It has been a month since I have painted in my studio. I've been preparing for two exhibits back to back and my painting time has suffered. Even though I have not picked up a brush or palette knife, I go into my studio regularly just to sit and ponder because I truly love the smell of oil paint. It reminds me that there are so many paintings in me yet to be completed. Of course, I also like the smell of gasoline so maybe I have some olfactory issues I need to deal with...
But I am starting a new painting and I have the usual anticipatory butterflies in my stomach when I begin a new painting. This time is extra special because I plan to try something new. Looser, less structure, more creative. I am in the mood to break some rules!
I plan on attending the Turner exhibit at the Met. I am not sure when I'm going but there may not be another with this many pieces (in the US) during my lifetime so, of course, I must go. Also, he is one of my favorite painters so I'm really excited. I think I will dedicate my next post to Turner.
I'm off to paint. Take care.
Best Regards, Monica
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Monday, June 2, 2008
New Painting "Shelby"
Greetings! This will be a short post tonight. I am working on a couple of new paintings, one being for a very good friend of mine Lisa, who requested this painting of her horse Shelby months ago. Unfortunately, I have had a lot going on and I just started it last week. I am posting this because I want her to know that I have not forgotten, I love her for her patience and a couple of more painting sessions and "Shelby" will be ready.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Welcome
I decided that the first entry in my new art blog should begin with a subject that is daring, exciting and brilliant, a topic with a hook to draw readers in and to begin a dialogue about art.
And then I realized that, though smart, I am not brilliant, I don’t know how to write a “hook”, and I am too tired to come up with anything exciting. So, I decided to just start talking about what I love. Art.
I am a painter and a photographer. The term “self taught” is used often by people like me who do not have the credentials of a formal art education but whenever I say it I feel a little guilty because it sounds... well...self sacrificing. Even though I started on this artistic journey alone I certainly have not been unaided. Artists near and far, alive and long past gone have helped me to become the painter I am today. And I am sure there will be others who will continue to guide me as I grow creatively, stretching my artistic ability to heights that I never thought I could reach.
When I view the artwork of my favorite master painters, Constable, Turner, Sargent, to name a few, I wonder at their talent. Did they know how good they were or did they have days of complete and utter frustration? Did they struggle over every brushstroke or was it just all in a days work for them?
I have read some of the writings (letters) of artists and I have come to the realization that they also struggled in their quest to fill a canvas. I don’t believe it is easy for any of us, is it? But no one but another artist will understand the sweat involved, which is maybe how it should be. When I complete a painting, I forget the aggravation I may have gone through to get that effect or mood I was trying to achieve. In the end, it is the result that counts, right?
Yes, I have become a better painter through hard work and self study but this was absolutely because of the knowledge of those who came before. But more importantly, even though studying their techniques is a valuable learning experience, I know that their thoughts are not my thoughts. Their dreams are not my dreams. It is my job, my duty as an artist to follow my own path, my own style, using the tools they have left behind.
These painters have a left us a great legacy. Study, practice and believe in yourself.
Monica Vanzant
And then I realized that, though smart, I am not brilliant, I don’t know how to write a “hook”, and I am too tired to come up with anything exciting. So, I decided to just start talking about what I love. Art.
I am a painter and a photographer. The term “self taught” is used often by people like me who do not have the credentials of a formal art education but whenever I say it I feel a little guilty because it sounds... well...self sacrificing. Even though I started on this artistic journey alone I certainly have not been unaided. Artists near and far, alive and long past gone have helped me to become the painter I am today. And I am sure there will be others who will continue to guide me as I grow creatively, stretching my artistic ability to heights that I never thought I could reach.
When I view the artwork of my favorite master painters, Constable, Turner, Sargent, to name a few, I wonder at their talent. Did they know how good they were or did they have days of complete and utter frustration? Did they struggle over every brushstroke or was it just all in a days work for them?
I have read some of the writings (letters) of artists and I have come to the realization that they also struggled in their quest to fill a canvas. I don’t believe it is easy for any of us, is it? But no one but another artist will understand the sweat involved, which is maybe how it should be. When I complete a painting, I forget the aggravation I may have gone through to get that effect or mood I was trying to achieve. In the end, it is the result that counts, right?
Yes, I have become a better painter through hard work and self study but this was absolutely because of the knowledge of those who came before. But more importantly, even though studying their techniques is a valuable learning experience, I know that their thoughts are not my thoughts. Their dreams are not my dreams. It is my job, my duty as an artist to follow my own path, my own style, using the tools they have left behind.
These painters have a left us a great legacy. Study, practice and believe in yourself.
Monica Vanzant
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