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Kate loves creating

Kate loves creating

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Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Mixed Media Artist, Fine Artist or does it matter.

I was hoping that 2016 would be a great start but some challenges have come my way. Now usually when I start doubting myself, I tend to feel defeated and then give up. It is fear pure and simple. I then start to worry what people will think of me. 'What if I peaked, have nothing else to give, teach or create' I have had my run and now I am back to where I thought I always belonged....in the background, not putting any attention on myself, in other words, play it safe but very unsatisfied.
This is when the practice becomes even more important!! Even though I am going through these doubts I still show up to the studio and work. The structure and discipline of doing this gives me stability and hope. As long as I still do this I have a chance to continue making a living as an artist. Now during this time I have contemplated whether I should be a Mixed Media Artist or a Fine Artist. Does fine artist mean that I am classically trained and know how to paint traditionally with excellent drawing skills knowing every inch of the human anatomy (especially since my focus is figures and portraits). If I hold onto that definition than I am not a Fine Artist. I went to school and received a BFA in Fiber Arts. I took many classes on painting and drawing but really didn't learn that much in those settings. I found that I liked making paper and creating textural pieces of art as well as weaving. I was able to use my degree to be a textile print designer for the apparel business. My biggest fear was they would find out I couldn't draw or paint , but actually I couldn't but some how I was able to have this career for 20 years so I was very successful at hiding my "lack of skills". I truly believed this and it was partly true. I always was terrified that when people asked me what I did that telling them I was artist and then asked to draw something for them! Now I could render but I couldn't really draw especially on the spot!! O.k. enough of my low self esteem. ;-)

Oh as I am writing this post I see a thread on Facebook on this exact topic! We really are all connected. What a gift to connect and support each other.

When I start to doubt myself I have to actually look back at what I have been able to create for the past 4 years. First I had to learn how to really paint, which I did, but not in a studio. I learned in an online class. It took me a good year of working like a mad woman to get better. I was asked to create an online class. That meant I had to learn how to film myself painting, editing and producing my own classes. Within the next year I had 2 or 3 online classes developed. I was then invited to teach live all around the country and I am now planning my first overseas workshop in Orvieto, Italy. Not bad...right?  Here is a link to this workshop http://www.adventuresinitaly.net/f16thompson.html

So I said I couldn't draw, well I got a art journal and started drawing. Here are some of my drawings.Drawing now has become my creative meditation. I love this practice.
















I am working on a new online class which will be hosted by Jeanne Oliver. The class starts in June. I named this class Children of the Wild. The class will focus on children and their relationships with animals. I have created little nursery rhyme stories for each painting. It has been so much fun doing research and creating this class. I was able to collect so many beautiful vintage photos of children and their pets that have inspired some of this work. Here is just a few of the projects I have going.












I am now experimenting with oils. This is a piece I created in oils using in a mixed media (there is that word again ;-)) way. Charcoal and oil on watercolor paper.



Here are two portraits I created in oil.




I am really looking forward to taking a 5 day workshop with oil painter, Stanka Kordic. Serious art...right? Can not wait!!
http://www.stankakordic.com/

Well I am off to paint. Oh, and while I was going through the downward spiral I received an email that two of my paintings in Ciel Gallery were sold!

8 comments:

  1. Love your drawings and I run through the same doubts myself..wishing I could draw even as I draw..because I compare myself to the best and yet I fall in love with wild lines and unbridled art tangents. .there are so many people who can render things into a portrait like perfection. .I want to do that ..but I know deep down ..I prefer wild fractured if you will art..so why do I not allow myself to love my own?

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  2. Love your drawings and I run through the same doubts myself..wishing I could draw even as I draw..because I compare myself to the best and yet I fall in love with wild lines and unbridled art tangents. .there are so many people who can render things into a portrait like perfection. .I want to do that ..but I know deep down ..I prefer wild fractured if you will art..so why do I not allow myself to love my own?

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  3. Thank you Naomi! I think we as artist, always strive to be better so we never really are satisfied for long. It is that drive that makes us never give up. But we must be careful not to compare and you said it best..Why do I not allow myself to love my own. We need to!

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  4. omg I don't know even what to say - I look at all these pictures and think - my God how is it possible you could even have ONE moment of low self esteem, doubt, or confusion - seriously each one alone is such a brilliant masterpiece that I will not even come close to in an entire LIFETIME....I mean TRULY AMAZEBALLS - I mean INCREDIBLE. It's a miracle, divine gift that you can create such unbelievable beauty - please know that we sit here with mouths open and tears ready to spill at your talent - I've come to the conclusion that it flows from you so easily that you don't see the miracle - trust me YOU ARE AN ARTIST and gifted beyond words DO NOT EVER STOP CREATING ;-) there. inhale, exhale, done. Thank you for sharing your incredible work here, love it.

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  5. I love and am greatly inspired by all your art. Thank you for sharing your personal doubts and experiences. I appreciate your openness and can relate on so many levels. I KNOW you are AMAZING! and am so thankful to be a part of your world <3

    Kim Fisher-Anctil

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  6. Thank you Linda. What wonderful comments and I know they are heartfelt! Writing this post opened up a discussion with a situation, which in hindsight, I made the wrong decision. I am able to right that wrong decision because they reached out to me. It really is the most incredible spiritual journey I have ever been on.

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  7. Kate I just became aware of you tonight through Jeanne Oliver. Your work is magnificent and glorious! As I was reading your self doubts at the beginning, I wondered if you had read the book Big Magic, by Elizabeth Gilbert? I think every single creative should read that book. I just finished it, and I can't begin to tell you how freeing her advice and gentle guidance was to me. I mean seriously...FREEING! I hope every artist will read it. I know each person will get something valuable out of it. I am hoping to take your class coming up, after watching your video via Jeanne, a bit ago. I am so grateful to be blessed by your art! Big Magic!!!

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  8. Hi, its a wonderful blog,it has transformed my thought completely keep on sharing more....by the way, we are a creative and digital communication agency, for any kind of logo design , ....you can connect us in future...thank you

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