January marks the start of my teaching year. Teaching creativity and painting is one of my greatest ongoing pleasures. I am happy that I can count many successful, professional artists amongst those who have joined me in classes and workshops and many, many more who have joined me and now have confidence in their ability to make and enjoy making their own unique art.
Each January I welcome people to my free taster Just Paint January workshop (www.helenelliott.net/workshops) and each January a new term on my weekly online Art Class resumes. I also get a kick from planning the next year's classes.
I'd love you to join me and develop the joy of your own creativity. I've been teaching for over 25 years and am still learning. Join me in this adventure www.helenelliott.net/workshops
INTENTION, ATTENTION, ATTITUDE
THE TRUTH IS that the technical knowledge of paint and its physical application is only a small, but essential part, of being a happy, successfully creative painter, literally the tip of the iceberg.
The evidence is clear - anyone can learn the simple process of applying paint to canvas. What I’m interested in is the rest of the iceberg. I like to think of this iceberg as being a balance between our intention our attention and our attitude.
In artistic terms, our intention is the part that we always see, the tip, the “how to paint” part. We intend to develop our knowledge and skills in the use of paint. What supports us in doing this is the ability to develop our awareness of what we choose to pay attention to, in other words, what inspires us. Add to this our attitude - our mindset - which includes being brave, being committed, staying curious and grateful and voila - before you know it there's a very fertile field for creativity to grow.
CREATIVE CONFIDENCE
I believe that creativity, in all its forms, comes from a very deep-down desire to communicate. In trying to do so - as with trying to communicate in any language - there will be some thrills when you understand what’s being said and others understand you; and
quite a few lows when you’re not understood at all and feel you may as well give in. However, if you prepare yourself with psychological tools for your creative adventure with the same care that you use to choose your paint and the same dedication you give to learning ‘how to paint’ with your physical tools, then your path will be smoother and easier.
For example, if you use old, cheap paint and thin paper, it will be hard to get good results. Choose professional quality paint, add a good canvas, a warm well-lit place to work and you will increase the chances of success immediately.
Well, you know that the same applies to attitude - our psychological preparation, it’s not hard, and unlike some top-quality paint, it costs no money, only a little time and thoughtfulness.
‘If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head, almost nothing.’
Marc Chagall
Authenticity comes from
attention
All creative works have in common a randomness, making it improbable that two people would independently paint the same painting, ever. No truly creative expression-will ever be inauthentic. Finding, developing and accessing your own art is easy - as easy as it is to be yourself.
You are a unique - never been seen before and never to be seen again - amazing individual. Only you can paint like you. A one-off in the whole history of time. Making
unique and authentic art is not some dark art that takes years of introspection. All it takes is time, commitment, and a belief in yourself. And because you are creative, this will be a doddle and you’ll have a blast doing it.
And here’s how. Just find the things that you like to look at.
Then find some more things you like to look at and then some more.
“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”
Dr Seuss
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