Observation
Painting Inspiration
by Alana Knuff | Jan 29, 2017
There will be highs and lows in which one feels and does not feel inspired to paint. During the ‘dry spells’ the creative energy is not dormant, but rather changing perspective. That which was learned previously is being enriched. Keep painting in your mind seeing new works unfold. Keep painting.
What went wrong? Perhaps the answer is here.
by Alana Knuff | Jul 22, 2016
Not every work of art we do meets our expectations. The image in our head sometimes does not materialize. So, a ‘what went wrong’ analysis is needed. Here are some questions to ask.
- Is the drawing correct?
- Is there a good composition?
- Are the hues clear?
- Is there a dominate color with harmonizing colors?
- Are warm and cool contrasts used correctly?
- Are the values and their forms consistently, correct?
- Is the light source evident and consistent?
- Is their variety in the brushwork?
- AND is there emotion reflected in the work?
One Caveat
by Alana Knuff | May 30, 2016
As artists our time is spent primarily with ourselves. The hours fly by unencumbered. Creativity knows not the limits of time and as we become engaged in our work, time, for us, seems to stand still. Others may look upon our solitary seclusion as selfish and to some extent that applies. However, that solitude is the well spring for creative endeavors. There is one caveat, however. Gathering with other artists grows us as we exchange experiences. Take time out at least once a month to be with other artists.
Create – the artistic life. Find your why.
by Alana Knuff | Apr 29, 2016
Why do you create what you create? Artists are often confronted with painting that which seems to sell and that which inspires them to pick up the brush and paint. When asked, why I paint, my response is that painting is my passion that has become addictive. My being becomes intimately entangled with the object of observation. A desire rises during the encounter to draw, paint or sculpt exploring all that I see. It is this energy that gives life to the creation.
Style
by Alana Knuff | Apr 10, 2016
Style for me is a state of continual development – not static. When art becomes static, the beauty is lost. New experiences bring new interpretations. The mark of the artist is not lost; it remains part of the painting fabric through subtle shifts in style and technique. The results however break new ground.
