"Blue Eyed Innocence"
5 x 7 watercolor
Earlier this year I started refining my artist's statement. I like to write, and I think I can do a fair job at putting words together, but for some reason this was really hard! I really struggled to put into words why I paint.
And so I just wrote down whatever first came to mind about why I do what I do. Why do I paint people? Why do I paint horses? Why is it always full sunlight? What does it mean to me???
That's the big question isn't it? What does your art mean to you? Why do you create what you do?
Then this last week, for the first time since I'd written it down, I looked at my brief little artist's statement again to hand in to a gallery. This is it:
"I paint to express emotion: the emotion and expression of my subject and my reaction to it. I am drawn to bright sunlight and how it affects living subjects. There are so many moments in my life where I want to stop and capture the look on a loved one's face, the light of the sun in a horse's mane, or the feel of a little hand holding mine. I paint to help me remember how beautiful life is, and to help others feel the same."
Now, this is very simple and straightforward, but it was a true expression of why I feel so drawn to paint the subjects that I do, and why I make time to sit down every day and create art. To remember that my life is beautiful and good.
So, have you thought about this lately? Why do you paint?
And since it is Motivational Monday and all, here's a gem of a quote I found to get you feeling motivated to paint today (if for some reason you're just not feeling it):
"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily." Zig Ziglar
In fact, motivation often comes after a nice relaxing bath. Haha!
ReplyDeleteTen more days till the end of your contest. I can't wait!
I paint for a picture book idea I'm trying to put together. It's also a nice way to break up writing blocks and keep things from getting mundane.
ReplyDeleteThere are somethings that can not be said. For everything else there are words. :)
ReplyDeleteProbably that is why I paint..
This might sound strange to some but I create to feel closer to God. I write, paint, give comfort as a nurse; all things in which creativity come into play. when I've helped someone overcome a fear and make it through the night and eased their pain as a nurse I've been creative and feel close to God. When I write a poem that speaks to someones heart I feel close to God. When I take a photo, draw or paint a picture that makes someone smile, I feel close to God. Without creativity of some sort on a daily basis I feel I would wither away. Then again, if I withered away......I'd be close to my God.
ReplyDeleteMy statement on my web site has undergone changes over and over - it is one of the hardest things to get right and I too consider myself pretty decent at writing! I explain, a bit clumsily, in my statement that "where I live and the surrounding landscape is filled with incredible beauty which would be an inspiration for any artist, and I am no exception. I have always felt, however, that I could not paint anything as perfect as Nature already is...I am more drawn to the human face and form, and with nature and still life I prefer a close look at my subjects which allows room to breathe and the ability to concentrate on the small miracles of the material world. (and then some stuff on shapes and colours, etc. that inspire me...blah, blah, blah:-) ...and the quality of light creating atmosphere all coax the ongoing pursuit of perfection, which, although never completely achieved, makes for a fascinating journey."
ReplyDeleteGee, I think it's time to rewrite this thing...sigh.
Yours sounds better and more concise!
Hi Crystal,
ReplyDeleteGreat post today! I love the quote it is so true. I too struggle with an artists statement. I'm having an even harder time trying to come up with an elevator speech. Painting makes me feel alive. Not only painting but being creative in general. It gives me a spark and a zip in my step. I also like the challenge of it, can I pull this one off. I get lost in it and like Carol I think it makes me feel closer to God:)
And "Blue Eyed Innocence" is breathtakingly beautiful!!! You my friend have a spectacular gift:)
ReplyDeleteI don't paint too often, but when I do it's usually for therapeutic reasons. Sometimes I just need to be able to be a little messy and see where the brush will take me.
ReplyDeleteI *HATE* writing statements! And I love the bath quote. LOL This water colour is gorgeous Crystal. Innocence, definitely, but also a searching... There's a lot in those eyes.
ReplyDeleteCrystal, those blue eyes just grab you and don't let go! It is a striking portrait!
ReplyDeleteLook at those eyes!!! Just like looking right into the real thing. You have an amazing gift for capturing emotion.
ReplyDeleteWOW, His eyes are so captivating!!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are such an inspiration! My artist statement could do with some dollying up but unclichéd words fail me!!! Thank you for this post!!!!
Sometimes its easier to express a thought in colors than words!I would be at loss of words if someone asked me why I paint what i paint!'I do it because I love to do it!' Sounds crazy !
ReplyDeleteNicely phrased, Crystal. I love the warmth you put into your shadows. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteVery nice picture. We all need motivation for something.
ReplyDeletehttp://youcanfacetodaybecausehelives.blogspot.com/
Nice post, like your artist statement and the quote on the bottom! Great paintings, keep it up.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to be blessed with great talent in crafting beautiful imagery in words and in paint :) And those eyes say it all !
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to be blessed with great talent in crafting beautiful imagery in words and in paint :) And those eyes say it all !
ReplyDeleteMy art stems from the joy of satisfaction, the reward of completing something in the midst of raising a family and making a little living from it too.
ReplyDeletepve
I paint because I feel I can't and I SO want to be able to! It is a personal challenge I have set myself in a bid to become more cultured, to see life through an artist's eyes and to be able to inspire others to do the same.
ReplyDeleteI love the painting of your baby. I just want to kiss those squidgy, squashy little cheeks! And those eyes... Adorable :0)
Crystal, you are just one talented, inspirational lady!
ReplyDeleteCrystal, this is one of the best artist's statements I've ever read. And the beautiful painting goes perfectly with it!
ReplyDeleteI'm reading your blog backwards and so far it has been such a captivating read! The paintings are so beautiful by themselves, and you are also great with words!
ReplyDeleteCrystal, when you write young adult novels, do you illustrate for them too?