Thursday, March 21, 2013

New, Magic Nuggets and Processing Information

encaustic on birch 16 x 16
Sometimes, it takes a while to process information.  I"m there, I'm in the moment, I hear, I see, yet... it takes a while to internalize something and have it actually take hold.  Have you ever experienced that?
That's how I felt in my Faces in Wax class from Charlie Levin.  I was there, I totally participated.  There was information that I knew, stuff I had figured out on my own, stuff that was new and stuff that was not new.  I actually feel that we all hear and take away the one magic nugget of information that we need - the key to something that unlocks a whole new way/direction/method.  Or maybe, if we are lucky -  there are more than one magic nuggets that spur us on.  Yet, sometimes we don't process that information until a day, a week or even more... later.  It just sits there waiting for us to remember that we know.. all the information that we need is inside and waiting to be tapped.  The light bulb goes on.
My weekend class in California was awesome.  The information coming in was a lot to process and there are still things that are just coming out from my workshop weekend.  New ways to do things, new/old tools to use.  New artists to inspire. 
I have to stress to all artists - we all need to do workshops.  Get out and put yourself out there.  Meet others that share the same love.  Get fresh new ideas, new inspirations, new... just new.  Don't question it, don't hesitate - sign up for that class or that workshop or that project - whatever, just do it.  Its important as artists that we learn from others - in all kinds of ways.

40 comments:

  1. what a fantastic face!
    gorgeous!
    Happy PPF

    Susi from the monthly challenge
    ART-JOURNAL-JOURNEY
    with the current theme:
    special moments!
    you are invited to take part!

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  2. So glad you enjoyed the workshop Marji. I agree that it's good to get involved, there's always something new to learn! Your portrait is stunning, she has that 'knowing' look in her eye. Did she go on the workshop with you? lol

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  3. workshops and classes are always a great way to boost your creative brain... and this portrait is one of your best... it is awesome watching your work develop and progress... always exciting to visit...xx

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  4. Very beautiful! Love your use of light, the reflections on her eyes - awesome! <3

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  5. Marji. Stunning painting. It is beautiful and perfect. So expressive. Also you wrote beautiful post and words. Thank you. Have a magical weekend

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  6. wonderful textures and a beautiful painting. Happy PPF, Annette x

    http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/

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  7. This is absolutely stunning. And I agree about taking workshops. So inspiring! HPPF and Happy Spring!

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  8. Wow, the texture on this is unbelievable. Great face!

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  9. This is a stunning piece. Your work just blows me away. I think you're right about taking workshops and learning new things. I know I am probably guilty of sticking to what I know, my comfort blanket, rather than trying new things.

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  10. So true! Both about the being in the moment and yet taking time to hold and also about getting involved in workshops. Your portrait looks fabulous!
    Nice texture!
    HPPF!
    Deepa

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  11. This is a wonderful piece. I love the texture. You are right stepping out of what we know brings new life to our art.
    Happy PPF
    Nicole/Beadwright

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  12. Gorgeous..she has wonderfully entrancing eyes and a strong spirit.. Glad you are enjoying your workshops.Shine on, have fun
    Victoria

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  13. Beautiful! I truly admire anyone that can do portrait work, it's so hard to display such expression and you have done it wonderfully.

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  14. The texture and color of your piece are beautiful!

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  15. This is was Marji? OMGosh, it is hard to believe. Ah...sunny california and yes, i agree with you wholeheartedly about workshops. it is about all i do. i love taking them and it is how i develop who I am. i, like you am kinesthetic and it takes me time. i have to feel it, taste it etc. before i can do it. i can sit in a workshop and "duh" then after "ah!" it is unnerving in the workshop - yet, i must learn to trust it. Marji, this is unbelievable. is it still called encaustic when it is like this? it is SO lifelike i thought it was a photo at first. you are an amazing artist, to say the absolute least. I want to spend time here. I am going to look for a subscribe by email. If you don't have one, would you consider putting one and let me know. I am SO impressed!!!!!! Happy PPF Marji! Lovies, Samara

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  16. Marjji, each week I eagerly look forward to seeing just what beautiful face you will have produced. This woman is gorgeous. I have never seen encaustic except as an ATC, but it is a marvelous medium that you are quite adept at using. Wonderful art.

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  17. Excellent work! Great texture and she is a beauty. Happy PPF!

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  18. What yummy, yummy textures in the fabric! Wow! This is an amazing portrait!!
    ♥♥♥
    Happy PPF!!
    Mary
    Mixed-Media Map Art

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  19. Wonderful piece - glad you enjoyed your workshop! Valerie

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  20. what a gorgeous portrait!!! I agree bouttaking classes and workshops. Unfortunately there aren't any in my area nearby but I do enjoy online classes very much. Happy PPF!

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  21. Wonderful portrait! The lighting and texture are extrordinary. I completely agree about workshops. There is always something new to learn. Happy PPF

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  22. Fantastic face, you are right about learning and always learning.

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  23. such great advice, I need to start thinking about classes for this Spring or Summer. Your workshop must have been wonderful, I love the painting you did. The light and lightness in her face are great.

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  24. Impressive post! I just love your work..this lady is fantastic...love her black turtle neck in all it's glorious texture!! I agree there is often that one little phrase that can unlock a whole thought process when I write... I'm sure painting is the same! Great advice!!

    Hugs Giggles

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  25. Classes give us deadlines, too, which makes them doubly valuable. I love this piece -- the palette, the expression, the texture. Gorgeous work.

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  26. marvelous art..loved the message too tfs

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  27. Absolutely beautiful piece! Amazing words of wisdom! Truly!

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  28. Your portrait is simply stunning. I don't get to attend workshops very often because of where I live. However, the few that I've been able to attend have enriched me beyond doubt. I also love to read artist biographies and other art books, because they enrich me as an artist. Blessings!

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  29. Oh wow I so want to do this too and the process seems right up my street. Your art is amazing!
    ManonX

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  30. This is stunning. She has such an interesting expression - as if she just heard something that's really making her think. Happy PPF (on Saturday!)

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  31. I've always wanted to go to a workshop. It will be a lot easier once we live in the states again! :) I love the painting though, she's really great!

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  32. Love...love ...love the textures here :) and I did get a whole lot of inspiration this week ...met new artists and made new friends :) Want to know how and where...visit me !!

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  33. What a fabulous painting and hello and thanks for your lovely comment on my painting. I think your comment about workshops is so true as I have learnt a lot from the robert joyner strathmore one..its great that its online as its so difficult to get to workshops in real life with family commitments etc

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  34. Such a beautiful face! This is my favorite of yours so far. :)

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  35. I love your portrait.... so expressive. Totally agree with you about the workshops!!!

    Thank you for visiting :)

    Karen x

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  36. Just beautiful. Love all the details of her face. I too am learning to draw portraits and struggle a lot with the facial features especially the nose.

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  37. I'm clapping for you! I LOVE what you said about classes and stretching ourselves - even just getting out to meet others who are as obsessed as we are is so positive. Sounds like the class was wonderful - thank you for sharing your perspective and this GORGEOUS lady! She's a new favorite ;) xoxo

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  38. Wow, that's gorgeous! She's amazing... I also love your couple piece on the cedar block, it's so appealing.

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  39. Wow, Marji! This is BEAUTIFUL, AMAZING, INCREDIBLE!

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  40. This is beautiful. I'm seriously impressed here and I had to stop staring so I could leave a coherent comment. Your woman really comes to life--here eyes are especially soulful.

    And I think you're right about the need for artists to learn from one another, though I do feel satisfied after checking out others' art blogs through PPF and just scrolling around. But I'd probably enjoy a real class too.

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