Tuesday, January 6, 2015

The Magic Painting Hat

The Magic Painting Hat, 6x6" oil, ©Diane Mannion
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The Company of Artists

Every artist needs a painting friend!  Artists need artists, whether for a weekly or monthly paint-together.  Artists see things differently than... well... non-artists.  Trading ideas, techniques, favorite contemporary or historical artists, inspiration... or just plain art-talk.  Nobody understands artists like artists.

I look forward to painting with other artists, whatever level, there's always an energy field, a glow that lasts until the next time we paint together.  So my best advice is to join painting groups, plein air groups, art centers, take courses and workshops even if you're a pro and know-it-all.  Teach.

The studio can be a lonely place, although necessary... solitude reinforces focus.  But if that's the artist's only working condition... it can lead to stagnation and boredom.  

Listen to podcasts like Artists Helping Artists which has a tremendous archive.  Even the sound and thoughts of artists talking can help invigorate your artistic soul.  Play an artist's video or dvd while you're working, just to listen.

The artist wearing the magic hat in my painting is one of my favorite painting buddies!  We've painted together for years and have traded secrets and knowledge back and forth.  I owe her a lot, whether she knows it or not.  I'm thankful for the company of artists.

The Magic Painting Hat is #6 of Leslie Saeta's 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge.  I'm also thankful for the company of over eight hundred artists around the world that are pushing their brushes along with me.

6 comments:

Jeanette Crawford Baird said...

Diane, this is lovely! I love your painterly style and the straw hat on your friend is beautifully captured!

Ruth Daily Painting said...

Very sweet! One of my favorites of the daily paintings posted on 30-in-30 today.

Diane Mannion said...

Thank you, Jeanette! I'm pleased with this one, too. Some simply turn out better than others, although this one was a struggle.

Diane Mannion said...

Thanks, Ruth! This is my fifth time for the 30/30... something good happens with each one. I appreciate your comment!

Sharon Guy said...

Love it! We should paint together again sometime before the hot summer. I'm also doing the 30/30 challenge - my first one.

Diane Mannion said...

Thanks, Sharon! Looking forward to painting with you soon.