Painting..

Tuesday 09:00- After a unsatisfying previous week of painting, I was wary to paint. But I forced myself up early in to uni, to avoid the feelings of, oh my work isn't good enough, there's no point painting as I can't paint at the moment. Otherwise I'd be getting stuck in this rut and every day that goes by will make it harder and harder to get out of it. I went in open minded about my painting, just to see what would happen and see what I could get out of- what I thought was a ruined painting. And it was the most fun I've had painting in a while, as I wasn't being protective over the work and was just using the piece as an experiment, and after the day, I was pleased with what I had managed to get out of the painting. Although I know there's still more work to be done, adding more contrast of darker and lighter tones, some refining, etc.. but still I learned a lot and i am excited to bring these elements forward to my next piece of work to continue developing and progressing as an artist. One thing I know is that I'm not there yet, my work isn't fantastic but I know my bad habits and am keen to carry on developing my work and pushing myself to be the best of my ability. What's the point in being at art school if I thought I knew everything about art, and couldn't see where I need to improve, We have to soak up everything people tell us, listen, and progress. As at the end of the day, I'm still only 19, there's still so much for me to learn and experience. If I thought I knew it all by now I would be incredibly big headed and would have no strive to continue working. Doing art makes me want to go on to the next painting and then the next painting and the next, and then go back to the others to keep on developing technique, and ability to be more confident in my work. Comparing my work to previous years, i've definitely improved, and a part of me wants to know what my work might look like in 10 years, will i still be painting.. but i guess i have to just enjoy the learning process and keep pushing myself, going out and finding something that motivates me to go back in to the studio and keep painting.

​Thursday around 14:00 - An absolutely beautiful day, all i wanted to do was go sit on the seafront watching the tide go back and forth, instead i was having fun inside in the painting studio, continuing to work on an interesting still life in the workshop, looking at all different types of texture, it really grabbed my attention for some reason, not knowing how to paint certain objects' texture proved difficult, a challenge, but enjoyable. The work shops always help me to let loose a bit and see things from a different perspective and play around a lot more than I do in my other coursework. I'm there to paint not make a masterpiece, and i do it, the motivation when you're with others doing the same thing as you keeps you going, it's a lovely atmosphere to be around other art students, and seeing how they tackle the same problems you're facing in a painting, helping us all learn from one and other. After the workshop I couldn't wait to go outside and take in the surroundings, it doesn't happen often this time of year, and I guess I thought I best make the most of it as who knows when l the next time it will be where I can go outside with my sketchbook in the sun. As well as sketching I took my camera out to take some photos, I didn't have my paints with me so i thought I'd catch a few snaps. Everyone seemed to be out ,south beach was full of people and everyone was walking around enjoying the sun, what a difference the weather can make towards peoples attitudes, it was nice to see people smiling and businesses thriving. Then off to my tutorial I went, feeling guilty that my plan for the day being stay in the studio and finish some work went out the window, I told my tutor that I was excited to do a bit of different work, As I can paint my portrait works on a rainy day inside. It was nice to talk to my tutor, I always stress til that point in the week about what work am I going to have to show at my tutorial, But I've learned that stressing is the wrong attitude towards painting, just see what happens and learn from it, I'm doing a degree which i love, i should enjoy my work and the whole experience. I told her about my plans for the Easter break, going to Spain for a couple weeks away, Something I've been looking forward to for a while, after going to Spain every year, and living there too, after not being for the last two years, i'm super excited. Spending quality time with family, as well as having a new location a to feast my eyes on a and create art around my holiday and the Spanish culture "en la costa de Almería."

---