WR #5
Nick and I were camping in Cookeville this week! We’ve had a lot of downtime to hang out together, but I haven’t made a ton of time for art every day. I’m proud that I’ve been consistent with doing something every day of our trip so far, though… even if it’s just squeezing in a 5 minute sketch before we play late-night board games.
Last week’s focus
Challenging myself. To get outside to paint (I want to take advantage of our camping scenery!) And to use new materials (soft acrylics). And to break out my easel, like I know what I’m doing (def. struggling with imposter syndrome).
Helpful inputs/ resources from the week
Emma Carlisle’s Patreon - How to Simplify an Image
Bible study - I’ve been feeling a little down in general and discouraged about my drawing/ painting skills in particular. Studying God’s Word helps me remember that the point of art shouldn’t be to glorify myself. If I’m not trying to glorify myself, then I have loads of fun just making stuff, even when I’m not creating a “masterpiece.” The Bible puts things in perspective and reminds me to just keep painting and drawing. I can trust God with the process.
STUDIO TIME LOG
Monday | 02-12
Emma Carlisle - Simplifying an Image Part 1
I found the exercises in this video really difficult… I struggle with negative space in my drawings… I need more of it! haha
Tuesday | 02-13
Nick and I walked to Cummins Falls State Park, and I took some visual notes in my sketchbook as we went. It’s always good practice for me to carry a sketchbook in public… I get so self-conscious!
Wednesday | 02-14
Finished the E. Carlisle Simplifying video that I started on Monday.
Thursday | 02-15
Outdoor painting session!!!
This was my first time using my easel (that I bought with my Christmas money) AND my first time using soft body acrylics (that I bought with my birthday money).
I finished my yellow sketchbook during this session! (Never mind that I hate the painting 🙃)
I used my bigger Art Creations sketchbook on my easel… and I didn’t hate what I did…. it was better than what I put in the yellow sketchbook, at least haha.
Friday | 02-16
Raven sketch sitting outside
Saturday | 02-17
Super quick coffee cup sketch before board-gaming with Nick
Sunday | 02-18
Super quick nighttime trees sketch before bed - I ended up liking this more than I expected
SKETCHBOOK REVIEW
February 15, 2024
What question did I ask my sketchbook with this spread?
How do I want to capture the landscape using acrylic paint?
How do I feel about it overall?
Man, I had to overcome a lot of resistance to try my acrylics… a new medium is intimidating!
I need a lot more practice mixing colors. I struggle to get the color/ value I’m aiming for onto the page. And I definitely have a tendency to muddy things up.
But that just means there’s lots of fun to be had learning new skills and techniques!
What am I curious about?
I’m curious about paint brushes and using different things (like sticks) to make marks on the page. I really want to paint loose and joyfully. I’m also not sure how to capture marks like I do with mixed media when using acrylics. Maybe still do a lot of mixed media with my acrylic paints?
I think painting in thinner layers would be nice too. I think the paint I used was thicker than it needed to be… feels a bit plastic-y.
What do I want to carry forward?
Trying new things! I worked on two paintings at once during this session and challenged myself to work pretty quickly (used my little desk timer thing to mark 15 minute increments). Surprisingly, I like the larger painting I did better than the smaller one. But I want to just keep moving forward and keep trying stuff.
FINAL WRAP UP
What has God taught me this week about glorifying Him through my art?
I love that God uses art to draw me closer to Him. When Nick and I were walking and I was making quick sketches, I felt so much appreciation for God’s creativity. Nature is just amazing. The different shapes that tree branches grow into, varying bark on the trees, dried-out brush on the side of the road, cows in the field, hay running along a fence line… so many beautiful things to take in. I’m so thankful that God reveals Himself in His creation.
What am I excited about/ what’s my plan for next week? Any changes to initial 2024 planning?
I’d like to walk down the road from the campground to paint/ draw the cow field and take more landscape notes in my sketchbook. I’m trying to take advantage of camping… so I’m still not doing any super-structured education. I need to re-assess my education plan next week. Maybe start some PKR stuff once we’re back home.
