Does Art Imitate Life? True or False?

Does art Imitate Life?  True or False?  

 

 Why it's more false than true.....

 

Art investigates possibilities in life

 Art invigorates passion for life

Art interprets the context of Life

Art inspires expansion in Life 

Art instigates creativity in Life

Art increases scientific observations of Life

Art inscribes both sacred and profane records about Life

Only highly representational artists attempt to imitate Life, so what about the rest of us? 

 

Every person is an artist.. there, I said it

How, you may ask, do I tap into the dream side of my brain and explore?

It's so easy!!

1. Sit for 5-10 minutes with eyes closed to let thoughts settle down...then grab an idea or   picture that is floating by. 
2. Put that image into a few words on paper -  perhaps write a poetic concept of your vision.. use your non-dominant hand to write without censoring yourself.

3. Take a photo of a shape, object, or texture, to help hold the idea in place..

 

4. Keep writing - imagine 3 ways you could describe this emotion you're having on the paper or canvas.

5. Now grab a pencil, pen, fingers, or paint and begin with a baby step...

 ( a giant step is ok, too)

and MAKE SOME MARKS on paper.

 

''Come! There's a field beyond good and bad!  I'll meet you there.'  ~ Rumi

Next time, I'll guide you in the next step to express more of your Self. 

Happy scribbling, doodling, and getting in the flow 

of color and shapes.

All the best,

~

Carole 

ps. The only time is NOW! 

Ready, Aim, Higher!

Do You Want to Make Worthwhile Fine Art and Thrive? 

 

What choices help a person to become a professional career artist or remain a professional 'art student'?    

1. Professional artists today who have gallery representation, win awards, have clients, contract for commissions and private sales, seem to have one thing in common:  

They approach their life work as a job they love having!  

Their attitude is ''The Best or Nothing'' (Thanks, Mercedes Benz!):  They strive to be the best they can be and make necessary practices to gain mastery of the mind, heart, and hands.  For instance in China and Russia, many art academies require attendance 6 days a week, 14 hrs a day,  for 6 years!  There are no magic sales seminars or tricks to become an overnight success without a consistent body of work.
 A professional artist visualizes paying rent or mortgage, and expenses through selling art.  If self-employed, one has to be mindful to set up their own health insurance, retirement, and savings plans, often in addition to sustaining a family, as there is no corporate golden parachute waiting!  

2. A 'professional student' is often found in the stratosphere of hopes and dreams, without a clear assessment of their skill level. (see #1).  A lack of disciplined training may still show. Their productivity and voice may not be loud enough to make their art identifiable in less than 5 seconds to viewers online. Even a great love for making art may still need a viewpoint, or direction to show a well-defined oeuvre.  Making conscious decisions about harmony in subject, series, themes, are good choices. 

What if one has missed out on a solid foundation or apprenticeship? What might propel us forward to make a quantum leap at any point in our life: 

*Give up all self-sabotage talk like, 'not enough time', 'too old', 'not good enough',  or 'I haven't got the talent'. 

*Zero in on what you would love to express. 
*Focus on your best skills, then put in more hours than you thought.  
*Prepare by studying from the best schools and teachers you can find,  then practice exactly what you want to perform, like a karate master or concert violinist.  
*Be positive that the hours of preparation, discipline, and goal-setting will surely be noticed and rewarded. 

A blog post for all seasons!  If you are an artist or collector of art, you are welcome 

to visit my home/studio in Leucadia, December 10 & 11 - 10-4pm.

There are many paintings of a variety of subjects, sizes, and prices, and all will be %20 off!

If you have any questions for me, or for more information about 

the Open Studio and Sale, please click here.

Thank you for viewing my artwork. 

Happy Holidays!

When Life Gives You Lemons....

....Give Life Love

....Give Life Your All

....Give Life Your Smiles

....Give Life Your Heart

Over the years, the desire to create certain paintings has come up from my deepest center.  These paintings were gifts to those who have lost their dear ones, in hopes their days might be brightened.

 I was recently in London at the National and Portrait Galleries.  I imagined how bereft humanity would be without those fabulous images of great persons in history, whether drawn, painted, or photographed for posterity. 

The Royal Academy of London exhibit show was 82 full length portraits, done by David Hockney over a two year period.  They were totally modern, different than the Old Masters, and equally riveting because of Hockney's conviction to spend three days with each of the sitters.

And, yes, you could make Lemonade, but I'd rather paint!

Something a Little Different....

''Following'' 36''x 36'' Oil on Canvas -

 Soon to be on display at the Lotus Cafe, Encinitas, CA

 

 The painting proposed a challenge to me for blending realism and fantasy and looking for a way to illustrate a mystery..how much of life feels like 'the real thing' and how much feels like a 'dream'?

 Starting in January, I'll add a third class on Wednesdays, and there is still room for two more artists to join.

Thank you for viewing my artwork.  

carolemayne.com

 

Umbrian Vineyard

12''x 16'' Oil on Gessobord

The beauty of painting is we can re-visit our "happy places" when we paint from our photos!

 

On another note, we had a visit from a Blue Jay who has made our home his 'happy peanut-place'!

We have put out peanuts daily for 6-7 years, finding only a couple of birds became friendly.  

We had not seen this gorgeous Blue Jay before today.  He made himself right at home!

Enjoy the fun with our new BFF!

We found it hilarious to see him fly onto Chris' camera while trying to take his picture!...As you may know, Chris is a bird Photographer! https://www.facebook.com/Chris-Mayne-Avian-Photography-167492589939993/timeline/?ref=br_tf

Etsy Store is Open!

Fine Feathered Friends - Etsy

''Trust'' 

I have added a few images to my Etsy store:

 https://www.etsy.com/shop/FineFeatheredFriends

You'll see floral paintings, there, too!

I'll begin teaching again Sept 13.  Look for some fun paintings from my students that I'll post here, too!

All the best,

Carole