Category: Artistic process

Do this, don’t do that and other silly rules for attaining perfection

When it comes to creativity I identify as a perfectionist. This isn't to say that I have ever produced an exquisite piece of art or writing that pleased everyone or a piece that was deemed a masterpiece by many or even a few. I know my skills and limitations, and my modesty would never allow … Continue reading Do this, don’t do that and other silly rules for attaining perfection

A creative odyssey

Just for fun I decided to imagine creative projects as a landscape through which we journey. I made a map of what one journey to project completion (Fruition) might look like. Most ideas for creative projects start out as a spark, washed up or captured on the shores of the Sea of Imagination. A (not … Continue reading A creative odyssey

Impetus for creative pursuits

I've been on the look out for a new ceramic watercolour mixing palette, appropriately sized and shaped for my workspace, so I looked on Etsy and loved the handcrafted palettes I saw there. There are such clever people out there. Unfortunately all the ones I liked shipped from overseas. The postage service is understandably overwhelmed … Continue reading Impetus for creative pursuits

Your creative treasure chest

Creative block is a topic I keep revisiting because my thoughts on what it is and how to overcome it are always evolving. Creative block is an umbrella term which includes, but is not limited to, creativity fatigue, artist's block, and the more well-known writer's block. I've read a lot of articles and blog posts … Continue reading Your creative treasure chest

What tinnitus tastes like

I produce a lot of monochromatic (sometimes two-hued) artwork, such as in the top three recent entries in various sketchbooks. Mostly, I think this is just aesthetic preference, with a side order of apprehension over colour-coordination. I have always had an unusual relationship with colour, mostly because what makes sense to others doesn't necessarily make … Continue reading What tinnitus tastes like

Good art days and art expectations

I feel like I have't had too many good art days lately - those days where reality comes close to meeting expectation; when more things go right than go wrong with a piece of art; where you can put down the pencil, pen or brush and be satisfied, even a little bit happy, with the … Continue reading Good art days and art expectations

Forest time

Most of my time at the moment is consumed with a fairly large mixed media piece I'm working on. I haven't had much time for sketchbooks, so I thought I'd share some progress pics on the piece instead. The first image is the pen and ink sketch which probably took too many more days than … Continue reading Forest time

Moonlit portal

Following is painting I did last weekend on a whim, including the ink rendering and then with watercolour over it. It was a good exercise in not overdoing the ink when I know I'm going to paint. I wanted to create more depth with watercolour rather than have the pen and ink do all the … Continue reading Moonlit portal