I'm beginning a new adventure in August. I've wanted to be a painter off-and-on for years. While I've practiced drawing, I've never attempted a painting. Now I'm going to start on my artistic adventure. I'm signing up for the classes that senior citizens can audit at the University of North Florida. Classes start in August. I intend to take drawing and painting--the basic level courses.
I've always been reticent about drawing and painting. I'm such a dedicated writer that I've been afraid that painting would take over my mind so that I would stop writing. I've been afraid I'd stop writing and be a poor painter. I know that many writers have also been painters. And vice versa. But the time is right to try doing both.
My plan is to continue writing as I have in the past, but to add in drawing and painting in odd hours. Maybe I'll give x number of hours a day to writing and x number to painting.
I love looking at art books and visiting art galleries. My imagination races when I go into an art supply store. It's almost overwhelming, but I feel a connection with what I see. I want that connection to come alive.
I like reading about painters' lives. I enjoy fictional versions of their lives, too. They seem to have the most interesting of lives. Right now I'm reading The Bauhaus Group. I've enjoyed reading about the impressionists and many of the modern painters. I find Kandinsky fascinating, as well as Jackson Pollock, and many others.
I'm a dreamer. Always have been. I'll continue to dream for as long as I can.
18 comments:
You are so awesome! Have fun with your new adventure. Can't wait to see some of your work.
Thanks Tanya. I'm sure it'll be years before I'm ready to show work.
I can't wait to see what you paint and draw. Hopefully there will be some sexy guys in there. As a gay man, I like looking at sexy guys.
Michael: It's too early to know what I'll do. I lean more toward landscapes and abstract art.
Good for you! I've never taken classes but I do paint as a way to relax, I find it very therapeutic. As a bonus, it's fun to try an illustration or two inspired by your own writing!
Li: Thanks for the info; I think I might need some form of therapy.
Put some of your paintings on your blog. I'd be interested in seeing what you do.
I'm so glad you are going to venture into visual arts, Richard. I paint and draw at times, so I understand the urge. I think you will find it will enhance your writing, rather than take you away from it. Often when you have writing problems to solve, being totally immersed in a nonverbal activity allows your unconscious to work things out. You may be pleasantly surprised when you return to your writing. I wouldn't try to parcel out the times yet. Just wade into the painting and enjoy it, and your writing will tap you on the shoulder anyway. :-) Enjoy!
Thank you for the advice, Elizabeth. I'm beginning to think I'm doing something worthwhile.
Wow, what an opportunity! I'm glad you're taking it up.
Good on you Richard. Go for it, I say. I think being an artist will compliment you as a writer. :-)
Drawing and Painting. Awesome! It takes some supplies, more than writing, to do, but I have always wanted to do it. I think you'll LOVE it. And as Diane says, it WILL compliment you as a writer.
BTW, I also stopped by to tell you I posted a review yesterday of Only the Lonely on Amazon that you might like to read!!!
Ann
Thank you, Ann, for the excellent review. You pointed out something I didn't even realize, and true it is.
Good for you! Any creative endeavor helps all of your creativity, so I'm thinking your writing will benefit from this new focus.
I hope you're right, Deb.
Richard, I'm sorry it's been so long. I applaud you for following your desire to do something else you love. I got as far as buying books on drawing and watercolours but never pursued it. I love trolling art galleries too. All the best. D,
I loved your next post so much I tweeted/google+d it.
Denise: thank you for tweeting it. I've bought "How To Draw" books in the past too and never got far with it. Maybe this time will be different.
I dabble in art now and then too. My favorite is the impressionist era. I had to take an Art course for my nursing degree and found I really enjoyed it.
Hi Richard .. Love the idea - I can't draw for toffee (and that'd pull my teeth now!) .. but can quite see a relaxing time conjuring up an art work would be make wonderful sense - new horizons, opportunity vistas - for both art and writing .. Enjoy - cheers Hilary
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