Last week I participated in a plein air competition at the Kerrville Arts and Cultural Center in Kerrville, Texas. I'm happy to report some success. One of my paintings won an Award of Excellence from the judge Bob Rohm, a long-time respected Texas landscape artist. It's a lift to my spirit I can't very well explain when someone sees something I've created and likes it, or feels something based on the marks I've made with paint on canvas. There's an enjoyment from the making of art that is independent of any recognition. At least there is when my mind is not burdened by the "artist's curse." But there's also a sublime enjoyment when another person enjoys something I've created. It's a satisfying communication, albeit a visual one.
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| One of five Awards of Excellence |
I will mention here that when I was almost through painting this scene, a big wind came up behind me from the East. It COVERED my panel in dirt and grass. This was Wednesday afternoon. I went ahead and completed the painting, mixing some grass in with paint into those certain spots I was finishing. I didn't touch any other spots with grass and dirt. By Friday around 10:00am the paint was surprisingly dry enough for me to scrape away or pick out the dirt. I briefly considered NOT turning in this painting. So I'm happy I did not listen to that particular voice.
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| Grrrrrrr! Proof of Plein Air... |
While writing my last blog post, I was pretty frustrated. And I'd been frustrated for a good long while. I can't really explain why. I don't know what makes my mind prone to the "artist's curse" while other artists are consistently and blissfully productive. (Maybe there are others out there like me, and I just don't know it?)
As I sit here today, writing this blog entry, my mood is much improved. I don't know if it's that I haven't felt the weight and dread of a 100 degree day for a couple of weeks, or whether I have acquired a better mindset as a result of the recognition I received in Kerrville. Maybe my improved mood is a result of my newest project of getting a Daily Paintworks website up and going. Or maybe, starting up Hill Country Outdoor Painters again with the Inspired Minds Quick Paint event in Buda, Texas, was also something that jogged me out of my previous funk. I saw artist friends in Buda I hadn't seen for months, which was exciting and fun.
All I know is, I'm hopeful about the future and about my art again. I painted 4 small paintings today to add to Daily Paintworks. My goal is 16 paintings a month. Not necessarily a painting a day. And last week I didn't add anything to Daily Paintworks because of the PaintKerrville event. I have a plan for tomorrow to get some additional computer work done, and then work on other home projects unrelated to art.
Thanks for reading, and I hope that you can spend some time tomorrow doing whatever it is that floats your boat.
Peace
Judi
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