Saturday, May 12, 2012

Really Being There

Sketching and painting are ways to become more present to a place. It focuses your attention. However, even then, you're present from a visual standpoint. Are you really present? You may be more present than if you were talking on your cell phone or reading a book. But, are you smelling the place, are you feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin, are you tasting the air?
Moonstone Beach, Central California Coast
Last weekend, I spent some time on the central coast of California. There are so many beautiful things to see and experience. I took some time to do this sketch after beachcoming for a while. What I realize in looking at this drawing is that although it helps me to represence the place, but still, something seems to be missing.

Perhaps taking one's presence to a broader range of senses can further improve your art. If you've found that your art has improved as a result of broadening your senses, you are invited to comment on this post. Would love to hear your experiences.


Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Urban Sketchers: Sketchwalk @ The Intan Peranakan Museum, Singapore...

Another wonderful article on Urban Sketchers with very colorful drawings. Very inspiring.


Urban Sketchers: Sketchwalk @ The Intan Peranakan Museum, Singapore...: Objects for ancestral worship(Left) and ornately carved day bed for the newly wed(Right). Below you can see 2 pairs of beautifully handmad...

Urban Sketchers: Vila Maria Zélia- Boys School (Repost)

This article reminded me of one of the great rewards for getting out and drawing or painting: you see things in much more detail than usual. The article saddened me given this person witnessed the loss of a neighborhood that at one time was charming. Now, it sounds neglected and derelict.


Urban Sketchers: Vila Maria Zélia- Boys School: This Sunday I went to the first village workers of São Paulo, on a tip from my dear friend and also a member of the Urban Sketchers, Eduardo...

Sunday, April 15, 2012

The Ultimate Artfest: Part 1

The Ultimate Artfest: Part 1


This artist's work is interesting and she appears to be prolific. She has had several articles published in magazines and offers a lot of art information (workshops, techniques) on her blog. Worth a quick check.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Whatever creativity is, it is in part a solution to a problem. - Brian Aldiss

Friday, April 6, 2012

Life is a Miracle - Albert Einstein

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. - Albert Einstein

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Paint Outdoors in Sacramento Area

Now that the weather is getting warm and dry, if you enjoy painting outdoors or would like to try it and you are in the region of Sacramento, California, this group may interest you. They are active and have a core group of artists who are great at choosing beautiful locations.



Creative minds..

Creative minds have always been known to survive any kind of bad training- Anna Frued  

Imagination - Einstein

Imagination is more important than knowledge - Albert Einstein

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Risk and Creativity

When seeking to explore a new area, it is important to learn the basics first and to exercise patience. My nephew is a rock climber.  Last year, he climbed the face of Half Dome in Yosemite National park with some friends. Before attempting such a feat, for many months he studied the various techniques and learned the jargon of the trade. He invested in an array of proper safety equipment. He climbed smaller rocks near his home on a regular basis. He listened to more experienced rock climbers. When climbing, he was extremely focused. However, even though he is incredibly strong and very capable, he has the wisdom to clip onto a safety rope when climbing. Yes, rock climbing is risky, but approached with forethought and care, he can enjoy the beauty and thrill of being on the face of a massive granite rock looking down at a beautiful valley – somewhere that very few people have been.

In aspiring to be creative, there are several things we can learn here. First, we need patience. Then, we need to seek out the advice and wisdom of those that have come before us and have more experience. We need to be humble enough to admit we don’t know everything. Then, we need to master the basics and build our skills. We need to equip ourselves with the right tools. Last, we need to surround ourselves with people we can trust to be there to catch us if we fall. But ultimately, if we are to grow, we need to challenge ourselves to go where we are stretched to our limits.