Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Finding inspiration

I was over on FaceBook just now and a FB friend, Barbara Lane, said this: 

"I wish I had your talent of painting whimsy..mine always comes out tight, with no imagination.  I can copy to a tee, but imagination, none.  Great job with your paintings."

I hope she won't mind me using her quote.  Here's the thing:  I feel this way almost every day!  It's interesting being an artist.  We first have to realize...there is nothing new in this world!!!  It's really ALL been done.  I don't say this to be discouraging.  I say it to let you know that there is no pressure to do the "one thing that has never been done"!  If you are Michelangelo...go for it.  If you are just you....find the path that makes you happy and pursue that.

It IS necessary to find your own style.  That is usually done by first studying and copying the artists that you most admire and then by changing that to become your own style.  I hope to truly address this in an online class that I am planning.

I keep harping on this (!).....keep an idea journal.  Every stupid thing that pops into my head goes into my idea journal.  "Hey...look how long that guy's legs are!" (goes in the journal).  "Look at that crazy dog!" (goes in the journal).  "That girl looks so happy walking with her brother!"  (goes in the journal). Those things are the stuff of imagination.   Sometimes I draw a quick little idea and sometimes I literally write down a person's name so that I remember who it was that inspired me that day (so I can look them up again later).  I have learned to translate thoughts and ideas into my own style but that didn't happen overnight.  I had to work hard to find my own path.  I refuse to "copy" anyone...but occasionally I do find that the inspirations seep through....like Tim Burton!  I have had 2 people tell me that my doggies remind them of 'Frankenweinie".  That's okay.  I didn't copy him but he certainly does inspire me and as long as I didn't look at Tim's work to create my own, I am fine knowing my creatures come from my own imagination and I definately give credit to those who inspire me.

I hope this hasn't been just rambling....I only mean it to encourage you to keep pushing forward.  Everything you do builds on the last thing you did.

Here is a journal I just completed.  I will be teaching this technique at Art Is You in Petaluma, CA in September.


Thank you all for reading my humble little blog.  I truly appreciate you.

16 comments:

Unknown said...

Well said. Great post lovely Sunshine. Love the journal btw. Hope you and your family are well. Xo

Jen @Sadie Inspired said...

SO beautifully said! I love what you shared and it is so encouraging. Thank you!! Love the journal too of course. :)

Nancy Baumiller said...

Super great post! You wrote it beautifully just as your art! So beautiful and inspiring!

Sandy said...

Oh this is sooo sweet.
Super Post Sunny. Love it. xoxo

serendipity said...

can't wait for the online course to start
hugs
joan in italy

manomij said...

I hope your online course is going to include ceramics!!!! I love those, I just bought a kiln but haven't got a clue how to use it. Manonx

SolyGirl said...

Well said Sunny! I will wait patiently until you can teach closer to me (Live in NY) or for your online class.

Unknown said...

Insightful and inspiring!! I needed that.

Sunny Carvalho said...

Thank you all for the sweet comments. My goal in this blog is to encourage all of you and to show you what direction my art is going in. I so appreciate you all reading it and commenting!!! xoxo

B @ Sweet Limes said...

Thanks for the encouragement, your words are something I needed to personally hear. Love your work, you totally inspire me.

Kepi said...

Great post Sunny, you are an inspiration to all of us!

Laura Fraedrich said...

Love your work and your philosophy. I developed my own style exactly in the way that you described. Guess I did it the right way! I'll be in Petaluma in September too, so I'm looking forward to meeting you in person. xoxo

Sunny Carvalho said...

Thank you all so much! Laura, I look forward to meeting you in Petaluma! xoxo

illustration poetry said...

that is wonderful!!!

*jean* said...

you are such a breath of fresh air...thank you for reminding folks that it really has all been done and to find your own way...it needs to be said...and i agree, i love my idea books to pieces...so happy to have found your work & blog on FB cheers!

violette said...

What a wonderful post Sunny! So well put - i couldn't have said it better. It's something i needed to hear today!

I adore your art - wish i had come down (from Canada) to Port Townsend to take your workshop. My friend Nicci took it and raved about you and your art!
Love, Violette