Again, I post this stuff to Facebook all the time, so I feel like I’ve shared, but rarely do I put it here in the blog, which I should. So, here’s to sharing!
About eight months ago I decided to pick up a paintbrush and see if I could paint. Yes, I know that’s random, but I wanted to try. I’ve never been an artist or anything, so I had no idea if I could do this. This is my first painting. (All images can be clicked to open hugely into a new tab.)
Note the lack of facial features? Yeah, I wasn’t there. But I wanted to be. Here are a few more attempts.
Note the primitive and not very realistic eyes? Well, I decided there that the only way to get better was to get better…as in focus on each feature. So, I started by focusing on eyes, which are really important for making a painting connect with a viewer. I mean, you can seriously suck at many other parts of the body, but the eyes will make or break you.
These next pictures are me practicing eyes.
What really surprised me was how fast a really dedicated person can make progress. I’m not a natural artist by any means. In fact, it’s very alien to me. I’m more of a science person, yet there is something undeniably soothing and satisfying about this art stuff. I’ve still never had an art class, so I don’t even know if I’m using the right brushes or materials…or even if I’m using the brushes correctly. All this is sort of a learn-as-I-go experience.
What does that mean? I think it means that anyone at all can do this. Truly. I think any person can pick up a brush and grab their medium of choice and go to town. Very quickly you’ll discover what you like (oils-no, acrylic-no, watercolor-yes) and narrow in on your particular style.
I’m excited to see what happens next.
Carolyn Injoy
June 13, 2017 - 10:38 am ·Wow! Impressive progress. I LOVE your eyeball practice. Great job.
Rebask
March 5, 2017 - 7:38 am ·All of your paintings are beautiful, Ann. When I get to be in Facebook I’ve seen your posts as you’ve been working on them and watched as you’ve improved – but really, you stared out doing quite well. You’re art never appeared to be from a novice, and shows a natural talent. They are all so gorgeous, but I think my favorite is the underwater scene at the top.
The eye paintings are great, too. The most unusual eye I ever took a photograph of (and attempted to draw then paint) more closely resembled the Brown Eye painting – but she had two of the inner eyes (the black dot – the second one was slightly off to one side) – no kidding – and rings – like Saturn – around the furthermost outer edge of her iris.
I must – simply must – also comment on the painting titled “Our Lady of Fire and Vengeance”. It is gorgeous. Very beautiful – it and the other full person paintings all tell a story w/out words – but that you took her and then painted her from something you had also put Into words – makes her almost the best one. I only say almost because – the top one remains my favorite.
(Would you like my address? By birthday is almost here – just another few weeks! You think I jest – but I’d frame that sweet baby and hang it along side oil paintings by my mother and some fairly well know painters. I ADORE all of them – but the top one has my heart.)
Joseph S. Ramirez
February 7, 2017 - 2:20 pm ·Wow… I’m constantly telling people they can learn anything that they want to know. I love that you’re proving that here.
Ann Christy
February 7, 2017 - 2:49 pm ·I’ve always believed that too. It’s only the thought that we can’t do something that prevents us from doing it. Best to you! Ann
Galane
February 2, 2017 - 7:36 am ·Without classes etc. you aren’t learning to copy someone else’s styles and techniques, you’re making your own. +1,000 XP and years from now it’ll add $$$$ when people bring your paintings on Antiques Roadshow. 😉
Ann Christy
February 2, 2017 - 1:16 pm ·LOL, now that’s something I’d like to be a fly on the wall for. Antiques Roadshow people commenting on my eyeball paintings. Oh, so much could be said. Thanks for the encouragement! Ann