This is a great perspective on art, Beth, and honestly, it's pretty good advice for life in general! So often we get caught up in the "shoulds" and "shouldn'ts," when really, finding your own way and trusting your instincts is key, whether you're holding a paintbrush or navigating a life change. Thanks for the inspiring reminder!
Thank you so much, Marie, for your comment. I try to ban the words "should" and "shouldn't" from my vocabulary because they are so restrictive. I agree we need to trust our gut in many situations and do what feels right for us.
So empowering Beth--what a wonderful post! You were so fortunate to have had a Mr. Hack in your corner, who would inspire you to find you own path, trust your own talent, and follow your individual muse! One of the great things about working on our craft for a long while is that we learn to trust ourselves, rely on our deepest instincts, and know when something is working for us. I absolutely loved your definition of what motivates you as an artist: "I believe excellence comes in all different forms. And there is no one correct way and technique to paint or draw with. What draws me to art is that I love it, and am happiest when indulging in art, and there really aren’t any rules. My goal as an artist is to evoke emotions from viewers, and that must stand on its own merit." These are words to live by--a vision to inspire all of us. Towards the end of my full time career as an English teacher, I would ask my students, "What drives you to get up in the morning--what compels you to keep coming to class, to keep going?" And the best answers would always revolve around their love and commitment to the chosen profession. Just substitute passion for profession and you have the driving force that motivates all of us forward. And it's clear Beth you have a powerhouse passion for your amazing art! So glad that we get to "indulge" in your creations! Thank you for this powerful post!
Thank you for your comment. I love that you would ask your students, "What drives you to get up in the morning--what compels you to keep coming to class, to keep going?" Such a question is the mark of a great teacher. And I'm sure your students were inspired by your caring about their opinions.
Great teachers are a rarity, and Konrad Hack was an amazing one. He pushed me to trust in myself and to make my own decisions about my art. I know perhaps a year back I wrote on this Substack that I was searching for a muse, and you suggested that perhaps I'm my own muse. I think I am, indeed.
What you just quoted from my post is so true to me: a passion for creating art. Thanks for calling it a "powerhouse passion." That really made my day!
I appreciate the reminder in this post that we all need to hear: find your own way, define your own rules, do what works for you, or however you want to phrase it. Rigid rules have no place in art. When learning, whether it be by attending workshops in person, taking an online course, or observing someone else, it's perfectly fine to pick and choose what you want to incorporate into your style. Sometimes, there might be a lot. Other times, just tidbits. Once in a while, nothing at all. That's the beauty of learning or fine-tuning your craft. After all, it's your artwork. This is how I feel about it anyway.
And I'm with the other Nancy, how could a person control a paintbrush holding it at the very top? I guess you can get used to anything.
The waterfall painting is taking shape nicely. Can't wait to see where the process takes you next.
Thank you so much, Nancy, for your comment and support. I love how you say it: "Rigid rules have no place in art." When learning a craft -- whether it be writing, sewing, visual art, etc., we must follow our own instincts and do what our gut tells us to do. We could take as much of whatever we learn as we like.
Yes, the control of a paintbrush, in my opinion, is really difficult holding the paintbrush at the far end. It works for some; it doesn't work for others, including me. And that's OK, as people use all sorts of techniques. There's no right or wrong.
Beautiful. The art and the writing. I love the maturity of your seeings. The openness to learn and the need to do art “your way.”
My last note is on this very thing, and includes this quote.
“Of course, there will always be those who look only at technique, who ask, “how,” while others of a more curious nature will ask “why.” Personally, I have always preferred inspiration to information.” Man Ray
Lila, thank you for your kind words. It is a fine balance between learning new techniques and using ones that are successful for you. I love the quote you provided, especially this part: "I have always preferred inspiration to information." Perfectly said!
Wonderful post, Beth. I say "do your own thing". I can't imagine holding a brush at its very top end. It seems you wouldn't have much control of it, but that's just me, the unpracticed artist. Good job on the painting; it's coming along great.
Thank you, Nancy. Regarding holding the brush at the top end, for me it's cumbersome, and I do lose control over the painting. Some artists are really good at painting this way, but I'm not. Thanks for your kind words about the painting. Yes, it's getting there, but it has a way to go. :)
Such a great post, Beth. Like you, I take classes; go to retreats; study -- and at the end of the day my process is part of what I learn, part of what I integrate from that learning, and part of what my gut tells me to do. Artists should never underestimate the power of their own intuition. At the end of the day, I think that's what is most essential.
A writer is an artist, and you are right: we need to learn from others, but what's paramount is trusting our own intuition. In the end, we make the decisions that are right for us.
I love this reminder that art is about expression, not rigid rules! Your journey of embracing your own technique while learning from others is a lovely, inspiring balance.
Thank you, Sara! It is a balancing act for sure. It's so important to learn from others, but at some point, we have to rely on our own style and technique.
You are my mentor! I thought of you when writing this post because you have fun creating art, and while you have guidance through workshops and such, you still march to the beat of your own drummer.
Unfortunately, there's a scheduling conflict, so I can't attend the free workshop. I'm sure it will be great!
Beautiful. I recently started to paint in watercolors, partly inspired by reading your pieces. I’ve already noticed the different “rules” that the various instructors recommend and agree with you, that we will all find our own way. Art is the most absolute expression of our own self — .why should there be rules for that?
Claudia, thank you for your comment. It makes me so happy that you've started to water color paint. Yes, each instructor has an opinion on how to do things "properly," and I agree with you that in reality, we find our own way as artists. Keep painting!
This is a great perspective on art, Beth, and honestly, it's pretty good advice for life in general! So often we get caught up in the "shoulds" and "shouldn'ts," when really, finding your own way and trusting your instincts is key, whether you're holding a paintbrush or navigating a life change. Thanks for the inspiring reminder!
Thank you so much, Marie, for your comment. I try to ban the words "should" and "shouldn't" from my vocabulary because they are so restrictive. I agree we need to trust our gut in many situations and do what feels right for us.
So empowering Beth--what a wonderful post! You were so fortunate to have had a Mr. Hack in your corner, who would inspire you to find you own path, trust your own talent, and follow your individual muse! One of the great things about working on our craft for a long while is that we learn to trust ourselves, rely on our deepest instincts, and know when something is working for us. I absolutely loved your definition of what motivates you as an artist: "I believe excellence comes in all different forms. And there is no one correct way and technique to paint or draw with. What draws me to art is that I love it, and am happiest when indulging in art, and there really aren’t any rules. My goal as an artist is to evoke emotions from viewers, and that must stand on its own merit." These are words to live by--a vision to inspire all of us. Towards the end of my full time career as an English teacher, I would ask my students, "What drives you to get up in the morning--what compels you to keep coming to class, to keep going?" And the best answers would always revolve around their love and commitment to the chosen profession. Just substitute passion for profession and you have the driving force that motivates all of us forward. And it's clear Beth you have a powerhouse passion for your amazing art! So glad that we get to "indulge" in your creations! Thank you for this powerful post!
Hi Gerry,
Thank you for your comment. I love that you would ask your students, "What drives you to get up in the morning--what compels you to keep coming to class, to keep going?" Such a question is the mark of a great teacher. And I'm sure your students were inspired by your caring about their opinions.
Great teachers are a rarity, and Konrad Hack was an amazing one. He pushed me to trust in myself and to make my own decisions about my art. I know perhaps a year back I wrote on this Substack that I was searching for a muse, and you suggested that perhaps I'm my own muse. I think I am, indeed.
What you just quoted from my post is so true to me: a passion for creating art. Thanks for calling it a "powerhouse passion." That really made my day!
Hi Beth,
I appreciate the reminder in this post that we all need to hear: find your own way, define your own rules, do what works for you, or however you want to phrase it. Rigid rules have no place in art. When learning, whether it be by attending workshops in person, taking an online course, or observing someone else, it's perfectly fine to pick and choose what you want to incorporate into your style. Sometimes, there might be a lot. Other times, just tidbits. Once in a while, nothing at all. That's the beauty of learning or fine-tuning your craft. After all, it's your artwork. This is how I feel about it anyway.
And I'm with the other Nancy, how could a person control a paintbrush holding it at the very top? I guess you can get used to anything.
The waterfall painting is taking shape nicely. Can't wait to see where the process takes you next.
Thank you so much, Nancy, for your comment and support. I love how you say it: "Rigid rules have no place in art." When learning a craft -- whether it be writing, sewing, visual art, etc., we must follow our own instincts and do what our gut tells us to do. We could take as much of whatever we learn as we like.
Yes, the control of a paintbrush, in my opinion, is really difficult holding the paintbrush at the far end. It works for some; it doesn't work for others, including me. And that's OK, as people use all sorts of techniques. There's no right or wrong.
Beautiful. The art and the writing. I love the maturity of your seeings. The openness to learn and the need to do art “your way.”
My last note is on this very thing, and includes this quote.
“Of course, there will always be those who look only at technique, who ask, “how,” while others of a more curious nature will ask “why.” Personally, I have always preferred inspiration to information.” Man Ray
Lila, thank you for your kind words. It is a fine balance between learning new techniques and using ones that are successful for you. I love the quote you provided, especially this part: "I have always preferred inspiration to information." Perfectly said!
Wonderful post, Beth. I say "do your own thing". I can't imagine holding a brush at its very top end. It seems you wouldn't have much control of it, but that's just me, the unpracticed artist. Good job on the painting; it's coming along great.
Thank you, Nancy. Regarding holding the brush at the top end, for me it's cumbersome, and I do lose control over the painting. Some artists are really good at painting this way, but I'm not. Thanks for your kind words about the painting. Yes, it's getting there, but it has a way to go. :)
Such a great post, Beth. Like you, I take classes; go to retreats; study -- and at the end of the day my process is part of what I learn, part of what I integrate from that learning, and part of what my gut tells me to do. Artists should never underestimate the power of their own intuition. At the end of the day, I think that's what is most essential.
Hi Stephanie,
A writer is an artist, and you are right: we need to learn from others, but what's paramount is trusting our own intuition. In the end, we make the decisions that are right for us.
I love this reminder that art is about expression, not rigid rules! Your journey of embracing your own technique while learning from others is a lovely, inspiring balance.
Thank you, Sara! It is a balancing act for sure. It's so important to learn from others, but at some point, we have to rely on our own style and technique.
Great blog, Beth! I love all the colors you used in the rocks. Nice work!
Thank you, Pam! I so appreciate your support and comment. :)
There are no rules. Period. Sometimes I dump paint on the canvas and spread it around with my fingers. Childlike fingerpainting!
I love the waterfall, and the colors/rocks on either side.
Will I see you in Nick’s free workshop March 3-7?
Hi Alene,
You are my mentor! I thought of you when writing this post because you have fun creating art, and while you have guidance through workshops and such, you still march to the beat of your own drummer.
Unfortunately, there's a scheduling conflict, so I can't attend the free workshop. I'm sure it will be great!
Beautiful. I recently started to paint in watercolors, partly inspired by reading your pieces. I’ve already noticed the different “rules” that the various instructors recommend and agree with you, that we will all find our own way. Art is the most absolute expression of our own self — .why should there be rules for that?
Claudia, thank you for your comment. It makes me so happy that you've started to water color paint. Yes, each instructor has an opinion on how to do things "properly," and I agree with you that in reality, we find our own way as artists. Keep painting!