Begin with a New Canvas, and Cookies

       When we go into the studio to get back to work we have to clear all the stuff of life out of the way so the paint will fly freely. In the book Claude and Camille, the lives of the artists living and working in France during the late 1800’s, puts us in touch with their significant difficulties. For most of the painters that became known as the impressionists, life was a hand to hand struggle with poverty and the events of the emerging European nations. Some went on to be the super stars that still attract crowds to museums around the world today. Just how did they overcome these difficult times with little financial support? Looking over the pages of history, some came with a strong family financial support system while others worked day jobs. Some were fortunate to have a patron for that much needed help to keep the break-through art flowing. Having a support system can come in many forms in today’s world, from the internet world to the local artist group. We all need a little pat on the back and a kind smile to keep us going.

Bold Beach  16x20 oil on canvas

       But going back to the studio we still have to deal with the stuff of life’s issues. We still have to be in that creative zone. For me I often think how my two grandsons are doing in art school and hoping their art journey can be as rewarding and full of adventure as mine. There are so many things I have learned and would love to share, but they will learn when there is a need and they too will have their eureka moments to build on.

       And just where do we put the struggles of daily life when we look at the clean canvas and start that something new? That something new is just that, a new start that reflects the artist’s environment and is a part of the artist’s take on the happenings in their times. Some events can be horrific while others can be mellow and calming. These real life events can be the energy that propels the artist to go on to the next level and bear their soul to make that creation reflect the times we live in.    

     

Salute to Summer   30x40 acrylic on canvas

The stuff of life is important and we all deal with these events in our way, some with the printed word, others with the paint brush and some with a fresh batch of cookies. Bless the cookie maker for they will for sure make the world a sweeter place to create.

Joel
www.joelellisart.com