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Every Artist was First an Amateur: a quote by Ralph W. Emerson


Strawberry, I 4"x5" Oil on Linen SOLD
These are such encouraging words, especially when I feel that I am not making fast enough progress. I am very impatient—more with myself than anything else.

Let me start from the beginning—sort of. My girls and I went to some Edmond antique shops a couple of days ago. I was looking for props for my paintings particularly a silver vase. I want to practice painting metal on canvas. Within the area are a couple of very good art galleries.
The first one we visited was the Dean-Lively Gallery, which sits comfortable between some little shops. There we enjoyed seeing work by Pat Harris (on Thursday, July 9th, the gallery will host an artist reception for Harris) and other very talented artists.

The second one was the Shadid Fine Art Gallery, where I saw some of Timothy Rose’s wonderful art work. It is much lovelier in person than the photos on the site show. Below is a photo of the girls in front of the gallery. Oh, I had to take one of Ezri with pink boots at one of the antique shops. She loves this outfit. It used to be brighter, believe it or not.

Anyways, as I saw the paintings, I thought “How long does it take to get there?” When you see this incredible talent and extraordinary technique and skills, I feel that they are just born that way; that they just pick up a brush and start making master pieces. Then I read this quote by Ralph W. Emerson:

Every artist was first an amateur.

Ouch! Well, it stopped me in my tracks. I have been working with oil paints only for a few months. Who am I to think that I am any different? It made me feel a bit small, but at the same time it gave me the kick in the butt that I so needed. So I am an amateur right now, but soon I will be an artist. I hope you continue to visit and witness the metamorphosis.

Oh, I did not find a small silver vase, but we did find this awesome key (photo on the "On my Easel Now" section). When I see an old key, I always wonder what it kept secret. Don’t you?

Comments

  1. For only working in oils for a few months you are doing fantastic! What medium did you use before?

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  2. I love this post! This is what I needed for encouragement too. I am so critical with myself and using watercolors. I want to be an expert artist YESTERDAY....I struggle with the patience needed to acquire basic watercolor skills. I can draw and always have been able to. I think it leads me down the path that I should be able to watercolor with as little effort. But I can't. I struggle. I just started creating some small ATC's and have found that it is perfect for practising - not too big so that I freak out with the magnitude. Sorry to blather on, you really struck a chord with me today!

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  3. I forgot ro write down my first thought. Love the strawberry - that is an expert oil painting. Really!

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  4. Well, I have always done something with my hands--drawing, ceramics, jewelry, acrylics, watercolors, color pencils, pen and ink, etc. I tried to think about how much actual paint "experience" I had. I have done a handful of acrylics. I took a couple of watercolor classes and painted watercolors while I was in that class. I still use watercolors for my sketchbook. Off and on, I really have drawn more than painted. I, unfortunately, have not stuck with anything for a long period of time. I tried to take an oil painting class when I started college, but the teacher insisted that I use the palette knife to paint with. I hated that. So, I left it alone. This past new years, I decided that my New Years resolution was going to be to PAINT--not just as a passing hobby, but as a discipline. I have had lots of bad days, and many of the canvases I have had to remove from the frame and replace it (luckily this saves me money because I can replace it with linen, which I love).
    I started by buying a couple of books so that I knew which supplies to buy and how to use them properly. Then I just put paint to canvas. Of course, there are many times, when I am removing paint from canvas. But the journey has been a humbling experience, but a fun also. I feel that I am learning patience, which I can never have enough.

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  5. Oh, thank you so very much for your sweet comments.

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  6. Love the strawberry - and the quote!

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  7. Bonjour !
    First time i come across you so i'm gonna visit it now :)
    well if you wanna check out my daily collage inspiration, come and visit my blog Boubouteatime if you have some time,
    a bientot!
    Boubouteatime xx

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  8. Thank you Carolina for you email and your answer, your art is wonderful now. I can't wait to see what you produce as you become more experienced with painting, I am sure it will be awesome!

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  9. Hi Carolina,

    For being painting only a few months ago, you're doing veeeery good! Anyway, your humble attitude will take you far, I'm sure.

    ...The strawberry is lovely, and nice pics by the way

    Best regards,

    Carolina

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  10. Your Esty store is fantastic! I just set one up as well. I would love to add one another as followers to help us network and increase traffic to our sites! Just let me know OR add me and I will then add you:)! I am always looking for other creative bloggers to network with... :) have a great day!

    ReplyDelete

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