I’m a little bit late posting this, because I started this blog on 22 April last year, but I’m happy to say I’ve been painting, and blogging here, for a year.
Not only am I happy that I’ve continued to paint but also that I’ve stuck with this blog. Prior to starting it, I’d been in a pattern of starting new blogs (or newsletters) and changing focus or platform quite frequently. I was stuck—unsure as to what I should be doing creatively and letting my perfectionism get the better of me. I’m really thankful to God that I’m out of that rut. I can only put it down to his grace.
Some highlights/significant moments along the way:
- The joy of early drawings. I was surprised to find that I could actually draw.
- This toothpaste tube. It’s amazing what you can create with your kids’ colouring pencils.
- My copy of Beth Zimmerman’s Marshall, Pug
- The small paintings I did for my kids: the seascape, the balloon dog, and the elephant. This was a real joy to do.
- My first drawing of a person, my son
- These pegs. I was surprised how well these came out.
- This copy of part of Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night. I’ve come to really love van Gogh, thus the painting at the top of this post.
- Signing up for art classes. I’m so glad I did this. I learnt a tonne, and I now feel like I have a good foundation on which to continue.
- My pen sketches from Titirangi Beach. Black ink is fun!
- Receiving McCahon Country from my wife. The more I’ve viewed McCahon paintings and read about him, the more I’ve come to appreciate him. He’s becoming a bit of a guiding light for me in understanding the potential depth of art and how Christian faith can be expressed through it. The book, by Justin Paton, is fantastic too.
- This charcoal drawing of a James Casebere photo. I kinda still can’t believe I managed to do this.
- This ink drawing of a David Hockney photo
- This painting of a still-life photo of lemons. There’s lots wrong with it, but I was still happy to get it to where I did.
- These transcriptions of a Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot painting. I was particularly stoked with the second one that used colour discord.
I’m really thankful for the artists I’ve connected with on the WordPress.com network, and the students I did nightclasses with. You’ve provided me with inspiration and encouragement to keep going.
I still feel very much like a beginner, and I’m sure I will for few years yet, but, looking back at this first year, I’m encouraged by how far I’ve come.
The blog has helped to keep me motivated. It’s also a great record of what I’m learning. And hopefully it’s helpful or inspiring to you on some level too.
Thanks so much for reading, Liking, and commenting. I hope you’ll stick around for another year!
Painting is aimed at the guts and heart… Seeing is not only eyesight.
Colin McCahon, quoted in How to look at a painting
