landscape paintings - Loriann Signori
Monday, August 24, 2009
Three reasons to paint every day
Painting every day is so much like taking your vitamins, exercising and eating right. Without it your health/painting health can suffer. For me it is so true. Is it for you?
I returned from the beach this weekend and went right outside to paint. In the last 24 hours these are the 3 paintings I have completed. It was a struggle. I felt out of sorts, as if I needed to re-friend my materials. When I paint every day I am in a groove, it's not as much about thinking as responding.
I wonder how other artists deal with this. How do you? Sure it's good to get away and rest your mind from burn out... but there's a price to pay. I feel like I am relearning how to ride that horse.
Oh well, the beach was wonderful:-)
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10 comments:
When I can't paint, I am always thinking about what I will do when the moment arrives when I can work again. Carry a small sketchpad at all times.
Hi Loriann,
The one on the 23rd is great! Awesome colors and your strokes are very expressive. Like it a lot.
I'm still trying to figure out how to paint everyday. Let alone every week. I'm fighting it for sure. I have the time, I just don't take it. Still puzzled about that one.
Something happened when I retired from my job. I think the pool in the back yard and 8 grandkids has something to do with it. I know Bla Bla Bla.
I admire your want and need to paint but certainly your willingness and ability to take that time. Is it the same time everyday, or varied?
I'll keep watching as your daily paintings appear on your blog and hope that the inspiration I take from you will eventually push me over the edge.
Doug
Loriann,
I've just found your site, and I think it and your work are fantastic! I've been a photographer for a few years, and I've recently decided to learn how to paint. I look forward to seeing your future works!
Linda
Painting daily, even if only a little bit on a spare 20 min of a busy period, can fix the worst of days...
Looking at your paintings is also a good way to make a day better.
I learned alot through racing bicycles. The phrase that holds the most truth is "training is specific." This applies to everything. It wouldn't be good enough to just ride every day or paint everyday for that matter. There must be a method to the madness. In cycling it's endurance work... interval training...sprint work...recovery rides... and days off. In painting terms you could say a long slow studio piece... a 2hour plein air study... a very quick low light plein air study... maybe a slow controlled study of just mixing a palette of color... and a day off. Just a thought, but this is how I approach all aspects of life."Training is specific."
Lovely paintings, Loriann - the middle one is especially appealing to me with its simple, calm composition and rich neutral color palette.
Yes, doing a little bit each day at minimum is important and as Bob says I think about drawing even when other responsibilities get in the way (work, home life, etc.). Sometimes having more time isn't the answer and I can accomplish as much in a couple of hours as I might in a couple of days. At other times, just knowing I have lots of time to work is comforting (like over a long, quiet weekend). Brian's comments regarding the specificity of training strike a chord with me as well. Developing an intentional practice toward building specific skills is something I feel should focus much more on.
Hi Bob! Thanks for commenting. You are so right. Both are excellent habits to have and it show in your work! You have been creating awesome stuff.
My friend, Doug,
Thanks about the painting from the 23rd. It's hard to find satisfaction when I am struggling; if you know what I mean. as for painting routines, I am a creature of habit, every day - same time, often same place. If I don't do my vitamin, it's like not brushing my teeth. I know in time I will need to morph into something different, like the calling to do BIG work or a study of color in format. I think I will keep the time the same- morning no matter what that way I will never have excuses.
I hope I can help push you to the edge, but in reality you will do it yourself. Your work is awesome. I can't wait to see more and learn more from you.
Hi Linda! Welcome to my blog, thanks for dropping by to see. Your time as a photographer will help you with composition as you learn to paint. Enjoy the journey!
Paulo, Thank you for your kind words, you brighten my mojo-less day! You are so right, even 20 minutes helps us. Sometimes I just lie in bed making a last sketch with notes. Satisfaction.
Hi Brian E,
I like your phase "training specific". I think it is the same thing I say when I say "Intention." For without a plan/ goal/ reason we are just wandering aimlessly and then the time spent is not fruitful. I didn't know you raced bicycles. Your work definitely shows training specific.
Hi Brian M,
i just noticed you too talk about an intentional practice. This is how I look at it as well. I love the work you have been doing lately with the strong intention of keeping abstract in the landscape. Beautiful. Just remember it's a practice and if we do just that, we grow. Happy painting!
I'm finally learning to 'ride that horse'. I'm pushing myself and it's working. More sketching and more taking of risks and not resting on the outcome.
And...we must take time to enjoy the beach and the people around us. I'd say you're in the groove.
Hi Mary, You are right, it is a balance. I just feel that if you make it a priority, it is. Vacation was nice.
Hi Sara, Welcome to my blog and thank you for taking the time to write a comment. I feel honored. Come back anytime! Loriann
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