Personal Art Blog

Sharing the lessons I teach at the Artist Guild and the personal discoveries in my art.

Friday, June 24, 2016

Tea Time


Tea Time
7x5 oil on canvas SOLD


Artist Note

This one is one I painted
way back in 2011.
I liked it then and I like it now.

Still cleaning up my
home studio
I have had such a lot
to do and so
have not painted.

I miss it.
And so yesterday
I started a new one,
but it is slow going
between making
decisions
like...if I should
save an item or let it go.

Brushes for example...
Now why 
did I hang on to them?

Anyone else a
 mega
studio clutter-er ?
Make me feel better 
if you would share.

Have a great weekend.

37 comments:

  1. Hi Julie,
    I'm not sure if I understood your question about the brushes right... I have lot's of brushes - to bad to be used again and too good - or being love too much over all that time - to through away. I have in mind to do a kind of artwork
    with them...
    And I love your red teapot and the cup with the spoon. I really would like to be able to paint like that..
    But I love what I do in my journal and come ahead step by step :)
    Best, Beate

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Beo - I hate throwing away a good brush but I have found there is a difference between a good brush and a great brush.
      Only taken me years to figure that out! I always thought it was what one did with the brush that mattered...now I know what the right brush can actually do.
      I LOVED seeing what you did with the Gelli Plate. Fabulous!
      I want to try it.

      Delete
  2. Hi Julie, I like your oldie but goodie too! I feel for you, trying to decide what to toss. I have a bit of a different problem; mine being I buy too much and then never use the paints, brushes, canvases or frames and have an over abundance so I sell them on Ebay and of course I loose money in the long run. The last think I bought was some Intaglio ink and a brayer to make some monoprints but after trying a couple I put the tools away for the time being. I know I will go back to trying it again but just not right now. Good luck with the cleaning. Perhaps you need a break to enjoy your weekend. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ha - loved knowing you buy too much. You should see my extra frames!!! I always think I will use them and forget different colors look better in some frames than others. Have too many and styles have changed also. Sigh...the business of art.
      I do not like the intaglio inks, for some reason I got the stuff all over me when I used them.
      I totally got a kick out of your latest post. Clever the way you put it together. Always a pleasure to visit.

      Delete
  3. Julie,

    The teapots, any of them that you pick, are always winners. The red one is a favorite.

    Ah, the de-cluttering! I like to think that if you plopped me down somewhere with just a few supplies that I could make some sort of art. Does my studio totally reflect that? No way! LOL:) I probably have too many tubes of paint. I just chucked the defunct brushes. I have miscellaneous stuff from when I made quilts. What I would really like to do is to pull everything out of the drawers and corral it all in to one area. At least I cleaned off my desk yesterday. An actual start...:)

    Hope you are well. Thanks for the post.
    Libby

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am greatly reassured by all the understanding comments of shared art supply hoarding. Mine needed more than de-cluttering. Deep cleaning and organization as well.
      Interesting to see your new piece and that I could pick up some of the events that help create your creative flow.

      Delete
  4. Love love love that teapot and cup and spoon. I can almost feel them. I have been quite the hoarder, but this year I have decided to buy less, much less of everything, but my studio needs a really good purge. You're inspiring me to get to work on it when I get home. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey - this is great. Another messy studio. I am feeling so much the part of a wonderful Messy Studio group.
      Honest, Sharon, my studio was so messy I wouldn't let anyone in it . Now I am feeling so virtuous after 10 days of clearing up crap that I might actually allow a visit or two. Hope your daughter is recovering nicely and you get a gold star for being there to help with the grandchildren.

      Delete
  5. Hi Julie,

    You absolutely are not alone in your clutter. In fact, studies have been done which suggest that there is a link between those who are surrounded by clutter (or “messiness” to the not-so-creative) and creative thinking. It’s not that clutter will lead to creative thinking, but rather that clutter is a sign of someone who is given to creative thinking. They are the ones who tend to think unconventionally. (One study went so far as to suggest that a cluttered room provoked more creative thinking on the part of those who are so inclined, forcing them to think outside the box.) I like that, and may use it in my defence when the science nerds in my house question how messy I am. (The piles on the floor are organized. I know where things are in spite of the fact that it might not look that way to those untrained in the ways of floorginization.)

    If the idea of a study doesn’t bring you comfort, perhaps knowing that you are in the company of some of the most creative minds will. Einstein, Mark Twain, and Steve Jobs (for our tech friends out there) were all clutterers. I really like the response Einstein gave regarding clutter when he said that “If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, then what are we to think of an empty desk?” He makes such a good point. I think that I am going to stick with that as I return to my studio and my piles of inspiration (until such time as it becomes a fire/safety hazard of course)….

    I love the painting pictured here. There is something about that red tea pot which really speaks to me. I hope that you are able to get back to your painting soon. I look forward to seeing where you go next.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a FABULOUS comment. Thanks for taking the time, Brenda.
      I do find comfort in your words and laughed with delight at Einstein's response. Isn't that great!!!
      Yes - my clutter was organized where I could dig and pull out just what I needed but I did know that to start a marathon painting binge I would need some order to begin with. At the completion of the month it will be a disaster again.
      It was great seeing your painting of the cat.
      Such lively brush marks, beautiful rich colors and an amazing job on the eyes! Have a wonderful week.

      Delete
    2. Thanks Julie! I am sure that your space was organized just so, but I know that you will feel better once you have gone through things, in spite of the impending return to clutter. (I find it best to be a little zen like and simply to go with it, recognizing that it is inevitable and part of the nature of what I do.)

      And I'm glad that you liked that painting. That was one of those paintings that fell off the brush (I was painting for me, no thoughts about future lessons, at a time when there was a great deal of chaos in my life, etc.) And the funny thing is, the reference photo was of a black and gold cat ...

      I hope that you are close to your painting marathon. Have a great week!

      Delete
    3. Brenda - love your comment and it does make me feel better! As I type, I'm surrounded by stacks of paperwork, and I know exactly where everything is... I too am a supply collector. I try valiantly to use everything I collect, but brushes are somehow very seductive. Julie, you are not alone!

      Delete
  6. *raises hand* I keep a lot of stuff I prob shouldn't so this summer my main job is going through it all and getting rid of as much of it as possible. Keep the pencils, paper,paint and unused canvas, get rid of the rest. 2 months left to do it lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Such a fun visual - raises hand!
      Weeding through the accumulated stiff is one thing but the question is...are you neat or messy when you get into the flow of working?
      Clever image you came up with for the melting ice cream cones!

      Delete
    2. relatively neat, I just never put anything away when done with it :p

      Delete
  7. Clutter? Gradually working my way through the library/studio to move all that to the 2 rooms my kids left. Why does it seem that the more I take out of there, the more there is to take out? Also working on cleaning my bedroom closet. Same deal - bags have gone to Goodwill but looks like there is more to take!
    As far as the studies referred to above - a friend sent me this quote which I have printed and hanging above my computer monitor: "Far better creative mess than idle neatness".
    So there!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, Deb, thank you - I like that quote too - idle neatness! I will place that one on my hubbies immaculate desk. The yard...his area...is a mess.
      it is really good for my self esteem to read all the comments sharing about what appears to be a common problem. I agree about the closet.
      I enjoyed your post about shelling peas! And I am loving watching your progression shots on your watercolor painting.

      Delete
  8. This is probably my favorite, of all your works that I have seen. So gorgeous, and with just the right touch of impressionism. Wish I had bought it!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A lovely complement - thanks Carol.
      You must be one of the "neat studio" painters. I envy you.
      I was admiring your two florals that you did for your own home. Fresh and loose with beautiful colors. Congrats.

      Delete
  9. I'm glad that I'm not alone in having so much "art clutter." I think it is there until our minds are ready to organize that part of our environment...until then it is in a creative mode. Your pieces are gorgeous...so rich and expressive.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for sharing you have art clutter too. I think mine was more art disaster, but I am feeling rather proud of myself at the moment.
      That was a great post you did about your visit to the Bronx Botanical gardens. Other great artist's were with you I see.
      How nice to have a group like that.
      Also loved the latest one of the two ladies on the beach.

      Delete
  10. This is so beautiful Joan. I go to so many garage sales and cannot walk away if I see a frame...you never know when you need it....however I have too much of a collection so I do have clutter but try to rearrange them at the end of each week! I also have to be brave enough to pass by Blicks Art Store without stopping!!!! Lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too , me too! See a frame and I get it.
      Maybe I should take the time to rearrange them at the end of each week. What a novel concept! Now how can I remind myself to do just that?

      Delete
  11. haha, I put off answering this question as it hit "so close to home"!! oh my. I am DEEP in the midst of clutter despair, and have started the process of digging myself out of it. It truly has gotten to the point of "blocking my chi" (which I used to laugh at the thought of that feng shui term...but it's not just hooey, it makes complete sense now). Anyways, The studio has become stifling in it's excess of stuff...it gives my brain no place to rest to pick one idea and move on with it. So I've been antsy, trying to paint, still in oils, and also some more in w/c (taking this on after a LONG hiatus from that medium). Just feeling really restless in my art business, and starting with "discardia" to try to see if that helps bring some resolution to this hot mess! There's a lot of books & loose papers that must go! Old paintings? we'll see if I have the guts to part with some that might not be 'worthy'.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. After grinning at your honest "deep in clutter despair" admission, I found myself nodding in complete understanding at blocking the chi. I know that my creative senses are already re-appearing after my massive clean-up/out.
      I really enjoyed seeing your blog with the watercolor sketches.
      You have a great way of filling the space with lovely color. Your new one of your front door in Maine is particularly special with the nest. Good luck with your cleaning!

      Delete
  12. Whoooooooooooosh! Just as you thought you were safe, I'm back. I'm still not 'artyfying' but am still buried in editing books and building boats.

    I've seen this red teapot painting before - it's a a combination of the colour, arrangement and my tea-addiction that ranks it among my favourites.

    See you later.... Whooooooooooooooooooosh (Who was that masked stranger?)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi John - my ...you have been a traveling man. Driving to Vienna and back is quite a feat. You really are special.
      Thanks for being such a unique and brilliant, blogging friend.

      Delete
  13. First, I think the warm and welcoming moment this painting conjures up is a delight!
    As to the clutter...all I can say is that I WISH the reluctance to throw stuff away was only a problem in my art space. I manage to collect things that I "just-might-need-you-never-know" all over my house. And even outside, my garden grows ever larger in happy anarchy!! You're such fun!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the nice words about the painting, Helene. How true your
      I have things I cannot bring myself to throw away for the same reason. Reading all the comments has made me realize how normal it is for the creative mind. Just as Brenda (above) informed me. Very comforting.
      Good job I do not garden!!!

      Delete
  14. Amazing new paintings :) I am visiting your blog after a long time. Its always so inspiring to see your work.
    Best wishes,

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was genuinely thrilled to see you posting again, Vinayak.
      I have missed seeing work from waaay accross the seas and oceans. The thrill of the internet is how we all connect and after a wonderful trip to beautiful India, I feel it is a pleasure to visit with a talented artist like yourself.

      Delete
  15. Now Julie that tea painting makes me want to come visit and have a cup with you. I will bring some pie too!! Yes I have more brushes and clutter that I never use in my studio as well. Is that the nature of being and artist? :) - Have a blessed day and enjoy the holiday weekend. Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a delightful thought - tea with Debbie. How wonderful that would be. Your pie looks so yummy. My specialty used to be puff pastry... always cold hands had something to do with the success of it.
      The holiday weekend will be spent in the studio, but finally almost finished cleaning and organizing it. Phew! What a job it has been. Hope to never let it get that bad ever again.

      Delete
  16. A pleasure to look at your beautiful work today .. sigh,, when can I start again.. will I be able to or wont I..
    well, money has always been a constraint for me and I buy just enough supplies that I dont have clutter, but yes, each dress of mine I wear at home and the living room sofas, dining area tables or the kitchen counter,, everything spells of stuck uncleaned paint.!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Padmaja - so good to hear from you. We share the "paint everywhere" syndrome. I hope your eyes are improving so you can get some painting done soon. It is part of you - as natural as breathing. Sending a hug.

      Delete
  17. Love the painting Julie!!
    Have loved reading this post and all the comments as I am also in the middle of cleaning out my art room. It had got so bad I was entirely blocked creatively - AND physically (could barely get into the room!)
    I have always suspected that it is harder for creative souls to live a minimalist life-style!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Julie! Checked my own blog after months and was so pleased to see your comment. I've missed visiting blogs but have been working on 25 5x7 Montana animal paintings for my daughter's wedding. About clutter: so relieved that I'm not the only one. Sometimes I feel psychologically oppressed by the mess I make but it could take many days to clean and I'd have to stop painting. I enjoyed Brenda's comment re: clutter and creative thinking. I love this painting "Tea Time." It is beautifully designed and organized! Just like all your work, if not your space!

    ReplyDelete

I love that you are taking the time to comment and thank you for it. I am sure other readers will enjoy them too. If you cannot comment through this format then email me at juliefordoliver@gmail.com
Cheers,
Julie