Monday 23 September 2013

The painting doldrums - and how I regained the joy

I'm putting all of these paintings in the same post, because I wanted to show you all what I did when I lost the joy of painting. My mojo had disappeared somewhat over the summer. In my whole month off, I only painted three paintings - I could easily do that in a week before.
When I'd finished them, I did the  red flower, one painting for a friend, but after that, although the technique was there, the sheer joy I had in painting was lost. I was due to go to art class and wasn't at all inspired.

 I had a friend visit and asked why I didn't paint something randomly, to see what came out. My answer was that if I paint randomly, I get mud and a mess.
 But after she'd gone, I tried it, just wet the paper and doodled with paint. Slung paint at it and when it was done, decided it needed fish, don't ask me why - even I'm not always sure how my brain works! So I painted blue water around some fish shapes. Painting was suddenly fun again - even though it's not a masterpiece, I enjoyed it and it gave me the oomph to pick up my brushes, so I'm grateful to my friend and the painting!

When Fishes Flew


once this was done, I had some permanent rose left in the palette - and some of the gold paint in Fishes reminded me of Chinese letters, so I painted this:

Waiting to Shine 

very simple, one large sable brush, a few swishes and she's done. Sometimes simple is what you need!

Then Mollie Jones, bless her, of Painting Friends, had done a demo of crystal and berries - so I tackled that - and this is the result.
Thanks Mollie, for your time and generosity!

Waiting for Mollie


I'm really not expecting you to coo over the paintings (except maybe the crystal one) but I wanted to show you one way out of the painting doldrums, should you ever find yourself in them.
Until next time.... 

36 comments:

  1. Love the word 'doldrums', I certainly know what it's like to be in them. :) I'm glad you showed us your process of getting out. The only way is pick up your brushes and start. And your crystal... fabulous! xx Judy

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    1. It is the only way, Judy. Pick up the brushes and start! Think to yourself that the first few don't really matter if they are good or not. Wet the brushes, splash the paint.
      Glad you like the crystal. xx

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  2. Well that Crystal one is AMAZING!!! Wow! Just love it!!
    And what a great way to have fun when you lose your mojo - I've been there a few times my self. And by the way - one great way to avoid mud is to use only transparent colours when you are mixing colours - in particular avoid cadmiums. Just a tip, but I'm sure you probably already knew that :0)

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    1. Glad you like the crystal, Sandra - there's another one in the pipeworks!
      I know, transparent - but I LOVE cad red!

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  3. Ah Pat, this is the story of my art life!

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  4. I'm glad you've got your mojo back. That crystal bowl and cherries is terrific.
    Thank you for you visit, I'm feeling better daily, so slowly getting there! xx

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    1. Thanks, June - glad you like the bowl .

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  5. Thank you!
    Great advice. Random swishing feels right to raise up the art energy.
    Lovely paintings

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    1. Thanks :) The random swishing with fish has just found a new home - way ahead of the crystal!

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  6. Such great color! I am wondering if you find the pressure of blogging has made it harder to paint in a spontaneous way.

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    1. Thanks Linda. No, I don't think it was blogging, I've done that for three years - I think it was more doing the edits and revisions on my novel.

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  7. it's a really good way to work pat and one i enjoy too .... the first one is very bright and up lifting .

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    1. Thank you Jane - the first is also in a new home today!

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  8. If you are not joyous, then why paint!! Its felt so good to read your post and I really enjoyed those fishes. But I really loved that Chinese lettered thingy.. Simple, beautiful and joyful.

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    1. Paint to bring back the joy, Prabal. I knew it was always there, but brain tiredness was making me doubt it. Anyhow, I'm so glad it came back and I too love the Chinese lantern, simple and fun :) xx

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  9. So interesting to see your progress and your thinking, until you finally did the crystal. All of them are lovely for different reasons. Carry on being Joyful

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    1. Thank you, Polly. I'm glad you enjoyed the whole post.

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  10. Pat - these are all beautiful...I love the fish and the title too...I sometimes think the best pieces come when we are at a dry point... your crystal and berries look wonderful. Thanks for sharing. Hope you are having a great day.

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    1. Thank you, Debbie. Glad you enjoyed the paintings. Having a good one and creative mojo is BACK!

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  11. I don't have "painting" doldrums but I do lose my mojo when it comes to crafting. It's always a good feeling when you get it back again.

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  12. wow Pat the crystal one truly is amazing. I still feel very intimidated about painting glass...

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    1. Oh no, glass is fun! Mind you, I had an excellent tutor in a Painting Friend, Mollie Jones.

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  13. Oh yes, I’m cooing over the crystal one! ♥♥♥

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  14. Pat, I am so happy to hear you have found your mojo, and rediscovered your joy in painting. :)
    Kathryn xx

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    1. Thanks, Kathryn. I'm glad it came back!

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    1. Thank you Bren. If it helps one person, I'm happy.

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  16. Last painting is very super! Arianna

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  17. Sometimes we all need a break, I know I can go weeks not doing anything much - then suddenly I will make 6 wee dogs in a week (then cant move my arm for a week :D) So glad you got your mojo back, they are all great - I love the free-ness of the fishes, I love the kind of work where you just do something then see images in it - my mum does that with encaustic paintings and I thing its amazing - like seeing images in clouds or flames. The crystal is fab too! so difficult to capture but you really got it

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    1. Thank Pam. I guess most people go through 'dry' times. It was glad to come out of it.

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  18. Hi Pat,
    I actually like all three.. The fish painting... There is something there, can't put my finger on it, but was taken by it..
    Your crystal dish is amazing..
    Enjoy your weekend Pat
    Penny

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    1. Thanks, Penny. There is something in the fish - and the lady who has it, adores it!
      I love painting crystal, there's something satisfying about it.

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