Meeting Notes, Sept 26, 2019

today's topic Art and Fear (whatever you'd like to say about it) and if you have read the book Art and Fear, what was your big takeaway?

Celeste: When I first started painting I was anxious, but I reversed it mostly because of volume. I painted a lot and pretty much cured myself of fear. However, my teacher pointed out that an area in the painting I was working on looked "timid"... So, I guess I am not 100% cured! (Laughter)! I like this quote from Andy Warhol. I am showing recent outdoor paintings and recent paintings for the Strada Easel Challenge.

Tedd: I have read Art & Fear ..it is a great book. I actually listened to it as an audiobook twice. I had a recent commission to paint live at a wedding. I had a lot of fear doing that, I don't mind telling you. I am showing you the finished painting (but you can't publish it, until I show it to the client). In the end, I found this project to be revealing. I had the idea I could do it, and I did. 

Sue: The thing about fear is that it really makes absolutely no sense. I mean, it is just you and your painting in a room with some materials. It is laughable that this should strike fear into anyone's heart. I wanted to show you these panels that I have been using. The man who makes them has reasonable prices. I painted this floral onto one of his panels. I am also showing the AIS catalog for the recent show in NYC. There are a few people from our group here who were juried in. Congratulations to them! (Brenda Boylan, Joanne Kollman, Za Vue and Elo Wobig).

Donna Sires: I always say art is not relaxing for me at all! (Laughter)! When I was an art director,  I would take the work home so that I didn't have people looking over my shoulder...so you can imagine how painfully hard plein air was for me. I've largely gotten over that, however. I was at a workshop and there was a list on the wall of helpful thoughts. One read: "If it sucks, who cares"? I agree with that, but I do always want to do my best! I am showing two recent pastel paintings.

Donna Stevens: I saw an article in Pastel Journal ..it had to do with "Fearlessness". I know that I have a lack of fearlessness! (Laughter)! I painted these pastels in Alaska. I caught this one when the colors were peaking. I liked painting this one that shows some of the effect of a harsh weather environment.

Sarah: I love the book Art & Fear! I have dealt with my share of fear. I've gone through a couple of blocks. I brought in two books that I found valuable. (See photos). Both books addressed "excuses". I can work on something too long! I started this painting outside and finished it in the studio.

Judith: I paint only foolish things...so fear hasn't been such an issue (I thought)! A gallery owner wanted to pay me and my studio a visit! I got so nervous I had to enlist Becky's help! How was I going to get through this thing! Well, Becky helped me and I managed. She didn't put me into her gallery, but I know I learned from all that! If the situation comes up again, I'll be better prepared.

Yong: My fear would center around if I could nake a living at this. Of course, my family wanted me to always do reasonable and responsible things. I bet they'd like to see me as an accountant! (Laughter)! I wondered can I do what I love and support myself and my family? Luckily for me, Za got me thinking about plein air and I do appreciate this group. I think a person really has to follow their heart! I am showing a recent painting of an "Asian Pear".

Elo: When I was in 6th grade I was asked to bring my "portfolio" for review at school. I didn't have any idea what a portfolio was (but the other student asked did..so I felt embarrassed)! Recently I submitted to an event, fully expecting not to get in....but I did get in! I felt I did not belong. But, some of my friends pointed out...hey, what do you have to lose? absolutely nothing! I have learned from experiences like that, it is really best not to compare yourself to anyone else! I am showing a painting I did in an orchard at Sauvie Island.

Dotty: I made a list! (Laughter)! 1. I am afraid of the blank paper 2. Sometimes I am afraid that I will forget what I know! I stand at the easel wondering, do I know how to do this? 3. I am afraid of having too many of my own painitngs! (Laughter)! 4. I'm afraid not enough people will want my work 5. I wonder if what I do is really socially beneficial...and I wonder if it is selfish! I am showing a recent plein air painting.

Becky: I'm different! I like fear. I like challenges. It is motivational for me to have deadlines. I do my best work under pressure. If I don't have deadlines I will be too relaxed. I really need some anxiety. If I can overcome obstacles I feel all the better about myself! I am showing you an in-progress painting. 

Jeanie: My fear is that I may be a collector of my own stuff! (Laughter)! I am not afraid to do art, but I am not keen on promoting it. I have been able to paint at Christopher Mooneys studio recently, I painted this there.

Tim: I am afraid of drowning in all the paintings or that the Salvation Army may close ! (Laughter)! When I first painted outside I was trembling! Since that time, however, I have learned how to just play! I still care, though...if my painting tanks I am disappointed. I think that if you are not failing, you are not pushing yourself enough. I like to experiment. I sat by the river and drew this in pen. This painting is from Jerry Mishler's paint out..a great day. 

Chris: I get fearful..I don't want to look foolish! I learned though, there is something that you can do. At Villa Catalana I discovered if you drink wine, you'll feel just fine! (Laughter)! Really. After some wine, I was talking to all the people! (Laughter)! I painted this painting at Sauvie Island (with my non dominant hand). It was a great thing for me to do! I am also showing this painting I did of a house I admire. There is always a flag flown on that house. I was being brave sitting out there painting this and then a huge crowd of children were let out (nearby) and I was swarmed by them. They just loved me! ("Hey, that is good"!) (Laughter)! 

Susan: I have never read Art and Fear. I did read a popular self help book a long time ago titled: Feel the Fear and do it anyway". That is sort of my Mantra! I get myself into things (and I might feel afraid) but then I just get on with it and then I don't feel scared! These are two demos that I did. When you do these you have to talk through out...! I am not sure, but the talking might actually help me. I am also showing a painting I did in 1990 of my nephew and my Dad.

Eunice: I have a fear of doing bigger paintings. I watched a youTube video about how you should work out your big painting in a small format first. That way you'll get all problems worked out and then it will be smooth sailing. (The format proportions have to be the same). Now, I am fine with having a lot of my own paintings! I have a really good place to keep them, it is a storage area designated for the paintings. It's comforting to know that they are all there and I can get to them.

Greg: My two biggest fears are people watching what I am doing and...just getting started!


Announcements:


Special thanks to Jerry Mishler for the great Paint out last weekend!
to see all photos see our facebook page

Next paint out...Friday, Oct 4 9am Powell Butte with Host Nancy Zhang http://allaprimaportland.blogspot.com/2019/09/paint-out-with-host-nancy-zhang-friday.html

PurpleStride (Walking to end Pancreatic Cancer) is Saturday, 9/28/19. Walk on Mike Porter's team or donate!
http://support.pancan.org/site/TR/PurpleStride/PurpleStride?px=2797967&pg=personal&fr_id=1831

Beaverton Art Mix: https://www.beavertonoregon.gov/1269/Beaverton-Arts-Mix

Susan Kuznitsky new classes at OSA: https://public.osartists.org/public/adultclasses

Susan Kuznitsky Portland Open Studios (October 12 &13 and 19 & 20) https://portlandopenstudios.com/

Life Drawing (am) Model session (pm) at OSA with Joanne Radmilovich Kollman. Fresh Flower Saturdays resume also:
https://public.osartists.org/public/classes

OSA Drink and Draw  https://public.osartists.org/public/adultclasses

Donna Sires upcoming eventshttp://www.donnasiresart.com/upcoming-events.html

Sunday Morning classes with Dianna Shyne: https://diannashyne.com/workshop/21509/sunday-morning-acrylics-at-dianna-shynes-studio

Dianna Shyne has over 50 paintings on display in the state of Washington during Sept- https://diannashyne.com/events

Nancy Zhang has two paintings in the current show at Happy Valley Library through Nov 12

Tedd Chilless show at Stoller Vineyard extended to October 8 (& Congratulations, on the sales, Tedd)

Next Art Discussion Meeting Sept 19, 9am......"Struck" by an idea (as it pertains to painting)....have you had a powerful idea/image suddenly come to you? What was the process like and what was the outcome?    Let's discuss!


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