bring our education, our many hours of painting and knowledge of a subject, which is impossible to measure. All this combined can be added to the time it takes to paint a painting. So the answer to “How long does it takes to paint a painting?” could be 2 hours, a day, a week, plus 25 years; 25 years of experience.
And my painting isn’t completed until I sign it. Amen
** “Bicycle Memories” 36″ x 36″, acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas, Price $3240, If you would like to purchase this painting please contact me at jvander51@msn.com or call (408)460-7237 Thank you!