Well, shoot, y'all.
I had to take a little unexpected break from my 31 Days to Be More Creative series. But I'm back. I had the privilege of speaking at my church's Women's Retreat over the weekend, and then had a couple of days of catching up with work....so here I am again! I'm just going to pick up where I left off, which is:
E is for Evolve
The very essence of creativity is in the ability to evolve artistically.
Let me explain.
In a nutshell, no matter what or where you start on your creative journey, you will likely end up somewhere completely different. One technique will lead to another, one artform will inspire something else, and one skill will give birth to five new skills. You will evolve...if you keep creating.
I was SO PROUD of my very first attempt at painting. I signed up for a tole painting class at my local art store, and this was our project: a tile trivet.
Our instructor showed us how to make simple "S" curves with a liner brush to create the grapevine wreath. Then we dipped the other end of the paintbrush into white and pink paint to make little dots for baby's breath.
The "S" technique took a little practice. At the beginning of each stroke, very little pressure is applied. And as you curve into the center, you press a little harder, causing your line of paint to get thicker. Still moving the brush, you lift gently and bring it to a smooth stop.
I was hooked.
That first skill was the basis for building more skills. Soon I could paint flowers and vines and leaves....this was the 90's and I covered MILES of walls with vines and flowers!
Eventually, I learned new skills that led me to projects like these:
Evolving takes patience. It takes practice. It takes learning the rules of your artform...and then pushing them and even breaking them.
"S" strokes teach brush control in painting. In singing, vocalizing routines teach breath control. In piano, scales teach dexterity and speed. In sewing, seams that are straight and even are the basis for everything else. Fingering the guitar, pencil sketching, making fondant flowers for cakes, learning grammar in writing - all are necessary skills you need to grow into the artist you want to become.
Mastering the basics, then expanding on them, means that you will always evolve and grow as an artist, in whatever your artform. And THAT, is exciting!
What "basics" are you mastering right now? Are you impatient with yourself? What tips do you have to encourage evolving?
