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Harlan's Easy Painting Course in Acrylics
Play #16, continued: More symbolic illustrations.
A blossoming mind through the pleasure of reading is the symbolism pictured here. This painting is more complex than the others, but actually each area is quite simply painted.
I got this idea from seeing cute little cherry saplings in bloom. I started out sketching a blossoming tree, then as an afterthought added the reader.
Usually you see the Christian fish symbol in outline. I wanted to show the dizzying variety of personalities, beliefs, values, religious tradition, world and political views among Jesus' followers. Like everyone else, each Christian critter is unique, one of a kind. Vive' la difference!
I may add more lessons later, but hopefully these will get you off to a good start. As they say in the dining business...enjoy!
Wait! There's more: ideas, ideas, ideas.* Find a place in your home to informally display your little creations. You'll probably get positive feedback from your mate, insignificant other, or kids. And you'll feel good about what you've painted -- feedback from your soul. I also show my work on a wall at work, where I get occasional compliments. Some people love to look at fresh art. Don't be shy; you'll be doing them a favor and feel encouraged yourself.
(By the way, I'd love to see paintings you've created as a result of doing these "plays." Scan your best painting as a jpeg at less than 70k, attach it to your email, and send it to: hsimantel@yahoo.com. I'll post it on a separate page.)* Frame one or two of your best paintings. Make it official! You're an artist with your own visual voice. And a complementary frame will enhance the beauty of your art.
* I find my thumbnails to be my prime source of ideas and inspiration. I have pages of thumbnails I'm eager to paint. It's therapeutic for me to sit on the couch and doodle ideas while listening to music or watching sports on TV.
* Look at lots of art for inspiration. Your hometown library or the internet are both rich sources of fuel to fire your creativity. I like to go to Google.com/Images and type in the name of an artist (Kandinsky, Miro, O'Keefe, etc.) to bring up paintings to view. Artcyclopedia.com is also an excellent site.
* After you've painted a pile of these paintings, add a few more tube colors (Alizarin Crimson, Cerulean Blue, Burnt Umber, Yellow Ochre -- would be my choices) to your palette.
* Try different panel sizes and shapes: square, long rectangle (vertical or horizontal). Paint on larger panels (I prefer gessoed masonite to canvas boards, which may warp) and see how you like them. If you're content painting the little guys, that's okay, too. The wee paintings are very practical in confined spaces like small apartments or retirement and nursing homes.
* If you find your 5" x 7" panels bow too much, paint a thin coat of acrylic gesso on the back side. That moisture should correct the bow and make your rebel painting straighten out!
* Pray briefly before you paint if you wish. It doesn't matter if you're Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Christian, or none of the above (simply spiritually oriented). I've found reaching out for the ultimate Creative Source seems to help me paint better.
How to be more creative:
Like any skill or ability (writing, typing, drawing, dancing, swimming, etc.) creativity can be honed and improved. We are all made in the image of our Creator, who is...creative. Here are six ways to stimulate your creativity:
1. In the visual arts you can improve your latent creativity by studying the amazing variety of historical and contemporary art. And by studying the Creation itself: flowers, leaves, galaxies, microscopic life, geological strata, cloud patterns, etc.
2. Keep a sketchbook or idea book and use it often. Begin with designs and patterns you see in art or nature and expand on them; use them as a starting point for your own creations. The more quick studies and ideas you draw the better.
3. Create finished drawings and paintings from your ideas and studies -- the more the better. Although skillful technique is often the primary goal of beginning artists (as it was for me), it is only one aspect of making art. Creating something new, imaginitive, or inspiring is the hallmark of exceptional art.
4. Study design principles that are the underlying strength of interesting and creative art. Many artists instinctively use those visual principles, just as some musicians play by ear rather than by notes.
I wasn't born exceptionally creative or imaginitive. I taught myself to draw well, copying what I saw. So I became a skilled copyist (and enjoyed honing that skill). However, when I studied the elements and principles of visual art and design a whole new world opened up to me. I finally "got it" -- what made good art and design tick. I'm still learning.
5. One sign of creative stagnation is boredom. Whatever it takes, stay in touch with the creative, playful spirit inside you. I'm convinced if you're having fun or fully absorbed in making art, you're being truly creative.
6. Get feedback from a friend, art buddy, classmate, or anyone interested in your art. Show your art on your own web site, a wall at home or work. Sharing your passion and interest is mentally stimulating. Encouragement and feedback will motivate you to keep creating.
Next, more examples of my own creative play...
All art work Copyright © Harlan Simantel
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