What do you love about art?

Posted by: Lynn on February 1, 2010 at 10:11 am | 8 Share This 

Much of my personal struggle is to improve while NOT destroying what I love about painting and drawing. The drive to improve can disrupt growth’s natural unfolding and put too much pressure on everything it touches. For me, the element of play, risk taking and discovery needs to be integral to the whole thing.

We all need to choreograph our own dance, which may include classes and workshops. But I’ve also found it very helpful to remind myself of what it is I love about art, and give it value. To improve without passion and joy is sterile. Art needs to nourish.

So here’s part of my list: I love…

  • – seeing something come from nothing
  • – hanging out with my art buddies
  • – the challenge and thrill if anything comes of what I do
  • – the feel of the brush going across the paper
  • – colors mingling on the paper

What moves you to create? Link here to add to the list!

Cheers,
Lynn Powers

8 Comments » Filed under: From Behind the Camera

8 responses so far, want to say something?

  1. 1. Donna Zagotta February 2nd, 2010 at 10:48 am

    Hi Lynn, Love your post!
    I also love……
    - Setting and attaining art growth and mastery goals
    - The solitude of my studio
    - Seeing what happens when colors collide
    - Discovering new ideas about what art can be
    - Meeting my latest creation

  2. 2. Lynn Powers February 2nd, 2010 at 12:41 pm

    The solitude of my studio! I like that one especially. Thanks Donna.

  3. 3. Durinda Cheek February 2nd, 2010 at 12:49 pm

    I look forward to your comments, Lynn, as you speak “artist”.

    I am moved to create when…

    the sunlight hits one spot on a facade
    the water is the color of turquoise
    the sky looks like rainbow sherbet
    a field comes alive with swaying colors

  4. 4. Carol Baca February 2nd, 2010 at 2:01 pm

    I’ve only recently found why I create art. I thought it was about being ’special’. I thought it was about getting attention. I thought having ‘talent’ would give me prestige and distinction. But it is not about any of those. It’s about hunger, joy and love. I’m always hungry to enjoy colors when they go well together. I am thrilled at lines that are laughing and playing. Shapes and textures speak to me in dramatic feelings. I have a feast looking at a painting and when it comes out of my self I am validated as a spiritual force in the universe!

  5. 5. Lynn Powers February 2nd, 2010 at 2:48 pm

    Carol, you are also an artist with words. And I hazard a guess you use a lot of color~
    Lynn

  6. 6. Frank Herron February 3rd, 2010 at 7:39 am

    I like to paint and I enjoy many of the things that others have said, but what really brings me to art is drawing, particularly the figure. The feel of the charcoal,pencil or conte on the paper as I move around it coupled with resolving and learning from the problems presented is without equal in my thinking. To finish a successful drawing is very fulfilling for me and encourages me to continue on.

  7. 7. Kelly February 8th, 2010 at 2:30 pm

    Carol-

    I love what you wrote and I think it’s so true. I’m newish to creating art (or at least the drawing/painting kind), and I think the “why do I create” question is an important one because it effects everything. If I do art because I think it’ll say something about me (like “talent” or “special”) then I get totally frustrated at every mishap. I am a beginner so there are plenty of mishaps. However, if I pursue art because I love shape, line and texture (which I do) then while there is still that beginner’s frustration, there is so much less of it. It allows me to be more patient with myself and to actually enjoy this thing I love. There is so much to learn when approaching painting and drawing that extends far beyond the brush and into the depths of the self.

  8. 8. JanPaul February 16th, 2010 at 12:58 am

    Hi Lynn,

    Art is supposed to be a struggle. That is the charm of it. This struggle shows in the artworks, and that makes good art so exciting. Without some ‘blood, sweat and tears’ there is no art, but at best some sort of decoration.

    Creation and destruction are two sides of the same coin. Therefore an artist should never worry about something going wrong. It’s just part of the painting process. Without this fear of failure it’s all going a lot better, because feeling free that’s what’s it all about. That’s when painting can become art.

    Cheers,

    JanPaul

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