NEW PAINTINGS AND IDEAS

Showy Pink Peonies

“Double Take” is a series of Floral paintings. Each Flower is painted twice to capture a different perspective. Double Take is an artistic journey of several years to capture the aesthetical beauty, both extrinsic and intrinsic, of a variety of flowers common to Orange County and the state of Virginia. Many of the inspirations came from my home, gardens and parks in the town of Orange, and Mrs. Robinson floral garden on Mill Street.



Each floral design denotes an aesthetical experience.

                                                               Showy Pink Peonies
Peony -represents a soft radiant feeling of love, purity and compassion. It is very delicate, as rain will wash away its blossoms. It is strong and fragile at the same time in that the ‘Peony’ will return year after year with hardly any assistance. Although it is fragile, its wide open petals share its beauty and harmony with others. Its fragrance relaxes. The ‘Peony’ bursts forth in a spectacular array of reddish hues!

NEW PAINTINGS AND IDEAS

Double Take

“Double Take” is a series of Floral paintings. Each Flower is painted twice to capture a different perspective. Double Take is an artistic journey of several years to capture the aesthetical beauty, both extrinsic and intrinsic, of a variety of flowers common to Orange County and the state of Virginia. Many of the inspirations came from my home, gardens and parks in the town of Orange, and Mrs. Robinson floral garden on Mill Street.                                                 

                                                                                                               Peony Trilogy                                                                                                                     

                                                                                          


What started this? I pondered over the expression; ‘ You can not see the trees for looking at the forest’, and how true that is!!! I realized that I was missing so much of the beauty all around me. I have always loved flowers: the intricate pattern of the petals, the exquisite coloration, and of course the fragrance! However, I like many others have taken this for granted! Now is a moment of reflection, a time to reminisce about the beauty of life, the joy of living and focus on the many blessings that I have taken for granted. A meditative look at creation reveals that it speaks volumes about the beauty and delicacy of life.

And it excites so many of our senses!!!

ACRYLIC PAINTING IS BENEFICIAL FOR COPING WITH STRESS

ACRYLIC PAINTING IS BENEFICIAL FOR COPING WITH STRESS

We live in a fast paced world that is highly stressful. Millions of dollars are spent annually to relieve the mind and body from tension. Webster's New World College Dictionary Fourth Edition defines stress as; the mental or emotional tension or strain characterized by feelings of anxiety, fear, etc.

Acrylic painting is beneficial

It has often been recommended that one should cultivate outside interests and break routine habits. Acrylic painting provides such an interest as it offers many persons, young or old, an inexpensive way to manage stress. Painting provides a fine opportunity for wholesome relaxation, along with the joy of creativity.

Observation as an Art Teacher

As an Art Teacher for thirty plus years, I have observed art students suffering from; broken hearts, the pain of having separated or divorced parents, or dealing with a debilitating illness. Acrylic painting provides a constructive avenue for students to release such destructive feelings of worthlessness or guilt. It is interesting and alarming to see slashes of acrylic paint, usually dark morbid colors, streak or slash across a canvas from one in a melancholic mood. Eventually,( depending on the degree of stress) it is a joy to see a little more brightness, then more brightness, then finally with bright light colors dominating.

Acrylic painting is relaxing

So view painting as a means of relaxation, as a mean of relieving stress and anxiety. Just remember that your goal is to release the tension that you have accumulated over a period of time. So do not be concerned about creating a pretty picture, as that will come later when you are relieved of such destructive feelings of hopelessness and anxiety. Also try painting outdoors, if you can find a quiet serene place. Such an environment will enhance your enjoyment!

Are you ready? Take a deep breath, exhale, and pick up your brush and let the acrylics flow across the canvas.

Did you like this article? Please send me your comments, as it will inspire me to keep writing.

A Bright Prospect for Artists

A BRIGHT PROSPECT FOR ARTISTS

Economic woes are affecting all, including artists. Several galleries have closed their doors, and state funded organizations for the Arts are in jeopardy.

I am an optimist. So, despite the swirling darkness of hopelessness, I look for light. Etsy is a little light in that vast darkness. It is an online gallery that features handmade articles, including Art.

I joined Etsy about a week ago, and have already noticed the increase in traffic coming to my site. Although I have not sold any paintings as of today, increased traffic will eventually result in sales, or capture the attention of a gallery. The fees are low and reasonable. So, as an artist, I invite you to check it out and visit  http://www.etsy.com/

Discipline - a Means of Overcoming Inhibitions

The greatest threat to a young mind is the lack of discipline.. How often have I seen students spending 5% of their time staring at the model and 95 % drawing a preconceived stereotyped figure on the paper. That can be frustrating to the student and the instructor.

So, I have a few tips for discipline and warming up.

Contour drawing is a continuous line drawing which is designed to improve eye and hand coordination. First select an object to draw, or have a friend model for you. In a pure contour drawing, one is not allowed to look at the image of the model that they are rendering on paper or canvas. As the eye slowly travels across the paper, the pencil or marker, etc. is traveling at the same pace and in the same direction. You can not pick up the marker or pencil until the drawing is completed. Your eyes and your drawing implement will be traveling at the pace of a snail!!! Do you see how this involves discipline?

Modified Contour drawing is the same as number one, only one is allowed to glance at their drawing surface from time to time. However, you can not pick the pencil or marker until the drawing is completed.
An excellent warm up exercise is drawing or painting with the opposite hand. I had this experience when my right hand was rendered almost useless by a dislocated shoulder. Man, does this involves discipline. The positive results of this is; a spontaneous fresh approach and the determination never to give up!!!

So, happy drawing and painting!!!
Lee J. Nixon is an artist that teaches. He would be happy for you to visit his website and enjoy his impressionist paintings.