Playing versus Producing
This month I have found myself interested in sketching. I follow some sketch artists on Twitter and Facebook and have bought and loved every book that #DannyGregory has published. I recommend The Creative License if you like to play with recording in this way. Since my exhibit, I’ve found it a bit difficult to be productive in the studio. I have finished two paintings in the past month, one very large and one small piece as well as a plein air 6 x 8 that I actually love. The winter colors at the beaches on Cape Cod right now are marvelous – cool blues and Naples yellows and browns and muted grayed greens. All to say, I am playing versus producing
I highly recommend playing vs. producing for several reasons:
- Curiosity is the well for all of our creative work. Reading new books and articles, trying new mediums, playing with different colors – sometimes we don’t take the time to experiment when we are working to complete a group of paintings.
- It is FUN!
- It justifies more trips to the art store.
- Colored pens become the norm.
- Sketching, in particular, captures my days in ways that photography and painting don’t. Sketching is personal.
- Playing can lead you to new endeavors.
- Playing makes you joyful.
March can be a month of waiting – waiting for spring, waiting for the endless snow to end (we have had 3 Nor’easters this month ), waiting for sunshine, waiting for summer. In the northern climates, it can be a long and teasing month. Spring is a great time to spread out a bit. Why not give yourself permission to play this week. Take an ‘artist date’ ala Julie Cameron. Buy some fabulous colored pens. Play with color in your palette. Maybe try collage.
If you do, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s share ideas together. Join my email list if you would like to continue this conversation!