Art Buddies

Yesterday I had over 2 artist friends for lunch. We met at an event a couple of years ago and decided we liked one another and would meet for coffee or lunch from time to time. What ever time we can spare. What is exciting for me is that as well as taking me out of the studio I get to hear 2 different points of view on art. Both of the talented artists are abstract artists. I knew nothing about their world when I first met them and thought it would be good for me to learn. It has been good, learning about shapes and colors. In many ways its a world different to mine, however, we do have much in common. We chat about anything and everything to do with art, new nationwide exhibits, local exhibits, other artists work, paper, paints and so on. They help me to get things into perspective when for example I have not been accepted into a nationwide show and am feeling despondent. One of them has been a jury member so she has an insight into the 'picks'. It's still a bit of a mystery but it helps a little :-) One has made small movies and worked in graphics for along time before making wonderful paintings. It must have been a successful lunch because a couple of hours turned into 4! Oh and ice cream and cookies helped!

I was thinking today how much it would help everyone to find some art buddies and to open up about art. It's hard to always be our own critic and sometimes it just plain helps to hear about someone else's struggles. Many artists by nature tend to be loners. It took me a while to accept that I needed other points of view and that I really needed to get out of my familiar 4 walls and to take some breaks. Connecting on Facebook is fine but unless those folks live in your part of the world they cannot really understand local galleries, shows etc.

So my end of year wish to you all is to chat to other artists face to face, and take those well deserved breaks. Looking forward to creating new work in the New Year. Wishing everyone the best.

True Colors

I am always in great awe of botanical friends who only work with a 6 color palette. I love that disciplined old world feeling that gives to work, BUT I just can’t do it. I am a bit of a cheater. I am in love with the kaleidoscopes of color. Give me a new tube of paint or a dot chart and I am off. If it’s already mixed for me I am happy. I once asked Kay Rees-Davies, a wonderful botanical artist and teacher what she thought. I told her I been pulled up by another teacher for not being a purist. Her eyes lit up and she said ‘Deb, if it is out there use it! Don’t worry about mixing it. You know how to and that’s good but enjoy what’s there’. We then happily went on to swop paint info.

For example have you tried The Terry Harrison collection of 3 greens, Midnight Green, Country Olive, & Sunlit Green? I love the Sunlit Green, it has that fresh spring look for new leaves. Daniel Smith’s Moonglow, Shadow Violet, & Lapis Lazuli Gen. can add so much to a painting and you only need a small amount. Just a touch of Moonglow or Shadow Violet are wonderful as under shading. Lapis Lazuli Gen. can be worked into a great range of smoky shadowy blue and I found at its’ palest it is perfect for pussy willow.

New paints are popping up all over the place and that’s so exciting. Young people are setting up independent companies  and they are passionate about producing new color variations.

Two companies have recently caught my eye. Both can be found on Etsy.

Redwood Willow is charming and fun and is created by Josie, a one woman business. Doesn’t the name Popsicle Set make you want to try it! You can send for a dot chart to try colors out as shown below. And the lovely little sketch book is also a Redwood Willow product. However, don't expect these paints to be delivered overnight. Josie has to make each order herself so be patient. And that's also attractive to me. That the paints are not sitting on a shelf but will be made especially for me.

Greenleaf and Blueberry are created by a modern duo, Jess and Matt in Colorado. They create wonderful Artisanal Handmade watercolors, travel palettes, The Adventure Set, The Alpine Set and more. And of course being a romantic who likes to travel just the company name sets my juices flowing.

So if you have a bit of an artists block or just for the hell of it why not order some new paints and experiment. I don't think you will be disappointed.