Lessons in Loose and Less Controlled

Letting Go

It's been a while but I'm here today and I've got some new watercolors in progress.  Because my art time is so limited now, the most recent projects are different.  I tend to work very tight, controlled and detailed when I paint.  Stepping out of my usual habits is forcing me to grow as an artist.  (The one here on far left is described more further on below.)  Can you relate with the struggle, working more tight and detail-focused in your own artwork?  Along the way, some tips on challenging yourself to be more loose with the brush and working less controlled in your own artwork.


The two paintings below are watercolors on Yupo surface.  It's not paper.  It's a plastic surface for watermedia or mixed media.  It takes some time and patience to work with in my experience.  With practice, it's been easier to adapt my strokes for a better result.  I enjoy working with this surface very much even though I've been so tight in my style for a long time.  The genius of this surface is it can all be rinsed and wiped away for a fresh new start.  The first landscape is done with a reference photo and the second landscape is just a fun imaginative journey.

Can you relate with the struggle, working more tight and detail-focused in your own artwork?  

In this post, 10 Tips for Working Loose and Less Controlled.

I have followed Angela Fehr's work for a while on Facebook and love her YouTube videos for learning to relax and enjoy the watercolor medium.  Her work is so lovely.  She has online courses so I signed up for a free course on her website.  I'll link it here: Watercolor Jumpstart with Angela Fehr  

I wanted to keep myself painting even when my schedule is working against me.  She has such a positive way with explaining and she's easy to follow when she teaches.  I would say that if you are curious about taking lessons...go check out her courses.  You will enjoy yourself and she can take you from basics to advanced skills.

Here is the beginning stage of my project following along with her instruction.  This was my first time completely soaking my paper before beginning the first layer of color.  I loved this and enjoyed the time in my art room very much!  It's a mystery what will come of it and that's the fun of it.  The second photo below is further on in next stages...once the first layer of watercolor was dry.

This is the second project done with the online course.  She provides the art reference photos and they can be downloaded onto a pc or other device.  I had the photos downloaded onto my tablet so I could see them at my art table.  

The third of my works done through her online course is below.  This was an exercise in negative painting which is painting around an object to reveal its shape.  I was familiar with the technique but not excited to use it often.  It's a challenge to be sure!  She shares quite a few tips for making the negative painting process not so overwhelming.  

This is the one I've chosen to revisit today but it didn't go very well.  If I'd seen this photo (taken over a month ago) while working on it today, I'd be much happier.  I faced two major problems.  The first, I couldn't remember which photograph I'd used for this project.  I searched and guessed it to be a similar photograph to the one showing below.  The second problem, I think I turned the painting upside down.  Ugh.  See, the work doesn't always go as originally hoped for in my art room, too.  I can scrap it altogether or I can see what can be done now.  Maybe this is the time to try washing it all off?  I'm not sure what I'll decide to do at this point.  

The two photos below were taken after my painting time today.  I see that I chose the wrong photograph but right subject.  The watercolor paper should have been spun around but it could work as it is now.  Tough decision.  Not sure what I'll decide to do now.

Today's warm up session was a quick landscape on Yupo surface.  It's done loosely with pale colors.  I used an art reference photo taken just a few weeks ago.  I don't love this one but I'm showing it anyway because you might think I turn out nothing but work that I love in the end.  It's so much more pale than my usual work.  It's an exercise in branching out for color scheme and less vibrant.  It's also on Yupo...so I will probably wash it all away and try again.  Love that about Yupo!

 It's been more productive in the art room for March, April and May in 2018.  Spring of 2017, I wasn't painting much at all.  I've been checking back to answer comments here as well as email.  If you've got questions, don't hesitate to contact me.  I'll get back to you as soon as I am able, usually 5-7 days.  Sheesh!  It's June now!  The days just fly by now.

10 Tips for Painting Loose and Less Controlled

1.  Block out the need to have an artwork for mat and frame.  Nobody has time for that pressure!

2.  Take 10-15 minutes to play on a smaller scrap of paper.  No expectations.  

      Warm up your mind and subconscious for creative energy to flow better.

3.  Try a new way of starting...like soaking the paper.  Be adventurous!

4.  Have an open mind about supplies and tools and techniques.  What would happen if...?

5.  Watch a painting tutorial that inspires you and then GO DO it yourself.                               

      YouTube is full of great videos that cost nothing.

6.  Be more aware of your self talk.  It's not just you thinking, "oh, what should I do now," 

       or "well, that didn't work the way I wanted," and "what should I do about this area?"  

       There are unsure moments in the process.  If it's really got me rattled, I lay it aside 

        and take a break (15 minutes) or I pick up another work in progress to get 

         my mind off of it for a while.

7.  This is hard work to move out of our comfort zone.  Don't expect it to come easily or quickly.        

      This retrains the brain, the eye, the hand, and the creative process.  Learning takes a lot of energy.

8.  Give yourself a bit of flexibility to be creative.  Set aside the art reference photo 

       and ask yourself how you want to paint this.  Take a glance now and then if it helps 

       relieve anxiety of needing direction.  Ask yourself how YOU want to paint this.  

       No one will see that photo.  It will not sit beside your painting.  It doesn't have to 

       match what the photo shows for accuracy. 

9.  Find a way to not stress over the supplies you're using.  We don't want to be adventurous 

       because this paper cost a pretty penny!  Paint on both sides of the paper.  Use it up.  

       Try washing the painting off...I'm going to try this soon.  Don't use cheaper paper.  

       Quality paper 140 lb. or 300 lb. is where you need to be.  I push myself to use only 300 lb. paper 

        now and it took years for me to get to that point.  YUPO!  Yupo is amazing.  

        It's a bit more money but you can really wash away all the paint and start again.  

        Rinsing it off in the sink will not damage it at all.  Stains?  Magic eraser.

10.  Do it all again.  Go back and remember the new methods.  Write yourself some reminders.  

        Repetition and reminders help us keep the new way of thinking and creating for the long term.

Thank you for stopping by the blog today!  Be sure to leave a hello in the comments.  You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.  I'm most actively posting on Instagram these days because it's so quick and easy.


-Christy

She must make art.

An Instagram Update

-The Very Long Winter-

I'd like to give you a brief update on life here in my world.
Winter seems to have a strong grip on us.  We are weary of snow, ice, slush, and cold.  With serious effort, a positive attitude is being attempted so we can keep on with life.  We've had the most heavy and steady snowfall since a week prior to Christmas.  The amount of snowfall and wind have been a challenge not only here but worse in neighboring communities nearer the mountains.  We have had severe cold temperatures that kept the snow from being able to melt off at all.

The view through the windshield on Saturday as we drove south for a day out...out of the house and out of town. We are past ready for spring but doing our best to hang on until warmer days arrive in Montana. I will be so glad to be done with bundling up daily! Keep reminding myself that spring and summer and fall are worth freezing my bum off now.

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Feb 26, 2018 at 4:46pm PST

Beautiful colors in sky and land...shadows with snow are always eye catching to me. This was a county road which is why it's less travelled. It was great to take a drive and see wide open spaces.

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Mar 4, 2018 at 8:34pm PST

Snow as far as the eye can see. We enjoy every bit of blue sky...and sunshine. This was taken late afternoon yesterday. The amount of snow here is hard to describe. Ditches along the road are filled plus snow drifts are another 4 to 10+ feet high. So relieved and thankful for stories of people helping out neighbors with plowing often.

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Mar 4, 2018 at 8:40pm PST

I try to remember to keep my eyes watching for the beauty in what seems much like Narnia.

Having a bit of fun with the view through frosted glass window. Love the intricately laced patterns and just hints of the tree across the front lawn.like

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Mar 2, 2018 at 4:49pm PST

Outdoor temperature reads -14 F as I drove kids to school this morning. There are the most beautiful and intricately detailed etchings of frost on the glass in our front door. Trying to find the blessings in this new day. #thecreativelife #beautifulfrostyday #summermakesupforwinter #isitaprilyet #shemustmakeart

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Feb 9, 2018 at 7:59am PST

Local weather conditions: more snow. We had a couple of warmer days (30ish degrees for highs) with sunshine. Now this morning, snowfall has returned again. We're hanging on and believing spring will be here eventually. #snowonsnowonsnow #marchsnowinmontana #sonistiredofshoveling #goodforfarmers # goingtobeamuddyspring #springwillcomeeventually

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Mar 2, 2018 at 8:39am PST

There is a lot of wonderful detail in the frost, snow drifts, and shadows created in winter weather. Still, we'll be thankful to put the snow shovel away for a brief 6 or 7 months. Our first snow usually arrives in October.

It's much worse in other places, closer to the mountains. We live in town and on the prairies at lower elevation. More trees mean less drifting in our neighborhood. Thankful for our son's willingness to help with shoveling walkways. He's getting tired of the constant request though... #winterinmontana #snowonsnowonsnow #belowzerotemps #thanksforshoveling #cozywarmhometoday #springwillcomeeventually

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Feb 20, 2018 at 9:32am PST

I am now back to work as the nanny for a local family. My first week of full time adventure with three beautiful kiddos is behind me. It's the best kind of tiring "work" with lots of hugs and cuddles. This past week we worked on a leprechaun trap and I baked banana muffins. We played games and watched Sesame Street among many other daily activities.

Today is a very special day! We are making a leprechaun trap! Sparkle and bright colors are making this one hard to resist. Inside, the goodies, Lucky Charms cereal is our bait. We're almost done but now we wait for glue to dry.

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Mar 16, 2018 at 10:54am PDT

While youngest kiddo was napping today, I baked up banana muffins. It's really great to be back at work! Love this family and the friendship that's an added blessing. I'm grateful for having fun and laughs while I work as a daytime nanny. #marypoppinskindavibe #bakingismything #getmoredonewhilehenaps #reallythankful

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Mar 13, 2018 at 5:29pm PDT

Now, before you get all concerned about me losing out on my art creating time and space...I have been giving this some serious effort! I am staying hopeful that my creative energy will still get put to good use in the next few months. Are you on Instagram? You might want to follow me there because I'm most actively sharing what I'm painting on my Instagram account.

Hollyhocks in watercolor are very close to completion now. After I had focused on touching up whites and pulling out more dark details, I stopped for the day. There comes a point where more work is not really needed...and mistakes come easier. #thecreativelife #artstudiotoday #shemustmakeart #hollyhocksinwatercolor

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Mar 7, 2018 at 3:28pm PST

Painting on Yupo with watercolor is a great exercise in working more loosely with the brush. I am finding it more enjoyable each time I come back to this surface. It's not paper at all. It's a plastic surface and color lifts and moves so easily. #thecreativelife #artstudiotoday #shemustmakeart #yupopaper #montanasummer

A post shared by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Mar 7, 2018 at 4:01pm PST

It's difficult for me to be away from my blog.  I enjoy being able to write about my adventures with watercolor.  So I'm so glad the number of views and comments continues to grow because this is my way to sharing with other creatives in this fantastic journey.  Hopefully, I'll be able to share my own spring views soon with vibrant green shoots of new life sprouting up from the earth.  The new blossoms will be bursting open to be loved and enjoyed once more.  I'll be able to capture these glimpses of the seasons changing from sleepy winter to sunlit spring.  Here in northern Montana, we're longing for the warmth and glow of sunshine, longer days, and easier travel from one side of town to the other.

Christy
She must make art.

Writing My Artist Goals: 2018!

Let's talk about goals.

While moving about the art room, my eye spots a simple sheet of paper.  At the top, it's titled 2015 Christy Sheeler Artist.  To anyone else, it might be just another list.  It is my list of art goals for 2015.  I quickly read over the list and feel amazed at what I was able to accomplish in that one year's time.  

So then I turn my head and see another list.  It's pinned to the bulletin board on the wall.  It's title:  2016 GOALS for Christy Sheeler Artist.  You caught that...not 2017.  There were no artist goals for 2017.  Well, 2018 needs some goals! The process and result will give me something to work toward for myself, the artist.

Let's get this process started!

Defining a goal

According to Merriam-Webster, goal can be defined as the end toward which effort is directed.

Synonyms for goal include: aim, ambition, aspiration, design, dream, idea, ideal, intent, intention, mark, meaning, object, objective, plan, point, pretension, purpose, target

Inspiration for Goal Writing

Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which me must fervently believe, and upon which me must vigorously act.  There is no other route to success.

-Pablo Picasso

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.

-C.S. Lewis

Outstanding people have one thing in common:  An absolute sense of mission.

-Zig Ziglar

Why write down yearly goals?

I need direction.  I am easily distracted.  It begins with one task which turns into switching to another task.  "Oh, I need to put this away."  "Where did that list go?"  And months can go by without remembering to figure out how to learn a new social media platform...Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook...  I need more structure; organization that helps me function better.  Having a list of lofty plans and major milestones has made it possible for me to go after the hard things.

Something I read a few years ago really gave me a serious nudge to be serious about being more intentional with my goals.  Artist Habits of Mind-A Great Planning Tool for 2014 written by Rob Levit (title is linked) gives the challenges to

"engage and persist...make a list of what you'd like to accomplish in 2014-personally and professionally.  What opportunity would provide the greatest reward-financially or in terms of professional satisfaction-if you engaged and persisted in its accomplishment?"

5 Steps For Making Your Own Watercolor Mixing Grid

Plan Your Mixing For Better Creative Flow

I use mixing grids as tools, because it saves so much guesswork.  Clearly seeing which mixes I want to use in my work,  I am less frustrated and make fewer mistakes.  It's less, "oh, I don't like that!"  There's more "oh, it's coming together!"  

Would you like to make one?  Does it seem intimidating?  Can I give you some tips to get you started?  It's an enjoyable process, methodical yet relaxing at the same time.  In the past, artists have shown interest in making a chart like this.  It's just paper and paint.  Really.  I promise.  Don't hold back because I'm just sure you can handle it.  

(Well, no...I don't know you that well...what do you have to lose?  You might have a great time!)

After the many years I've painting with watercolors, there's a stack of various watercolor paper scraps with free form brushstrokes of color.  Each one of these pages is a record of my time exploring how to achieve a certain mix for a painting.  The earliest mixing "notes" are filled with blobs of color with a few scribbled notes in my handwriting.  I sorted this stack into the following collections.  Some of them instantly take me back to the specific painting, others not so much.  It's interesting to see how my methods changed over time.

LET'S BREAK IT DOWN.

Supplies:
Watercolor paper (I'm using 300 lb. cold press)
Pencil
Fine-point permanent marker
Straight edged ruler
Watercolor pigment
Watercolor brush
Watercolor palette
Container of rinse water
Paper towels

1.  Choose your pigments.  

Keep the number limited.  How about the primaries, and then a few other pigments you're curious about trying out.  I usually begin by comparing my reference photo with my favorite reference book, The Watercolor Painter's Pocket Palette by Moira Clinch.  Over time, I have saved my mixing grids from previous artworks, and those are also great tools now.  So, for the hollyhocks as my photo reference, I've chosen these watercolor pigments.

I chose Daniel Smith Quinacridone Coral, Daniel Smith Quinacridone Red, Windsor & Newton Transparent Yellow, Daniel Smith Quinacridone Gold, Da Vinci Cerulean Blue, and Daniel Smith French Ultramarine.

Coming Soon: 5 Steps - Watercolor Mixing Grid

Hey there!  I'm just so glad you stopped in today.  I want to welcome you to She Must Make Art.  I am Christy, an artist and lover of creating in all kinds of ways.  I enjoy sharing my own journey in making and loving art.  While life has thrown me a few curves and I'm not making art as often, I am here no matter what.

There's a new blog post in progress and I've got my plan for a tutorial describing my method for mixing watercolors and creating a color mixing grid.

The tutorial is written and edited so now it's time for brushes to do their job.  This is a tutorial that needs new photos taken as I create a mixing chart just for the purpose of showing my methods to you.  Once the photos are taken, edited and added...you'll be able to see something brand new.  Here.  From me.  Christy.  The artist.

So for now I'm just giving you a bit of inspiration for the next blog post.  Here are the photos taken as I prepared and began to paint cherry blossoms in watercolor last spring.  This was one of the most recent artworks completed before life changed in such a big way.  I'll share the progression of several watercolor paintings focused on cherry blossoms in a future blog post.  Can you see how I was just in the creating-watercolor-happiness-zone?  I really was!

While the background is soft and pale, the layers of watercolor wash begin in a gradual process.  The watercolor mixing grid helps me stay focused as I work through the artwork.  

Okay, well now I must be off to get the watercolor pigments on the grid.  I am excited to share it when it's finished!  Thanks for giving me the time to share and come hang out again soon!

-Christy
She Must Make Art.