Sunday 3 October 2010

No Pressure Painting

When I paint with the children at school, I enjoy it, and play with the paint in a different way than I do when painting at home. When I do something at home, even though I don't mean to, I seem to put pressure on myself for it to turn out in a certain way-and often feel a bit defeated that it doesn't. I don't tend to feel like that at school as my focus is different-working alongside the children and inspiring them-so not thinking about myself I suppose! Yesterday I decided to try to forget that feeling, and just play with the paint. I used gouache paints which I love-they are more intense than water colours, but have that watercolour quality of being able to be merged and sloshed around, providing unknown results. I have a book of 19th century illustrations of women-a Dover book, and used this as inspiration. I really enjoyed myself! I wrote a word to go with each picture.



This was my first doodly painting, before I used the book, and when I decided that I would try to avoid pressuring myself over the results.



17 comments:

Rattling On said...

The fungi are great! Love the latest series of paintings as well.
I envy you all the great markets you have in reach.

jabblog said...

It's so difficult to let go and just enjoy and I'm glad you've managed to.

Lynne said...

Looks like you had fun.

Leenie said...

I can see the freedom in your brush strokes and the ease in your work.

But, who is inspiring whom? Being with children is always inspiring. No pressure to perform, not much judging. The only ones more forgiving are our pets. The worst critic is ourselves.

I'll have to schedule some paint time with kids. Or..if all else fails, Thomas will come and lie down on my work and improve it immensely. (there I go judging myself).

Linda Sue said...

Oh Ms. Sarah- these are really great- I love the spirit of them! a sort of free uninhibited sigh over the paper. The faces a beautiful, too. I really really like what you have done here- Never used guache but think I am inspired to try it now...always timid about using new stuff, you understand.

rebecca said...

oh do i LOVe these!!!
i want to be in your class...surrounded by children, you and time.
these are
wildly alluring
so free and captivating.
i really am going to PAINT!
yes, i want to take a walk on the wildside....
you do inspire me!

Suvarna said...

these have a wonderful playful quality to them. lovely!

Hey Harriet said...

These are lovely Sarah! It's fun to just let go and have, well...fun! Not always so easy to do though!

Kathryn said...

Fantastic! You make it look so simple, I only wish my paintings turned out this great!

I really like the "veiled" one.

Tracy said...

Oh, this is fun, Sarah--and love how you used part of your paint exercises for a new banner! No pressure painting... I have to try some of that. I'm making some tender forays back to drawing & painting again, and I think I'm putting too many expectation on myself to create instant masterpieces every time! LOL! Happy Days ((HUGS))

Lori Saul said...

I love your "veiled" piece (they are all wonderful) so full of free flow and as you wanted a feeling of spontaneity. You have created a wonderful mood in each piece without being obvious . Really beautiful painting and expression Sarah!

BonnyBadger said...

i do exactly the same. i end up depressed all the time and have to remind myself it is supposed to be fun!!!!!! then it's all ok again!

kendalee said...

That you enjoyed yourself shows! These are lovely Sarah, very expressive. Often we're our own worst enemy aren't we. When we get out of our own way... magic happens :)

Rachel Fox said...

Enjoyed these very much.
x

Erratic Thoughts said...

Brilliant use of colours!
I liked the circle a lot!
"Veiled" spoke volumes!

Mary S. Hunt said...

great style!

Anonymous said...

They are so good!