Yesterday I posted some beginning pictures of a painting I was working on. I was blogging from my phone, and was limited to only four photos. I thought I would share the rest of the photos with you now.
I used simple children's tempera paint that I had in my studio. I was remembering an interview I heard with Chris Zydel, and she suggested using tempera paint. It is less intimidating than expensive acrylic paint. Freedom was what I was looking for when I went into my studio last night. The tempera paint was just what I needed to let loose.
(Side note: Chris Zydel has been posting some awesome self-portraits on Facebook lately. She shows her hand over her chest, emphasizing the jewelery she's wearing. They are great portraits of self-expression.)
Okay, back to the painting stuff . . .
I loved how my foam brush was looking and had to take a picture of it before I threw it in the trash (it was tearing). It reminded me of the geysers and hot springs in Yellowstone National Park.
(image source: yellowstonetrailblazer.blogspot.com)
Here I am in 2010 at Yellowstone National Park
And . . . back to the painting
As I was working on this painting, I was thinking of a few people who have influenced me. First, there is Flora Bowley. She is the one who taught me to use sponge brushes, and to turn my "canvas" as I paint. If you get a chance, I highly recommend her online class called "Bloom True". Her book, Brave Intuitive Painting is also phenomenal! (I was just on her site and have to include this awesome video of Flora painting. It is edited by Zipporah Lomax, an amazing photographer I admire.)
Another person who I was thinking of as I painted, was Connie Hozvicka. I took her online class called "BIG". It pushed me in many ways. And you guessed it, I painted on BIG surfaces for the first time. Connie is a genuine dear-heart. It is really fun to watch her paint, too.
Finally, I was thinking of another dear woman, whom I met through Connie's online class, "BIG". We were both in "tribe number seven" of "BIG". Her name is Hali Karla. I have been watching her blossom back into her artist identity since "BIG". Hali now holds online painting vigils, and will be teaching in 21 Secrets this April 2013. I admire Hali's art and her heart. She is doing great things in this world! Here's an awesome video of Hali doing a prayer painting.
So, my painting from last night is not finished, but as you can see, it took me to many, many places of inspiration and wonder. That is what I love about the painting process. It is so centering, healing, calming, and invigorating all at the same time.
Plus, I get to play with color, which is one of my favorite things to do!
And just for the sake of love, here is a picture of my baby from today:
I must say, he is quite inspiring to me, as well.
Blessings and Peace,
Briana
