Take that Next Step

I got a flyer in the mail last week from my nephew, encouraging his followers to "take that next step." A few days prior to receiving this, I had the fortunate opportunity to begin working with a life coach. Call it synchronicity or a God thing. Whatever. My focus has sharpened, my work more fruitful and my vision has expanded. Artwork I have admittedly procrastinated putting online has been finding its way to my site. Probably has a lot to do with having some accountability.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is quoted as saying, 'Whatever you think you can do or believe you can do, begin it. Action has magic, grace and power in it.'  I've had experience this week with that magic. Inspiration hit me for a new painting series. Here's a peek of it in progress.

I began, knowing I had only one canvas and no funds for more. I did one of those wish-prayers: Sure would be nice to have some more canvases... and continued painting. The very next day, I got a call from a friend cleaning a closet at work. She wondered if I'd have any use for some canvases that had been painted brown and had stuff glued all over them. I regularly re-purpose canvases so gratefully accepted her find. I was shocked when the Professor delivered 3 - 2ft x 3ft canvases, the exact size of the one I was working on! A little elbow grease and a couple of coats of gesso later and I had 3 fresh canvases to finish the series on... with no financial outlay. Yes! 

Ryan, I have decided to 'take that next step,' trusting the magic, grace and power of action. Some of you have encouraged me over the years to put together video of techniques I use in my art. So video lessons are my 'next step.' I hope to have something available by the end of August.  I would truly love to hear your feedback. How many of you would find this of interest? You can comment below or on social media. I'm delighted you are sharing my adventure. Take YOUR next step...

Because I love you guys. Bunches.

Derain, Matisse, de Vlaminck and Me

I've found my tribe. Back in the early 1900's, a group of artists began to paint landscapes and portraits non-realistically in abstracted colors. The recent advent of the camera brought capturing realism into the hands of the non-artist. This new group of painters broke with the traditions of the past and did not try to imitate reality. And for the wild color and distortion in their work, they were call "Wild Beasts," or Fauvists. Click here to find examples of their glorious work.  Fauvism

I've often said that if I wanted an image exactly replicated I would photograph it, and that seems to be the premise of the Fauvism movement. So, as a dedicated Creative Explorer, I've decided on exploring Fauvism in my current work.

 

This image taken by my niece, Bekah, was the inspiration for my first study of the Fauve style.

This is what I've got so far...

Loving the colors. And the figure in the foreground. What do you think? I probably could have gotten farther outside the box with the colors.

And I share this adventure as a reminder that your tribe is out there, too. Embrace your personal style. Dare to be who you have been created to be. As my nephew recently said, "You only get one ride on this rock." Go ahead. Lose the fear. Take a risk. Have some fun.

Because you are loved. Bunches.

Holiday Festival Season is Nearly Upon Us

After last year's holiday season, the Professor and I decided to limit this year's participation. "Why?" you may be asking. We worked hard to create hand-made journals for months in preparation. And we did not break even. Not even close.

This is not an uncommon fate for the artists you see at these festivals. They pay a fee (sometimes substantial) to just be showing you their creations. Then they often pay a percentage of the sale price (can be as much as 40%) to the organization hosting the event. In order to make even a small wage, prices may appear high to the regular chain, big-box store. Most of these talented artists do not make a livable wage, so they keep a day job to support their passion. When you purchase an item at a local craft festival, not only are you supporting the artist who created the unique item, but you are keeping your funds in the pockets that reside in your area. It is a win for the artist and the community.

And that rant is yours free of charge!

Anyway, I said all that to explain my absence in the local Holiday Festivals this year. We have chosen instead to open our shared studio and provide an extremely low cost venue for other artists to share their creations. We're excited to try this idea out. If it works, we could do it more often.

So if you're around Bellingham either Friday, November 4 or Friday, December 2, plan to come downtown and see what these talented artists have for you. (If you're elsewhere, check out your local artists. They will have wonderful offerings for you, I'm certain.)

Oh, and I'll have a few things available as well. Sure would love to see you. And you, of course, know why. Because I love you. Bunches.

Meet Bekah

After much planning, procrastination and prayer on my part, I have asked a very talented  woman to join my team and keep my online presence in order. Bekah Willis  is a gifted writer who knows the ins and outs of cyberspace. She has fearlessly visited all my online sites and corralled them all into one place. She suggested that perhaps it would be easier for people to find me if I were to use my name instead of the anonymous  "Meanderings Northwest." She's kind of smart that way.

As a disorganized, Creative Explorer, I feel successful if I occasionally post images of studio progress. Never mind that my store (s) and gallery have not had a new posting in ages. My Etsy store listings expired months (years?) ago, never to be renewed. Keeping up with that kind of business is not something I enjoy. I  simply prefer getting my hands into the paint.

Bekah is the solution to this problem. She will be able to keep my store and gallery online up to date. She will motivate me to communicate with you more regularly. She has already taken a mishmash of sites and streamlined their presentation. She is truly a gift. I did go in and tweak some things (don't shoot me, Bekah), but she has the final say. I am so grateful for her willingness to apply her gifts and talents to my work. Once she gets me shipshape, she will be looking for other creative souls to organize.

Bekah is currently located in Florida with her husband, expecting their first son, Peyton, in the fall.