Where Have You Been Sharon?
Such a good question. Where in the world have I been? I’ve been taking a break, (maybe a very long break) from creating videos, editing videos, posting videos, creating thumbnails, tags, and all the things that go with creating content on YouTube and I am focusing on my goal for this year which is IMPROVING MY ART.
I joined Chroma, an atelier training sort of like a mastermind. I learned about it earlier this year at Acrylic Live when they first announced it. I knew immediately it was exactly what I needed for my Improve My Art goal, so I clicked that BUY NOW button instantly. I have not been disappointed.
Atelier training is a deep dive into subjects that can improve art but artists often gloss over. We have daily classes, most lasting 2 hours and the subject can either be for 4 weeks or just a one off class. You can take as many as you’d like but it is recommended you take one or two so as not become overwhelmed.
Things I’ve Studied
In the drawing class we spent 4 weeks which is 8 hours drawing a stick. I’m serious. Eight hours on a stick. I’ve actually had this stick in my studio since we lived on the farm and I’ve tried several times to draw or paint it with absolutely horrible results.
My stick had lots of interesting parts and after 8 hours I was happy with it. We spent 2 hours learning how to measure with accuracy to get the proportions correct. Actually, this was the most important part because if you don’t start out right you can’t finish right. This was an amazing experience.
So how long could it take to draw a sphere you ask? Well, this sphere also took 4 weeks or 8 hours. It also started out with getting the proportions of the the ball and the shadow correct. Then there was a very specific way we used a pencil to get the shading correct and blended. Getting the shadow correct with reflective light in it was another tricky part. I am so proud of this sphere I’m actually going to frame it and hang it in my home. You heard that right.
Are You Kidding Me?
Three months ago I would never have spent 8 hours drawing a stick or a sphere but I am so glad I did! I learned so much about so many things like: measuring, relationships, pressure on the pencil, highlights, shadows, form, light, and on and on. I would never have gotten these results without the training and putting in the time to learn and actually doing the work.
The interesting thing is I did both these drawings with a cheap mechanical pencil bought at Hobby Lobby in a pack of 5. No expensive or special equipment but very deep instruction.
What’s The Point?
The point is, it isn’t about talent. It’s about knowledge. It’s about practice. It’s about putting in the effort. I didn’t have the knowledge so I found someone who did and decided I was going to learn from her.
I surrendered to the learning process even though I couldn’t believe I was going to spend 8 hours drawing a stick. I did not know more than the teacher so I decided to follow her instructions to the best of my ability and learn as much as I could possibly learn.
Guess What?
It’s working. I can see my art improving in everything I do. I’ve always said you have to learn how to see and I thought I did that, but my eyes have been opened to a whole knew way to see and learn. I can apply the 8 hour stick lesson to everything I paint now. And I am.
I’m looking at old work and seeing how I can improve it and I’ve done that on several paintings. It has been exhilarating!
What Can You Learn From This?
I’ve been painting for 25 years and I have made more progress in the last 3 months than at any other time. Why? Because I’m committed to learning and improving. I’m not listening to my head (8 hours on a stick?) and doing the thing that is going to move my art forward. Learning from someone who knows more than me. Getting out of my own way.
It may be humbling to admit that you don’t know everything about a subject, but once you do and begin taking instruction and applying it, it is life changing. Regardless of the topic. That mindset shift can be applied to any aspect of your life.
- How to handle money
- How to cook cleanly
- How to change the oil in my car
If you want to learn or improve on some part of you life here is the recipe.
- Decide what you want to learn
- Find someone who knows more than you
- Listen and learn from them without you second guessing the info
- Do the thing
So, Where Have I Been?
I’ve been changing my mindset, learning from a master, and improving my art.
Here’s What That Means For You
I won’t be making anywhere nearly as many videos but I’ll bring you along on the journey if you’d like to come.
Mostly, it will be through this blog. Why, because a blog is quicker for me to do and I need my time on improving my art.
The program I’m in is called Chroma and as of this writing it is not open to the public – yet. It is in it’s infancy and is created through Streamline Publishing the brainchild of Eric Rhoades. If you want to know more you can google Chroma or Streamline Publishing. I’m not an affiliate and I receive nothing for promoting it or letting you know about it.
How I Can Help You
I created a course that has been improved on several times. If you are the person who has it on your heart to learn to paint but life got in the way and you don’t know where to start, you might consider my course. I created it because it was exactly what I needed 25 years ago when I first started painting.
This blog is full of lessons and videos that are all free and will help you learn things you’re interested in. I suggest you wander around on here and see if there isn’t something you’d like to start learning today. Then do the thing. Put miles on your brush.
I can teach you things but only you can make you a better artist by creating art.
Have a great day and let’s paint together soon.
Sharon