Friday, October 11, 2013

Out Of My Comfort Zone

A page from my sketchbook.

As a birthday present to myself, I signed up for 
Flora Bowley's Bloom True e-course.

For those of you that have been reading my blog for a while, you probably already know that I am most comfortable painting faces...


And silly things...

"Cinderellephant"

But, the reason I chose to take Flora's class was not do something comfortable and familiar. Or, to have an excuse to clean and organize my studio (although, it was nice to see it that way for a little while)...


The reason I signed up for "Bloom True" was to learn something new.


When I was in art school (many years ago), I was taught to think, plan, explain "why", and then think some more... While I was sketching ideas and carefully planning compositions, there wasn't a whole lot of room left for "go with the flow".


Please don't get me wrong, I learned many valuable things in art school.  But...
I also believe that there are always new lessons to be learned.  And right now, the lesson I need to learn is how to loosen up...


 Luckily for me, Flora is a gentle and encouraging teacher who says, 
"There are no mistakes."


As a recovering perfectionist, letting go is a challenge.
But, if I can get out of my own way, I have a feeling I'll learn a lot about myself (and my art) through this process.

p.s. Even though I work with EVA weekly to make sure Paint Party Friday is up & running, it's been ages since I actually linked a post of my own... I think it's about time!


29 comments:

  1. Wonderful post! I love your face that you shared and the elephant too. Your new works are also wonderful! It's fabulous that you embraced something new, beautiful paintings!

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  2. Hope you enjoy the class! The elephant is absolutely adorable, love the concept!

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  3. You ARE good with faces, not an easy thing! I like that 'go with the flow approach'...it sounds so free and fun.

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  4. Your work is very striking! I especially love the first drawing. :)

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  5. our faces are lovely, enjoy the new course! Valerie

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  6. I love the elephant, LOL! Awesome! And the abstract pieces at the bottom are just gorgeous. I love tons of saturated colour :)

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  7. This is such an inspirational post! Thanks for your contribution weekly to ppf and now posting your sage words and beautiful art!! I can't wait to see what you come up with from her class.... Love how everyone finds their own style soon after working with her!

    Hugs Giggles

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  8. So inspirational! LOVE the CInderelephant!

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  9. Thanks for being half of PPF! Much appreciated!
    Your art rocks!
    Have fun loosening up!
    I never think about what I'm doing or why, and I have no training. I guess that's obvious. But I know I'm loose! Whee, I don't have to practice that.

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  10. Yes, thank you so much for continuing to host PPF. Your studio is gorgeous! I'm loving that loose and free style in your new paintings.

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  11. I love the paintings you are working on! I bought floras book and tried a few of her ideas too. I love the freeing way she paints.

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  12. Yes, it IS about time!! Your portrait paintings are stunning but I am LOVING the freedom of your Flora inspired art- keep it up! And thanks for cohosting the best art party ever-I have been inspired by and met so many talented artists because of PPF.

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  13. Dear Kristin, your works are stunning and extremely inspiring. Stay creative, you are beautiful artist! Thank you for sharing your art and hosting PPF!

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  14. What a fabulous art space! Lovely, lovely, lovely. :)

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  15. Those are beautiful pieces. My colors always get so muddy. Your work space is awesome!

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  16. great to see you back at PPF and thank you for sharing your great paintings, Annette x

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  17. Great post so true and wonderful art, really love both old and new! <3

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  18. First - LOVE the way you've hung your art in your studio!! I've been really fascinated by Flora's classes and most everyone who has shared the work they've done from one of them has been been changed in profound ways. Can't wait to see what keeps coming from this leap!

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  19. oh, i love everything about this... including your beautiful studio!! Yes, once we get permission, we learn to fly, don't we? Wonderful paintings. You GO girl! Enjoy your class with Flora. Maybe someday i'll treat myself to the same Bday gift. xox

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  20. I've heard Flora mentioned a few times in blogland, most notably by Denthe and I absolutely adore her intuitive paintings so I think Flora must be a wonderful teacher if Denthe's work is anything to go by. I love your work-it's always so clever but it'll be really interesting to see what cones of doing this class.

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  21. I took her class a year ago and loved it! You are going to have so much fun. I can't wait to see what you create. Thanks for sharing! :)

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  22. you are soooo brave... I am not sure I would be ready to let go enough to do a course like that... so I will be watching your progress... your studio looks scarily clean though so hope it is messing up nicely...xx

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  23. As an fine arts major and a recovering perfectionist, I can truly relate to your post. I'm glad you posted aging, because everything is gorgeous. I especially like your Marilyn Monroe and the skull on your art table. I also like the way you lined the vintage hangers to display your work. Blessings!

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  24. There should be a song - 'Loosening up is so hard to do"! But you have managed it in just one go. There is a very Indian feel to your lovely colourful paintings, so different from your usual style, and yet I can see how this free painting will later interact with your 'usual style' and create something new that is influenced by Flora's course. Great work.

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  25. hello ms. dudish,

    i am of the opinion that whatever you do, tight or loose, is pretty awesome. faces, animals, inspirations, and now maybe abstractions: your heart and hope shines through.

    most sincerely,
    ms. kj
    :^)

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  26. Hello Kristin!
    How are you travelling? Can you believe we're on the cusp of December?
    I thought you might like to know that I am hosting Reverb again this year. It'd be a privilege to have you join us.
    Everything you need to know can be found at: http://www.katmcnally.com/p/reverb13.html
    We kick off on Sunday and it is going to be AMAZING. Hope to see you there!
    Kat xxx

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  27. I love that 'there are no mistakes' . . . . however. . . .well I guess you understand. The work is beautiful. Blessings, Janet PPF

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