Supportive family member

Many of us have a partner who supports our artistic activities. Recently I read an article that provided advice to those who are close to artists. Here is a quick overview of the tips they had for our supporters:

• accept and do not attempt to change the artist even if there is an appearance of non-conformism;
• respect the way the artist works which may include the need for solitude or odd hours dedicated to painting;
• attempt to understand the artist's goal even if they may appear non-conventional;
• when times get difficult, continue believing in the artist;
• make any contribution that you can such as keeping inventories, assist with finances, set up at art fairs, help with the resume, etc.;
• never stop telling the artist that you continue to believe in their art, especially through difficult times;
• be present at show openings.

I hope that you are as lucky as I am and have someone who constantly shows their support.

Today's artist find is Chan Dissanayake

Have a great week,

Danielle

What is a colourist

When an artist claims they are a colourist, what do they actually mean. I know some local artists who claim they are colourist. How does one know if they are a colorist or not? As an art admirer, how does one determine if they are looking at an artist who is a "colourist?"

Many believe that a colourist is one who is more concerned with the play with colour and who will exaggerate a colour, or use an unexpected colour rather than the colour that is really there.  Colourists also seem to have an aversion to greyed colors. They'd rather play with pure colours and insinuate gray, than "dull" down a passage with grays.

Others believe that a "colourist" depends on the impact of colour and is less interested in 3D form as achieved through light and tone.

Today's artist find id Marc Folly

Have a great week,
Danielle

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