As an Artist You...

As an artist I am continuously critiquing my work, questioning my self, asking "Is this good work?". I think that it can be hard to see where I have grown and if my dedication has paid off. I recently showed someone that did not know me that well my work and they were very positive about my paintings and I realized that I need to work with other artists so that we can support each other and "talk the talk in art language". I  was looking at all my work in the last three years and came upon one of first paintings that I did before taking any classes and learning any techniques. I was surprised how far I have come with my work. I liked the little painting as it had a innocent charm that was like the work I see in elementary school hallways but I felt proud of how much I have learned since then I will display two paintings below.

Landscape Painted 2010 By Melanie Spencer

Painted 2113 Tuscan Door watercolour by Melanie Spencer

Selling Art on the Internet

I have been wondering if it is possible to sell art on the interweb. I consider myself fairly computer savvy, but when I ponder internet sales I feel completely overwhelmed as to where to start. It seems as if there is just so much art out there that how can I have my work stand out and be appealing. I found browsed a few sites and really felt that this one was helpful and gave advice that was easy to understand and made sense. She also offers an online course as well.



yours in create
Melanie
http://theabundantartist.com/

Breezy Bay B&B by Melanie Spencer Watercolor

Inpsiration from a Friend and Fellow Artist (Carol Rae)

During my Spring Break I had the pleasure to visit my friend Carol Rae a fabulously talented artist on Vancouver Island. She never fails to inspire me with her creativity and drive to create. She said that if she needs some new juice for painting and to get ideas flowing she sits down and makes collages from magazines. It is a great way to explore colour, shape and composition. I was so inspired that I came home and started making collage right away. I was a bit dismayed as I only three magazines in the house that I could use. But it was so much fun. I spent a few hours cutting and pasting. I will display below both the collage and the painting that I created from the collage.

Abstract Colour Study Watercolour by Melanie Spencer

Collage

Abstract Still Life Watercolour by Melanie Spencer

Abstract Still Life Collage

Colour and Shape

Gingko Abstraction by Melanie Spencer

I have been feeing the urge to try abstract painting...I have not explored much with this idea so really did not know where to start. My first step was to find a shape that was pleasing to me. I chose a gingko biloba leaf drawing and then chose, two turquoises and browns and blues as the accent colours. I wanted the paintings to have depth and texture as well. I really loved the process and was pleasantly surprised with the outcome. This is a series of three. They work together and separately as well. I found the whole experience very freeing.

When I Feel the Painting Blahs?

Peacock

In the past few weeks I have been having a case of the painting "Blahs", I feel that I have come so far in the past few years learning technique and developing skills as a watercolor artist. I need to go to a new level with my art, like a toddler that regresses after a new growth. So I am basically doing the same thing. Going back to what I know, until I sort out my next step. I love painting and paint every week. So my advice to me and others is too plug through the "Blahs" and be kind to yourself while you bump up to your growing edge.

Playing with Paint

Sometimes as an artist in can be hard to just play with paint without any attachment to outcome. Young children have no problem getting messy with paint. Unfortunately as we get older we have to work at "playing". Here are some tips for getting in the mood for play.

1) start with a openness
2) don't think of the outcome
3) there is no such thing as a mistake
4) this is for your own growth and pleasure sometimes play is where the best ideas come from
6) have fun!

Watercolor Abstract on Yupo

I find a good warm up to play is to try a new approach to painting. If you have not painted abstract try it. Try a new medium or a new type of surface. This weekend I am playing with abstract on yupo paper. I have never used either. It is fun and now I want to explore more!