Experiencing Life Creatively
Painting with Fabulous artist friends in St Francis Bay. It was great having two days together to splash and pour and out of the chaos came some wonderful paintings. Read more here:
Gesina with coffee – essential breaks required.
This is the painting that inspired two fun workshops and a dem for the Plett Art Society. See how it began….
It starts out looking reckless and dangerous.
Just pour on the first colour. Then add the second and third colour.
When this was dry I had to sit with the painting for a long time to see what it wanted to be.
The first washes or pours were in opaque colours so it was easy to lift out the shapes that were to be trees.
Lots of techniques and play and slowly, step-by-step the painting becomes what it always wanted to be.
More colour in the foreground was needed so the yellows and reds were brought back to play.
Creating the foreground – still lots of colour – mainly the primary colours and allowing them to find one another on the paper.
Lots more fun techniques, lifting, sliding, washing, stippling, stencilling … too much fun.
I think this is enough … but you never know!
Monday 4th November was an early start for me and my husband Bobby as we left Plettenberg Bay in the “wee” hours to get to St Francis by 9:00 for a full, fun day of water colour painting with friends.
We only just got there in time as we had to travel s l o w l y – because the car had just had a new engine put in it and this day saw its maiden voyage.
As we arrived a room full of lovely artists were unpacked and ready to go with creative explorations. It was a little daunting walking into a room full of people – lots of hugs and then we began.
Many thanks to Christine and Heather for getting the group together and thank you to Robyn, Marlene and Donne’ for coming all the way from Port Elizabeth for the day.
Beryl and Lynne. So glad you are ready to paint again Beryl. Enjoy every moment.
to 
Paulene and Pippa creating magic.
Christine and Ann – just let it flow.
Donne’ and Kathy – magic happens when we release our anxiety and need to control the flow.
PE Artists, Donne’ and Robyn do it in style – this was like a workout x
Keeping our creative muscles fit!
Marlene created a beautiful painting.
Step by Step beginnings of reflections
Exploring lots of fun techniques.
Glenda’s glowing scene in the making.
|
Marlene’s paintings – lovely work x
Happy Days! Thank you to all the participants and also to Lynne and Chris Hattingh for arranging for the use of the Ski-Boat Club. This was a superb venue with inspiring views. Also thank you to Heather Funston for getting the artists together and for the delicious eats we all shared and enjoyed.
The two days took us on a journey of highs and lows – the aspects of struggle than come with any new learning. It would be easy to simply watch participants work within their realm of known comfort, however, this workshop asked that the artists suspend self-judgement and allow for the unexpected. The delightful 80 year young Eva Taylor displayed enormous courage in working in this new style and her paintings bloomed into artistic expressions. I heard her saying “I am going home now”, and then a surprising happening occurred and she played some more. It was a thrilling and daunting process and I am so proud of all the artists for trusting the work and their creativity.
Valda Barratt managed to create a masterpiece painting in the true flow of ease. I think that most of the artists were surprised to see how a painting can grow into beauty and depth of interest.
I am hoping that this group continue to push all aspects of their creativity in the creation of their art work. The difference in an artistic creation and a painting is that element of creativity; the unexpected that can never be repeated, not by anyone. It is the moment of feeling and being; allowing the flow and serendipity; the adjusting to the work in moment by moment awareness.
We create magnificence when we let go of the small, prescribed and manufactured painting and open ourselves to live in the realm of possibility.
Magic Happens
The method of granulation is so thrilling as each effect is the result of the properties of the paint – the opacity and translucency.
As each layer flows over the other the most incredible effects become evident.
No one in the world could ever produce this painting. Each painting that is loved into being is a spark of the Truth. We are the Lovers of the Creation and so we paint.
Fay Keevy or should I say, Fay-mous, my treasure Friend, got the concept immediately and in style true to her own, produced the marvelous effect in moments. I love the way Fay just does. No hesitating, no fear, just boldness.
Thank you Fay for being my chauffeur too.
Lynne Hattingh understands this work and it is her ability to allow for this flow that has been instrumental in her creation of wonderful art.
Maureen was new to water colour painting so this was a big step in bravery. It was thrilling to watch her bravery. The lack of constricted previous learning was helpful in allowing Maureen to just enjoy the adventure with no preconceived ideas. Maureen just loved watching the color and movement unfold.
The process of creating the density and luminosity with the granulation technique depends on the colors one chooses and the way in which the paints are applied. This technique is a fabulous way to create texture and interest in landscapes.
Glenda worked with the idea of flow and the process was just a tad challenging as the holding on and waiting for the effect to “happen” makes the artist stay with the process and not run ahead trying to find a defining form or “picture”.
This is the magic of Flow – when we are being our True Self we too Flow with the Creativity of Life
Two days of deep inner work and with Glenn-Douglas and Friends.
Thank you for the experience.
Three of the most common challenges facing South African adults:
* Being the best parent in a time of diminishing social support
* Being an inspiring and innovative manager in a culturally diverse workplace
* Maintaining personal momentum under increasing pressure
Learn about all of this and more at a:
Glenn Douglas Haig (GDH) Coaching and Training workshop
in St Francis Bay in March.
