Two weeks ago I participated in an Arts Integration Learning Lab at TRU.  Arts Integration is an approach to teaching in which students construct and demonstrate understanding through an art form.  We were encouraged as Artists to collaborate with educators in bringing art into classrooms/schools.  It was a week full of new information and self examination.  

I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what exactly is my "artistic process".  I first had to understand what exactly that meant, which is how does my painting come to be.  I think because it is an intuitive process for me, it was quite a challenge to break it down into steps.  

I have narrowed it down to:
1. Go for a hike/drive/walk/snowshoe.... or just start thinking about trees.
2.  Spend some time thinking/meditating... and just feeling the energy of what I see. 
( people ask if I take photos, but I find that I can't capture what I want in a photo... I call what i do.... inhaling the energy of what I see )
3.  Sketch
4. Choose size of canvas and background colour
5.  Choose either ink and acrylic, or black gesso a canvas
6.  Draw on the canvas
7.  Think about the colours for at least 12 hours.
8.  Start painting

My struggle right now is that I would absolutely LOVE to be teaching, and doing workshops with children and adults, but I have to create some lesson plans that would work well in teaching.  Since I haven't been to art school myself, I don't know all the rules, and some of the rules I do know.... i often break but I like it that way.  So I'm trying to find a balance between helping people feel a passion for art... their art... and gently teaching the rules... i.e.:  composition, colour etc...

I think that what I have on my side is enthusiasm, and passion.... and the ability to dive in and learn as I go.  

     This is an exciting and busy time of year for me.  Over the next 6 months, I am hoping to be involved in 7 different shows.  This means.... more painting.  :)  

     It is strange to say that i am busy, because i feel so much joy and peace when I paint, that busy does not seem to be the right word.  I can't wait to get at it.  

     I think the busy part is just the "business" end of being an artist.  This is an area that is not intuitive, and I have been learning this end of things through trial and error... sometimes mostly error.  I am fortunate to have people in my life who are supportive, and have given me valuable advice.

     Yesterday I drove down to Penticton and back to drop off 9 originals to my photographer friend Stuart Bish.  Stuart is a professional photographer, and one of his specialties is art reproduction.  It took me a long time to find him and in my opinion... he is the best.  I am able to offer beautiful prints because of the excellent photographs he takes of my paintings, and his excellent printing. 

     I left Stuart with a lot of work to do for me... photograph 9 paintings, 3 canvas prints, and a number smaller prints that will be mounted and wrapped.  We talked about "limited edition" prints, pricing, signing prints, exposure and where I was in my work.  It was a valuable conversation and I left feeling good.  

     When I arrived home.... i was pleasantly surprised with someone requesting to see my work with the idea of ordering some originals.  This is good news on 2 levels... 1. I love it when my paintings sell, and 2.  I get to paint more.  :)
Busy Busy Busy