Jeni Caruana
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Drawing with Help

5/1/2015

5 Comments

 
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For many years, it was traditional to study under ‘master’ artists to improve technique and learn basic knowledge. An apprentice would study for years, helping to mix paint and prepare canvasses before being allowed to paint in the style of his Master. There was no such thing as individual expression or interpretation until he (and it usually was a 'he') was able to start up a studio of his own. Even then, art was commissioned by the Church and the upper classes, and the subject matter and style were dictated.

It's very different today - everyone can paint and draw whatever they like and everything they make can be called 'art'. Those who wish to study techniques (not everyone does) can easily find everything they need on the internet, usually for free.
 
Welcome to more drawing blogs for 2015! I thought I had exhausted the subject and was going to turn to my thoughts on creativity in general, but I really do think that being able to draw can be a powerful springboard into all forms of self-expression. There is something very connecting and connected about being able to study something that is outside you and then recreate it in a different form. We are creations ourselves and creativity amd innovation is what makes us so successful (and sometimes dangerous) as humans. 


Channelling Nature's insatiable urge to grow and flourish into creative pursuits instead of trying to ignore it, or -even worse - using it to invent new ways to hurt ourselves or each other, can only be a good thing.
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Perhaps it’s too easy. There are endless books, YouTube films, DVD’s and online courses about art; some are really helpful, others not at all. The temptation is to read or watch the demonstrations and step-by-steps and not actually DO them. There’s no-one there to guide us by saying ‘just look again at that shape, that curve, that form’. 

We try to be our own tutor and our own student too, and it can be hard inspiring ourselves and keeping ourselves going. It's difficult to even notice your own mistakes and shortcomings, let alone what to DO about them! Bit like life, really......

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 I will be forever grateful for my own college tutors and for every artist I have had the pleasure of working with. I think it’s always a good idea to join a group and/or take classes or workshops to keep you inspired and moving forward. There's nothing wrong at all with being 'self taught', but we all learn and grow by looking at other artist's work that we admire, and learning from their experience and knowledge. 
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Creativity and inspiration are like lighting candles – once you have lit your own you can spread the light far and wide by lighting others. If you keep it to yourself you’ll have no-one to relight your flame if you lose your way!

Here's to a CREATIVE 2015!
5 Comments
Vanessa Vella Tabone
5/1/2015 09:57:34 am

Creativity, in any form, is so important for us as individuals and yet we often put it aside for other things that seem more pressing at any given moment. Cheers to all who pursue their 'me' self expression time and inspire others on the way! Here is to you Jeni & yr inspiring paintings 💖

Reply
Jeni
5/1/2015 01:11:24 pm

You are so right, Vanessa! It's important for everyone to find something that brings some sparkle into their lives!

Reply
Anna
12/1/2015 03:51:45 am

What a warm thought this is! It's very encouraging to learn that collegial group work can help light one's inspiration to create. We know that ultimately an artist produces her own product, however, this is always a process that involves others somehow! So, keep the candles burning everyone!! Lovely thought Jeni!!

Reply
Jeni
14/1/2015 10:52:33 am

Hi Anna!

There's a saying somewhere or other about nothing ever really being 'new' - it already exists in the ether but we have to be open to receiving the inspiration. We stand on the shoulders of all those that have been inspired before us, developing ideas and keeping the fires alight! Every flame helps to bring more light into the world :-)

Keep shining!
Jeni

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Chris Sayers link
23/1/2015 12:46:19 pm

Words about being inspired, Jeni you are always inspiring, I thank you for your postings, as they are inspiring, as is your dedication to the art of art, perhaps more so now as I am unable to paint due to personal problems, but I can dream and I do.
Keep up your great work and posts please, I suspect there are many more that like them but are not so forward in sharing their likes, which is a shame for you.

New year regards, hope to maybe meet up again soonly.

Christopher x

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    ​I love to paint - and draw - and help others to discover their creative side too.....

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