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.

Spring Mountain Views & A Virtual Hike

Two weeks ago, we made our first camping outing of the season.  The weather was beautiful, though a bit chilly and that's pretty typical of late May in Montana.  I can bundle up, that's no big deal.  I am so ready to escape to the mountains; a little rain and cold is nothing!  In my head, I know that the trees are leafing out, the snow is melting off, and the wildflowers are blooming.  It's happening now, as I share this with you.  More varieties of wildflowers are waiting their turn, for the conditions that coax them come to life.  I've got a huge collection of photos to share today!

Let's start by getting warm, because I shared the weather tends to be quite chilly...extra layers, knit hat, neck warmer kind of chilly.  When we commit, we stick it out and a bowl of hot & creamy potato soup hits the spot!  There was plenty of wood ready except it needed to be cut into smaller logs for the fire pit.  That's where our teenage son really helps out!  He stayed busy supplying enough wood to keep that fire going for our family.  Did you bring a warm jacket?  Would you like some hot cocoa?  We'll be listening to the fire cracking and popping soon!  There's just something so mesmerizing about watching the flames dance in the fire pit.  Marshmallows are at the ready...and of course, the graham crackers and chocolate bars, too!

Hey!  Why not really immerse yourself?  This would be the perfect time to get a Pandora or Spotify playlist going with nature sounds.  You'll hear the birds singing and get into the mindset of a visit to the mountains!  I would recommend George Winston's album, Forest or Dan Gibson's album, Wildflowers.  Oh, another great album: Going to the Sun: Glacier & Waterton National Parks.  Ready?  Okay, let's get away for just a little while and enjoy a mountain retreat!

Okay, so we have a water bottle, a hat, a jacket, comfortable shoes, sunscreen and insect repellent, bear spray.  (I must say, the bear spray is for spraying AT the bear, not on yourself...insert a good chuckle here.) A snack would be a great idea, too.  I guess you could throw the snack AT the bear.  Sorry.  I get a bit goofy now and then.  Let's head out and see what beauty nature holds for us!

I am always eager to scope out the wildflowers and noticed a trend of primarily purple, white and yellow!  I won't go into detail identifying them for you.  A few of them have me stumped, even the wildflower reference books have left me wondering.  The first, a type of clematis, was abundant as its vines wove throughout the tree branches.  Imagine nature's confetti decorating the tree limbs.  While those were easy to point out and others required a bit more work to see because of their size.

Columbia Virgin's Bower, Clematis

More spring photography from Instagram!

When a subject from nature interests me, I take the opportunity to take as many photographs as possible.  Building my photography collection for art references is a serious effort.  I'm sure I've mentioned this before but it's crazy true.  My obsession with attention to detail, watching for a perspective or angle that I can't pass up is always there.  In the past few days, I've checked on the cherry blossoms often and taken perhaps 200 photos...some turn out and some don't, so I go a bit overboard to allow for mess ups.  I've been experimenting with the backgrounds being less distracting and more blurred.  I'm also learning that the tripod needs to go along and be put to good use!  New habits 101...

More cherry blossoms opening over the weekend. Camera is being put to work! Grabbing as many photos as possible while they last. #cherryblossoms2016 #firstbackyardblooms #artreferencephotos #happyforspring

A photo posted by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Apr 5, 2016 at 8:04pm PDT

Sketchbook has a bit of ink and watercolor, excitement for projects coming soon. Delicate pale pink cherry blossoms. #quickinkandwatercolor #sketchbookquickie #nopencilnoerasing #springishereagain

A photo posted by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Apr 6, 2016 at 11:39am PDT

I'm excited to share a few more photos from our afternoon drive in the Lewis and Clark National Forest.  We just say, "let's take a drive up the Teton."  The fresh, clean air and big, blue sky combined with the scent of pine is just a rejuvenating way to escape regular life stuff for a while.

Sunday afternoon. Brilliantly vivid green lush moss. Numbingly icy cold fresh water. Can you just hear the lovely sound as it moves over the rocks? #wonderfulwaterfall #localsknowthisplace #moreartreferencephotos #northforkoftheteton #sundaydriveinthemountains #lewisandclarknationalforest

A photo posted by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Apr 6, 2016 at 10:55am PDT

More down below the road, near to the river bed. The moss stands out against surroundings still waiting a turn for waking up to spring. #wonderfulwaterfall #moreartreferencephotos #lewisandclarknationalforest #sundaydriveinthemountains #northforkoftheteton

A photo posted by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Apr 6, 2016 at 11:23am PDT

See you tomorrow!  I'm preparing to share some useful tips on keeping a better perspective, a continuation of the topic from last week.

-Christy

Spring at Higher Elevation in Montana

Spring means crocus on the foothills of the mountains here on the east side of the Rocky Mountains.  A Sunday afternoon drive includes a packed picnic of hot dogs, potato chips, and store bought cookies.  Hmmm...and a 2 lb. bag of Sour Patch Kids candies.  No, we didn't finish it.  It was a nice unexpected treat that made the ride more fun.  The late-afternoon sun danced through the trees and off the icy water running downstream.  I would have stayed for a week, given the option!  Thinking now on how to pack the summer art bag...is lighter possible?

I'll add another photo tomorrow.

-Christy

Sunday afternoon drive for mountain and fresh air fix. A few crocus on the lower foothills. #mountainwildflowers #purplecrocus #montanawildflowers #montanaphoto #springishereagain

A photo posted by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Apr 3, 2016 at 7:45pm PDT

Mountain stream in late afternoon. Therapy like this is hard to beat. #coldmountainwater #soundofriverstream #sundayafternoondrives

A photo posted by Christy Sheeler (@christysheeler.artist) on Apr 3, 2016 at 8:13pm PDT

Lush Fields of Teton County in Watercolor

Painting a View of the Front Range

Montana has won my heart!  The breathtaking views offered daily are more than an artist could ever capture.  Whether it's a brightly colored sunrise, a gentle frost on the tree branches, or a purple mountain range that seems to go on forever, it's a land of inspiration.  One of my most recently completed artworks was inspired several years ago.  

After watching the annual Independence Day parade in Choteau, Montana, we were driving home.  We topped the hill and then I saw this fantastic sight.  The fields were such a verdant green and in the distance I could see bright yellow flowers, perhaps mustard.  The sky was clear, no haze at all, and just sooo blue!  The mountains in the distance were easily visible.  The well worn tracks along the fence line drew my eye to the mountains.  I was mesmerized and picturing how it could become a painting.  My camera was close at hand and we pulled off onto the side of the road.  

As I've said many times, my husband and children are more than understanding and patient.  They know how much photography means to me.  Over the years, they have become accustomed to a camera being in my hand.  It's very seldom that they hurry me along or distract my focus.  I am indeed blessed.

The photo by itself is not that awe inspiring, I must admit it's just okay.  It's bones are nice though.  The elements of design being used here make it work; it just needs a little tweaking and it will be exactly what I need.  The basic composition is made up of sky, mountains, fields.  The mountains are not cutting through in the center of the frame.  This creates more interest.  Add to that, the horizontal planes are divided unevenly.  The wheel tracks and the fence line both break up the lower plane at eye pleasing angles.  See, I've been working at this long enough, it's planned out pretty well when the photo is taken.

Labor Day in Glacier National Park

Chasing the Sun: Glacier National Park

Labor Day 2015

Montana's landscape holds beauty that any attempt to describe can't possibly do it justice.  The mountains are breathtaking but the prairies can be just as awe inspiring.  The way the light plays off the wide range of colors and textures captures my full attention.  Logan Pass had been closed in the days before taking this day trip.  There had been rain on the plains and snow in the mountains and the clouds still hung low.  With camera bags, water bottles, and snacks packed up, we took to the road.  We dressed for autumn but probably should have added another layer or two.  A winter coat would have been a great idea once we hit the top of the pass.  We were in and out of the car quickly, not intending to hike, so we were only a little chilled along the way.

On the road between Browning and East Glacier, I was so taken with the changing landscape and sky.  There's a bit of blue sky but the clouds are heavy yet.  This just cries out, "paint me!"  I probably will.  Our two kids (teens) were not very excited about spending the day on the road but they had their electronics along.  At this point, I'm hoping for the least complaining possible.  The bad attitudes seemed to be held off that day.  I always pack more stuff than necessary even on days like this.  I had very little leg room but it was my own fault.  I really didn't care; camera in hand, I was distracted with the landscape around us.

As we cross the bridge high above the river, this is the view to the north.  Just wow!   As I saw the train moving along the tracks, I had to try an attempt even with the vehicle in motion.  It's always a gamble with the end result.  I was pleasantly surprised that it turned out so well.  

[Happy purring kitten crawling on my lap, nibbling at my hands on the keyboard.  I think she's saying she'd rather have playtime or cuddle time.  She's doing her best to distract me.  She doesn't comprehend blog post deadlines.  Funny Lucy Lu!]

The first stop was Apgar Village on Lake McDonald.  The cloudy skies made it a challenge to capture very well.  I'm always seeking more reference photos here.  It's my favorite place in this national park.  I have more favorite views from the west side of the lake.

On our second stop inside Glacier National Park, I was noticing the lighting still wasn't ideal.  This view would be so much better with blue sky.  For an art reference photo, it will work nicely to a point.  There really isn't a strong light source.  It's pretty flat.  It give information about the parts of the composition but a light source and more defined shadows would be a huge improvement.

While taking these photos, I was looking up at the sky around us, studying the "holes" in the cloud cover.  I was trying to decide if it would be worth waiting longer to have a chance at more sunlight.  Do I wait?  Should we move on?  Will there be more sunlight for other photos up ahead?

Before moving on, I zoomed in on a these five views.  The first shows the blue of the water caused by algae.  Then I zoomed in closer for several more shots in the area.  I did alter these some to adjust them because of the overcast sky.

This is a view I am planning to paint at some point.  I've been gathering reference photos over the years.  It's such a tranquil perspective.  While here, I would guess I took at least 15 photos of this and the surrounding area.  I zoom in on specific areas to help with added details while painting.  As we were pulling away, there was a photographer waiting in the parking area.  He was patiently waiting for the sun to come through the clouds.  We joked with him that he was "getting" the sun.  I wanted to wait as well, but I knew we needed to keep moving.

This would be so much more dynamic with some blue sky, sunlight, and more distinct shadows.  But here we are, it's what it is.  I still enjoy it and could use it for an art reference.  

We are driving on the Going-To-The-Sun Road toward Logan Pass and there are few chances to pull off for a better view.  My camera was being put to work now!  Judging the roadside and trees, I click away hoping to not have a tree in the middle of the viewfinder.  The sun is beginning to show signs of breaking through the clouds.  I can see bits of blue sky appearing.

About this time, as my husband driver is slowing for me, I'm shooting away like crazy to get as many shots as possible.  Without realizing it, we've slowed down another driver behind us.  That driver used his horn to communicate his annoyance.  "Really?  These views and you're in a hurry?"  That was my thought.  The sun is breaking through and lighting up the tree tops on the mountainsides.  The sunlight's rays so defined.  My husband drives quite fast all the time, EXCEPT in national parks.  He wants to enjoy the views and he's not rushed at all.  We are a great combination.  

Ooh! Ooh!  It's the sun!  We found the sun!  I know I sound ridiculous but that's exactly what it felt like.  The sky was changing constantly as we traveled the road.  I couldn't take my eyes off the views.  The sunlight brings out the vivid greens in ribbons that bend with the curve of the slope. 

These are just spectacular views and I'm taken with the fact that I get to see them.  This happens every day.  I try to imagine what it would be like to see this everyday.  The clouds move and the sun comes through to spotlight creation.  The light brings out details that captivate those who will pause.

We approach Logan Pass Visitor Center and I observe other people dressed for winter.  Oh.  We didn't dress for winter.  We brave the cold and the snow anyway.  We can do this.

Inside the visitor center, this quote is posted on the wall.  I relate with these words.  I cannot begin to do justice to these views with words or photographs or paintings.  The views are just too amazing.

As we continued along the road toward St. Mary's, it occurred to me that we seemed to be chasing the sun.  We were excitedly pursuing sunlit views and glimpses of blue sky.  I am still in awe of the sun and clouds effects on the view of the valleys.  The varying pattern of dark next to light green is just yummy!  I know it's not food but yeah, it's food for the eyes.

The sunlight makes the difference.  Without the sun lighting up the landscape, it's flat and lifeless.  It's a beautiful view, sunlight or not, but just not the same.  It's really hard to add that in as I paint, second guessing how to plan the shadows.  I just know seeing the shadows makes painting a better experience.

Here is how the wildfires have changed the landscape this year.  This is the area drawing nearer to St. Mary's.  It's sad but intriguing all at once.  It's not ruined.  It's different.  Though it may not be ideal, it's still alive.  What we see may not appear to be alive but time will show its recovery.  The process is slow but so incredible to follow...this is one area I'll continue to photograph to show it's regrowth.

As we drove from St. Mary's toward East Glacier at the day's end, this traveler's Winnebago gave us interesting food for thought.  My own sentimental mind thought this suited our day and lives perfectly.  Off in the distance there are areas previously burnt in years past.  The regrowth is bright green and lush...like something good is on its way.

Our final stop in this day's journey before the drive home...Serrano's.  East Glacier has this little gem, Mexican cuisine so delicious that you'll need to get your name on the waiting list.  We waited about 30 minutes for a table and ate on the back patio.  It was a little cool but temporary walls were up on the patio aided by a patio heater.  We caved on letting the kids have technology at the table.  We seldom do this.  It almost felt like a date for just the two of us.  A little quieter and we could visit while we just enjoyed the end of the day.

During one of our first stops of the day, my loving guy shot these photos of me.  You can probably see how I was eating up every moment, sunshine or not.  It was a day full of taking in as much as possible because the seasons are changing.  The weather is changing quickly and soon all this will be like a different world.  The days grow shorter, the leaves change and fall, and the landscape is all new again.  I'm thankful for the opportunity to record these views and share them with the world.  It's all too good to keep to myself.  I'm sure there's somebody that would relish it all as well or better.  

This has been quite the wild ride, I'm telling you!  I'm not just talking about my own adventures in art and taking care of my family at the same time.  That has been a most exciting undertaking to be sure.  We had a rhythm that worked for us and felt pretty comfortable.  My decision to explore art as a possible career venture has thrown us all for a bit of a loop.  Now that we are starting our back-to-school rhythm, my work days in the studio are struggling to be productive.  There are appointments and interruptions that take me from art goals.  Though my progress continues, the amount of multi-tasking is tiring.

I'm learning so many new things at one time;
that only adds to feeling like I'm moving forward at the pace of a snail on Benadryl!

There are so many other unrelated commitments that I don't really want to give up.  I think my biggest weakness is that I can feel overwhelmed and not reach the goals I've set.  Do I expect a lot of myself?  Oh, yes.  Taking life too seriously can be my downfall.  

In the beginning, much research of online advice recommends longer posts for better search engine optimization (SEO).  I'm learning so much daily.  It seemed really hard to build longer posts at first.  Now, I'm trying to keep the post lengths from being too long.  I'm not sure what to share or how to say it...I guess that comes with experience and time.  I'll be trying to give a few short posts both for reader convenience and mine, too.  Now that the school year has begun, I'm finding I have to choose to write a post or paint.  Managing it all is a learning process.  We'll see where it goes!

_________________________________________________________________________

In the meantime, here's a teaser on what I'm putting together for a post in the near future.  My sister is very curious about the magic eraser method I mentioned on Facebook.  I'm just learning how this can be effective so don't mean to sound like a pro here.  It's an experiment that I tried on a painting recently.

So for now, I'm heading back to get going on paintings for the remainder of my morning.  That river's not going to paint itself!  If there's a technique you'd heard about but never tried...let me know, maybe it could turn into another blog post.  Maybe creative little videos will be added eventually.



Until next time,

-Christy

because she must make art.

Nature's Water Therapy

Have you ever needed to get away for few days?

At the end of July, our two teens were gone for a week.  We had a weekend to get away by ourselves.  We went camping.  I know, you're saying, "really, again?"  It's what summer in Montana is made for...there's no other way to explain it.  The beautiful blue skies and the landscape is just too irresistible.  We packed up the basics we would need and headed for the mountains.  It's under an hour's drive and we have our little home-away-from-home parked and settled.  We had a great time sharing one another's undivided attention.  There wasn't a set schedule and we ate when we were hungry.  It was so freeing to not be thinking about a regular mealtime schedule.  We ate our favorite junk food.  We didn't have to be a good example of healthy eating!  It was a nice vacation from the typical camping trip for our family of four.  We missed our kids while they were gone for that ten days but the break relaxed us a great amount.  The weather that weekend brought high temperatures and I noticed that many flowers were done blooming.  The vegetation was changing, preparing for late summer turning to become autumn.  There were signs that the local area was dry, which would in turn result in a great number of wildfires.  

While we were out taking the dog for a walk, I had my camera but it late morning which meant the sun was high.  The lighting was not best for photography.  Everything had a tendency to be washed out and had less contrast.  The longer shadows of morning and evening really add to composition.  I ought to make myself get out earlier and sacrifice sleep for my art.  I wished that I'd been out early in the morning but sleeping in late was such a welcome option.  I didn't really view this weekend outing the same as others.  I had been pushing so hard at home in the studio and felt the need for some time off.  My main focus was on enjoying a relaxing time with my husband.  Photography for art references wasn't the main goal that it had been on previous camping trips.  

This area runs along the road and is a series of beaver dams.  The colors were a little washed out, especially in the sky but I used a few Picasa filters for improvement.  When I have a photo I'm not