April 19, 2013

Fools in Love


"We are all fools in love." ~ Pride and Prejudice

As you can see I'm continuing my series of Pride and Prejudice ~ inspired paintings. This one began as a simple stripey painting. I had such fun painting the multi-colored stripes. I wasn't even too careful about the lines being super straight, I rather like the wonky-ness of it. I had the simple idea of a background like this forming a jester's hat.

You know, it's funny, I never considered myself an artist because I've never been to an art class nor do I have an art degree. So everything I've learned has been through books, online or trial and error. I prefer to call myself a painter, because it feels less daunting I think. Because everyone has the ability to paint. It's just getting over the initial "I have to be able to draw and do everything perfect" block. No you don't have to draw or do everything perfect. Just get a canvas, or paper if a canvas scares you (it did me in the beginning) a brush, and some paint (cheap if you're worried about cost). Then, start painting. It's so fun!! Just let yourself play. Just do backgrounds if you're intimidated to do anything else ~ patterns or layers of color ~ and let your painting evolve.

I've talked to so many people who think that if the painting doesn't look like how they envisioned it in their mind, then they failed. NO, NO, NO!! Don't think like that. Let yourself explore. Doesn't that sound fun? Like taking an adventure with Peter Pan or something?

I may do some easy tips on painting in the future because I so want each person that visits here to know that if they've ever had a desire to paint, they CAN. And if you have a specific type of painting you long to do, then yes, you might need more study. But if you're just wanting to play and see where it takes you, then by all means, do it!! I did. And it's such a calming place for me now.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. And if you pick up some paints, I'd love to know how it goes! :D


51 comments :

  1. very fun! I am a kindred spirit-follow your heart and it will tell you what to paint-happy ppf

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  2. Love her!! I whole heartedly agree with you about letting it go, exploring, and having the confidence that you can do it-we all can! I never had any kind of classes or formal training in any art form either-but it doesn't mean I'm not an artist :)Happy PPF!

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    1. Thank you, Linda. :D You're right, artists learn their craft in all kinds of ways.

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  3. Awesome! Great work. Every day is a new learning experience. Thank goodness for that. Thanks for sharing. Happy PPF.

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    1. "Every day is a new learning experience" ~ love that, Gloria!

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  4. Oh how fun, a lovely piece of work. HPPF!

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  5. Yes, the critic inside our heads - by gone I say. It is 'foolish' to listen to that voice - when there is a painting just waiting to jump out and suprise.

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    1. Clare, I love the thought of a painting waiting to jump out if we'd just give it the chance. :)

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  6. Thank you for the encouragement!! I get so frustrated when what's on paper isn't what's in my head, but you're right...it's better to explore and see what happens.

    Funny thing, I went to go paint today (I haven't painted in a loooong time)...I found my paints, but I can't find my watercolor paper!! Now I'm tearing the house apart to try and find it...maybe if I never find it, it will encourage me to try something new...like painting on cardboard. :)

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    1. Oh I hope you find your paper, but if not, I love the idea of you exploring with cardboard! So happy it encouraged you, Valerie. :)

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    2. I found it! :D It was packed away under the bed in a box I hadn't opened since we moved over a year ago. Well now, I guess it's time to get painting!

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    3. YAY!!!! Have a fun painting Friday!!

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  7. What a fun attitude! I love the way you make those stitched eyelashes and the way she is rolling her eyes.

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  8. I so agree that everyone who wants to make art should try it, and to ignore that little internal voice that criticizes...there is always more to learn and enjoy when it comes to art (and life, for that matter) what an excellent post, and lovely art work! those colors make me happy!

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    1. Oh that is so true, Dianne...more to learn and enjoy in art and life! Deliciously put.

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  9. Amazing what you can do with a stripy painting. This is wonderful work!

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    1. Stripes just beg to be something unusual, don't they? :D

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  10. loving your fab design Catherine and the happy colours you've used. You painting makes me smile. Happy PPF, Annette x

    http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. I love the thought of making you smile, Netty. :)

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  11. wonderful how you first painted the stripes and then painted around it for the words. Love it!

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    1. A little backwards, isn't it? But so fun. Thank you! :)

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  12. True...I never went to art school either...just love to paint and started doing it. I guess no harm in being happy fools in love with art...happy to explore and not worry about being right or wrong!

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  13. What a great and encouraging post. I struggled with that need to be perfect or not even try. My desire to create overcame that (and much encouragement from the online art community). Even "professionally trained artists" struggle with feelings of inadequacy. Love your colorful jester. HPPF

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    1. Such a great point, even professionals struggle with that; so we might as well not let it stop us, right? Thank you! :D

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  14. This is such a nice post. Thanks for the kind words and making us feel like painiting is not as tough as it looks. Have a great weekend dear.

    xo Janika

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  15. You actually created an amazing expression with this! Love the jester's hat and the "wonky-ness" as you call it :-)

    Happy PPF
    Ilona

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    1. Yes, the wonkiness of it all! :D Thank you, Ilona.

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  16. Catherine....you are so right...I am the same as you and struggled with the label artist... I agree...just try it... let it take you where it wants to go!! Wise words my dear....and beautiful series you are creating!!

    Hugs Giggles

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  17. Love her cap and her eyelashes, wonderful ....Happy PPF

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  18. This is just too cute. I love her eye lashes. LOL
    Nicole/Beadwright

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  19. I love the painting, but I really like your words, too...."let yourself explore". What a great reminder to all that create things.

    Katie @ differentfromimagined.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. It's so easy to forget that, isn't it? Thank you for sharing, Katie. :)

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  20. I LOVE your painting and look forward to your upcoming posts :)

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  21. She is so cute Catherine! Good advice for those who think that painting is impossible.

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    1. Thank you, Lisa! I just want everyone to know they CAN. :)

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  22. It's funny because I keep telling my husband I want to paint but I feel like I need some kind of class or something. Maybe playing is the way to go. Thanks for the encouragement!

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    1. Yes, play! But if you truly want a starting place or some help, there are really so many books (at the library) and youtube videos available for free that can get you going. I'm hoping to share some "playing" ideas too. :D

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  23. I think every time I start a painting I'm on an adventure with Peter ; )
    At first I thought exactly like many believe, that If their vision didn't materialize through their painting they had failed I realized it wasn't the case. In retrospect the end result surprised and excited me, discovering through experimentation what new and novel painting I was capable of achieving by just painting without borders.We are all artists, but different.

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  24. Sorry I rattled on your post but forgot to mention your painting.
    It's De~ Lovely !

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    1. I loved your thoughts on this, Annabelle (no need to be sorry :)! "Painting without borders" is a beautifully freeing slogan. Thank you for sharing your artist journey!

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