Value of stretch learning in arts

When you choose a photo to paint do you always select one that you are confident that you could succeed with? If that's the case, you are most likely staying within my comfort zone. The learning experience remains limited when an artist stays in that zone and doesn't stretching him or herself.

If you decide not to push yourself and stay in the comfort zone, there is a risk that you won't be learning as much as you could. 

There are three learning zones: the comfort zone, the stretch zone and the panic zone. Most of us naturally drift towards the comfort zone. However, the main place that learning and development takes place is in the stretch zone.

How do you know that you are approaching a stretch zone? You will likely get butterflies or feel the urge to walk away or give up prematurely.  Whatever the sign, it is important to recognise that it indicates your personal stretch zone and an opportunity to make a decision there and then to grow. If you don’t take up jump you might never do so

You might think that if working in the stretch zone helps improve your skills, then working in the panic zone is better (more is better yes?). Unfortunately, research has demonstrated that this can lead to ineffective learnings and weaker performance.

If being in the stretch zone is challenging why do some artists push themselves?  The answer probably lies with the artist's desire to better their art.

This week's artist find is Nicola Morrin

Have a great week,

Danielle

Chagall Exhibit in Montreal

A week ago I had the pleasure of seeing the Chagall exhibit at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.  This was a large exhibit that highlighted the importance of music in the artist's work.  There are about 340 works on display, including paintings, sketches, costumes, sculpture, ceramics, lithographs and stained glass. The exhibit is unique as it has on loan works from other museums, private collectors and from the artist's family.

It was fascinating to see the many medias he worked in and how his background influenced his art.  It was not only interesting, but moving to hear his story.

The Jewish artist was born near Vitebsk, in what is now Belarus, in 1887 and lived to almost 100. He made art in a variety of media for eight decades, working around the globe and living in several countries, including France and the United States.  Chagall had a unique style that was influenced by cubism, fauvism and surrealism with Jewish folk art.

The highlight was seeing the 40 costumes he designed for ballet and opera. These were truly inspiring and beautiful.  The stained-glass windows he created for the Metz Cathedral in France were also worth seeing. 

Although I have respect for the art and its unconventional use of luminous colours, most of it was not aligned to my personal taste.  However, the art piece I do like is the painting on the ceiling of the Opéra de Paris which I have seen a couple of times.

This week's artist find is Nina Petrovskaya.

Have a great week

Danielle

Escoda brush losing its point

I'm having challenges with some of my Escoda Reserva sable brushes. For some reason, some of  the brushes don't seem to be able to come back to a sharp point. Is anyone else having the same issues?

There might be a few causes for this:

• the longest hairs of the tip of the brush may have been broken or split.
• since I paint mostly on rough paper, it's possible that the hairs are wearing down.
• dry brushing may also be damaging the brush.
• could be that I'm too rough on my brushes.

I've had these Escoda brushes for a couple of years. What's a typical lifespan of such a brush?

I love how much water these brushes hold, therefore, I hope that I can continue using them for a while longer. I appreciate any tips you can give me.

A number of people have moved to synthetic brushes because they have gotten so good and are far less expensive and you don't have to worry about treating them gently enough. They also generally stand up very well to rougher painting techniques.

Today's artist find is David Chauvin.  I adore his style.

Have a great week,
Danielle

Trying out Moulin de Larroque paper

A few weeks ago I was in a different city and found a different brand of paper - Moulin de Larroque.

I purchased one extra large sheet and one regular sized sheet, both of them rough and 200lbs.  The regular sheet was to practice on before I start on the large sheet since I've already had one bad experience with a different brand of paper.

I've been painting on the regular sheet for the past week and here are my observations:

• The sheets are very very white
• The texture is uneven and highly irregular (see photo below). As a result,
• the paint flows in very unpredictable directions and is difficult to control
• it is not possible to have precise edges
• it is not possible to draw straight lines
• blooms would be difficult to create
• produces different effects.
• The outside are not parallel and the corners are rounded, hence the paper is not a perfect rectangle
• The surface has great sizing as the paint does not immediately sink in. This makes it easier to paint wet in wet. To lift paint, it's easiest to wet the paper, and then lift gently with a paper towel
• The surface is fragile. It does not take well to the scrubbing brush.  The surface is easily damaged. The thin rolls of paper break with little pressure.
• The paper also does not handle Pebeo or W&N masking fluid. It tears the thin sheets of paper.

This week's artist find is Sandra Busby. She paints gorgeous still life paintings but you'll find some humour in some of her paintings.

Have a great week,

Danielle