Friday, January 20, 2012

Come a Long Way... Baby

It's been just a little over a year ago that I started Encaustic (Wax) painting.  Its been an interesting road and I have learned so much about the medium.  But, my biggest takeaway for the year is how much I have learned about myself.
I like to pick a word that is my mantra for the year.  Last year, my word was
KNOWLEDGE.
I was wanting to learn.
I have actually surprised myself with the knowledge I gained in regard to painting:
  1. I've learned I love painting with wax - its magical for me
  2. I am not an abstract painter - not my deal at all
  3. I actually want to paint a painting of something with the wax
  4. I love love painting portraits and figures
  5. I love to work BIG
  6. I love putting words in my paintings - words are inspiring and thought provoking
  7. I love the more POP ART style because it makes it fun



Above is my most recent painting.  She's BIG 24x24. 
Below is where I started its 3x3

I started out with my inner critic running the show.  Howling at me every day.  Telling me that it was really ridiculous that I was trying this at all.  I couldn't paint bigger than 3 inches square.  I was totally petrified of the whole process.  But, there was this little flicker inside that kept me at it.  Kept me trying, kept me learning.  I took some workshops and its a wonder that I could get through them at all.  Afraid to be free and work there, I would just dabble and come home with knowledge in my brain but nothing tangible to show for it.
What I learned is that I can not for my life paint an abstract painting or put together a collage.  The thought of being free and painting swirls and swishes and all that - NOPE, not my deal.  Not at all. 
But, I CAN paint a portrait.  I'm not sure exactly how that came to me.  I saw some portrait work in wax and for whatever reason, I wanted to try it.  No rhyme or reason - but it works - its my deal.  I still have a long way to go and lots to learn.  However, I feel I am on the right track now
Finally
So, if your inner critic rules your creativeness - she can be quieted.  She can take a back seat to what it is you are meant to do.  Don't be discouraged.  Kept going whatever direction feels right.  Gain KNOWLEDGE, move forward, practice and think BIG.
Just sayin

3 comments:

  1. I haven't been around the blog world in a long time. So here I am again looking though my favorites links and found this post of yours. This is an amazing picture. I would hang it in my home, seriously. Such an inspiring post. In't it wonderful to find what you love?
    I hope to be back with a new and fresh blog in a few weeks.
    Love from Eva

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  2. Marji, she is gorgeous. You really have come a long way. I've only been following you since Kat's classes last summer/fall, but in that time I've seen your encaustic work make tremendous strides. I'm really enjoying following your progress as you discover what your true self loves.

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  3. I love your BIG girl. I love that you include text in your images. I too like that, though don't always do it....it's like I forget and then it's magical when it happens. Here's what I know about wax painting-nothing. But I know I like what you've created. Applause to you for gathering knowledge, letting it swirl inside and come out shining. Fantastic.

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