I have not been an artist for long, about six years or so. It is a hobby that I pursue mostly for the pleasure of expressing myself on paper or canvas.
Sometimes I find it frustrating, when the expression I am seeking to display does transpire the way I want. There is that learning, that trial and error, part of creating art that you cannot escape. I sometimes watch other artists whose ideas are quickly transferred into their art. Is it their experience or is it just a natural flow from brain to hands and eyes?
Practice makes perfect is the saying. In my quest to conquer watercolour painting, I have painted dozens of small practice paintings, using new techniques and perfecting them. I have painted a scene in miniature before moving on to a larger size of paper. It’s scary, because one does not want to mess up a perfectly good piece of paper! “Hey what am I thinking?” I ask myself. “What’s a piece of paper?” As a friend artist pointed out to me, surely it is better to spend money on a great hobby than on bad habits (of which I have none of course, ha!).
After one or two attempts on larger paper, I am satisfied that I have done my best for now. But what an excruciating process!
Then there are the times that, in one try, I have finished a creation in no time, or what seems like no time. I check the clock. A few hours have passed and there in front of me is exactly what I wanted to express. The materials were appropriate and ready, the lighting was optimal, the atmosphere was relaxed and creativity flowed. A friend describes it as being “In the Zone!” I wish it would happen more frequently.
It happens at sessions of my meet-up art group too. After all the greetings and catching up on news, we settle down to work on our own art. At times, after a lovely period of silence someone lets out a sigh of satisfaction and proudly shares their work with the rest of us. They were In the Zone!
You are invited to experience being In the Zone with the Chestermere Fine Art Guild members. We meet on Thursdays at 1 p.m. at the Chestermere Recreation Centre. All levels of artists are welcomed.
More information can be found on our website, www. Chestermereart.ca or follow us on Facebook.
