Taking Notes From The Modern Day Masters...

Finding Your Own Visual Voice

This last few weeks I've been taking a series of classes from one of my favorite, local, art masters, Brenda York.  I've loved her art ever since I saw it some 10 or 12 years ago, and feel so happy to be able to take a class from her...thrilled actually!  Brenda's a wonderful artist...and an even more inspiring teacher.  I've learned so much from her and even better yet...had a breakthrough of sorts, in how to find my visual voice.  

Quite simply put, its all about paying attention.  Not only viewing your favorite artists work, but really studying what it is about their work that you love.  Actually writing out a list of the elements you enjoy...then taking the list of techniques/elements and adding them into your own work.  You'll find it simple not to copy their work, though delightful to use their style in your own work...making it your own style.

Check out Brenda's work here...

Brenda York

I had to show Brenda's piece above in extra large format so you could see all the 

funny and wonderful things she incorporates into her paintings...

they really are so thoughtful and delightful.

Below is one of the paintings I did in Brenda's class about creating a narrative in your work.   This painting started out with a line I read somewhere...

"Words That Water Flowers"...

so I added in lots of words that nurture flowers.

Another painter I love and adore...not only for his work but for who he is.

Read more about Wayne Thiebaud and I think you'll agree with me.

Wayne's paintings are fresh, relate able, colorful and delicious!

Most everything is outlined is bright colors...

I really like that technique in his work.

I took that technique and incorporated it into one of the paintings I'm working on in Brenda's class.  I added more color to the edges and left it to peek through.

"Check Please"

I also used Brenda's technique here by adding in written words on my canvas...

about tea and tea houses.

Then I revisited the piece below, 

which I started in class and thought I was done...not quite!

I went back and added in the bright colors along my outlines, 

ala Wayne Thibaud, and found it livened up this piece.

"Back To Center"

is all about going home.

I can't say enough about what I've learned in this class!  

Even more good news, I'll be able to share this information with my students on

Mixed Media Monday

classes I'll be teaching, starting in Feburary at 

Art On 30th.

It's so wonderful & important that we never stop learning!