How are you feeling? A little blue?
I felt blue when I started this painting... I decided to 'go with it', instead of fight it.
I think this is key. Learning to GO with it. When you supress sadness - it does not go away, it just gets deeper, if you think about it for a moment & ask - Why exactly, am I feeling sad?
Why? Worried about things that might NOT happen? Thinking about pain from the past.. don't give it power. Force yourself to become active & creative - soon you will be thinking about what you are working on and not what's working on you.
There is no trick' to mental HEALTH- it's work. Life is work.
More noticably on Instagram are artists posting they feel stuck.. blue, covid, politics, financial porblems, lack.. many are feeling a little bluer than usual - I try to encourage them to work through it. You would be amazed at the difference in paintings you can create - depending on your mood. I forced myself to start Lady Algonquin' - I was in a terrific mood by the time I finished & had a new painting to show for it & a new experience with this "style". Just DO it.
Another reason for Artists in particular to be a little blue... ART is a luxury.
In a time of uncertainty when people are worried about work, food & bills - art is not a top priority. Someone recently asked to purchase a painting, at a discount. lol
Well, I'll expalain for all artists:
Our prices have not dropped on our supplies, as a matter of fact hey have gone UP. Do you know how much one good tube of acrylic paint costs $25 approx. - so 4 colours- $100. easy.. then there is canvas, the price depends on the quality - I'd like to use HEMP but it's still too costly - I'd have to up the price of my paintings. Brushes - each costs from $6. - to $35. they can be much more but I stay in this price range & brushes do not last forever, they have to be replaced steadily. Time, each painting takes me at least 3 hours. Never mind the size, bigger can take weeks. Some think $50. a painting is too much, for 3 hours work?
'If I worked minimum wage, it would be about right. NOT including shipping..
I have worked very hard to become the artist I am, endless hours (decades) of sketching, painting drawing (obviously) to fine toon' my craft. It's worh more than 'minimum wage.
Thankfully (not luckily- luck has nothing to do with it) I do well, I've started to sell on line (at least one or two a week) & steady comissions. I've decided to sell more, only because I have SO much. I pull out my binders and can't even remember 1/2 of what I've painted, so I will part with a few originals & spread the love & fun.
It's fun to own an original- I know - lol.
Maybe an artist friend is struggling more than usual, if you can - help.
BUY something, it might not pay the rent or bills but it will give them HOPE & that is priceless. I'm going to buy original art today - just to support an artist I like & encourage them.. I know they are blue.
If anyone is interested in this Blue 'Lady Algonquin' I will sell her for $60!
That is a deal! It took at least 5 hours. PLUS shipping. ;) If not - she will continue to hang in my home & be enjoyed and remind me, it's just a feeling - paint it out- paint through it and give thanks for another day- blue or not.. it's a gift many will not get today.
Happy Mental Health Monday!
Next another Canadian Female Artist who this 'hill' we live on is named after!
with THC & TLC
Georgia
I felt blue when I started this painting... I decided to 'go with it', instead of fight it.
I think this is key. Learning to GO with it. When you supress sadness - it does not go away, it just gets deeper, if you think about it for a moment & ask - Why exactly, am I feeling sad?
Why? Worried about things that might NOT happen? Thinking about pain from the past.. don't give it power. Force yourself to become active & creative - soon you will be thinking about what you are working on and not what's working on you.
There is no trick' to mental HEALTH- it's work. Life is work.
More noticably on Instagram are artists posting they feel stuck.. blue, covid, politics, financial porblems, lack.. many are feeling a little bluer than usual - I try to encourage them to work through it. You would be amazed at the difference in paintings you can create - depending on your mood. I forced myself to start Lady Algonquin' - I was in a terrific mood by the time I finished & had a new painting to show for it & a new experience with this "style". Just DO it.
Another reason for Artists in particular to be a little blue... ART is a luxury.
In a time of uncertainty when people are worried about work, food & bills - art is not a top priority. Someone recently asked to purchase a painting, at a discount. lol
Well, I'll expalain for all artists:
Our prices have not dropped on our supplies, as a matter of fact hey have gone UP. Do you know how much one good tube of acrylic paint costs $25 approx. - so 4 colours- $100. easy.. then there is canvas, the price depends on the quality - I'd like to use HEMP but it's still too costly - I'd have to up the price of my paintings. Brushes - each costs from $6. - to $35. they can be much more but I stay in this price range & brushes do not last forever, they have to be replaced steadily. Time, each painting takes me at least 3 hours. Never mind the size, bigger can take weeks. Some think $50. a painting is too much, for 3 hours work?
'If I worked minimum wage, it would be about right. NOT including shipping..
I have worked very hard to become the artist I am, endless hours (decades) of sketching, painting drawing (obviously) to fine toon' my craft. It's worh more than 'minimum wage.
Thankfully (not luckily- luck has nothing to do with it) I do well, I've started to sell on line (at least one or two a week) & steady comissions. I've decided to sell more, only because I have SO much. I pull out my binders and can't even remember 1/2 of what I've painted, so I will part with a few originals & spread the love & fun.
It's fun to own an original- I know - lol.
Maybe an artist friend is struggling more than usual, if you can - help.
BUY something, it might not pay the rent or bills but it will give them HOPE & that is priceless. I'm going to buy original art today - just to support an artist I like & encourage them.. I know they are blue.
If anyone is interested in this Blue 'Lady Algonquin' I will sell her for $60!
That is a deal! It took at least 5 hours. PLUS shipping. ;) If not - she will continue to hang in my home & be enjoyed and remind me, it's just a feeling - paint it out- paint through it and give thanks for another day- blue or not.. it's a gift many will not get today.
Happy Mental Health Monday!
Next another Canadian Female Artist who this 'hill' we live on is named after!
with THC & TLC
Georgia
