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Why do You Paint?

I asked myself this question prior to painting this scene with the antelope. For the past 4-6 years I have been painting quite regularly, mostly on a daily basis. Naturally, I experienced slumps. Lately, I found myself struggling with my work whereas it had always been a rush and filled me with excitement. Other artists go thru this just as writers experience "writers blocks". So I have been thinking about this and realized that the reason I had been passionate about wanting to be an artist was very simple in my mind. I loved the beauty that I saw everyday. I had always hope that one day I would be able to have the time to try and capture that beauty on canvas with oil paints. I wanted to share what I saw with others in hopes that they too might walk thru life enjoying the natural beauty that is all around us. Thats how I began my painting passion. Everyday I would find something that inspired me to paint.

What happened to my drive? After several years, I started to see what other people were painting, looked in galleries and of course found painters on Face book. I started to become influenced in odd ways. It made me question what I was doing, and then I would compare myself to others. Big mistake. My confidence was wanning and my style was changing.

When I came back to my own realization of why I am painting.... my enthusiasm returned. I am once again excited to paint.

I ask you.... why do you paint?

by Cheryl Nancy Ann Gordon
Montana Oil Painter
Inspired by Nature

I have been out of the painting mode for some time now. It is my passion, this I know. Away from it.... why? I don't know, but I lose confidence. I forget the real reason I paint. It fulfills me. It triggers something within me. It directs me out of my normal business responsibilities. The creative process is and always has been what makes me find purpose in living. That’s a big statement, but the truth of it is that I love to create. Painting with oils is so exciting to me. It fills that emptiness, it brings joy to my deeper self. I only hope this is not all too self-centered….. but what the heck. We all must do what fulfill us.
When the world gets in the way of who we really are…. Life becomes a chore. When you find your passion, maybe then you offer back to the world something that will expand it in new ways for others.
Others have encouraged me to continue to paint. Just today a couple of my artist friends said….. “YOU SHOULD PAINT THAT! “ Little do they know how encouraging those words were. I reached deep within, found courage and decided…. OK! I will do that!!!! Thank you – Jess and Maria – for saying that. I have been hesitating. And even though this is just the beginning of another round, I think it was just the spark I needed.
Listen to your peers, follow your passion….. start when there is doubt. Let it happen.
Creativity for some is the necessary “drug” of life to keep on going…….

By Cheryl Nancy Ann Gordon
A couple weeks ago picked up the Bible and read The Book of Revelation. The symbolism is intriguing. This painting is inspired by Revelation – Chapter 6. I had no idea how this would turn out or actually where I was going with the painting when I started. It only to me piece by piece with the last item being the cross, reflecting the sun’s final rays. I will often start a painting and just trust the something within me will want to express itself. This kind of trust came after a few years of painting more rigidly from photos and reference materiel. Painting without an outcome is an interesting way to let your inner self out. It may surprise you, as I was when this painting completed itself. I am by no means a perfectionist in my painting, rather, I like the rough textures, abstraction, landscapes and a sight bit of realism. Working on a large canvas, 24” x 48” is a challenge for me and I love trying new things. To me being a painter is all about experimentation and the joy of seeing something emerge, especially when you go in without a clue. I will call this Revelation The Sixth Seal. Something to ponder upon.

Not every painting will be a "work of art" you really want to share. Sometimes you have to break away from whatever you are working on and experiment. Those practice sessions can be most helpful. Sometimes we get stuck in a rut and don't want to work on a project. That is where I am at with a large horse painting. Ready to add the mane which is usually the most fun for me. But I just don't know what to do..... so I pulled out a small 5 x 7 canvas and just tried some colors I never used before. I see some potential. Not that this example is very great, but it gives me ideas. As an artist, thats how you go forward. If you are just starting to paint, never be discouraged. Everything you do in this craft takes you forward. Paint, paint and just keep painting. Like with this quick sketch.... its pretty rough, but I think I got some new ideas.

When I was 42 and all alone, wondering what in the heck the world was to become for me..... I made decisions about my life that would serve me today, some twenty years later. Oh how the time has flown by. But there were things important to me.... independence, pathways for my children, security, stability, peace of mind, financial security, following my passion..... helping others, finding love- true easy love, being in the country, enlightenment, joy, and by knowing what I wanted.... They became my life. I am living my dream, painting is my passion, and it all worked out. No miracles, a lot of hard work and long hours, worry, ups and downs and all around. Losing faith and questioning sometimes but living with a deep faith in a power beyond my control and a willingness to work - doing whatever it takes - I discovered God provides and will be there for those willing to believe in something greater than this limited earthly wonderful experience.

Today I give thanks, and am grateful for the passion I have found in painting. I paint the spirit within me. It has been a dream come true since I was a teenager. But those 35 + years of never giving my hand to a paint brush left an emptiness that I never understood... The haunting desire to paint was always there. If it were not for my perceptive husband who somehow knew that is what I needed, I could never have found this fulfillment.

Today.... I find myself exploring different possibilities with the simple tools of brushes, palette knives, canvas and oil paints. This month I received my first Social Security check , which I can't believe.... but it all ties in with my hidden desire to be a Painter when I retire. Working towards that end for 20 years.... Well, I still work, but not so much, and I paint.... paint to my hearts desire.

I write only to encourage you to follow you hidden desires and let them evolve.... do what you must and let the inner you become what it needs to become. Life is an enriching short time... .Enjoy and Find your passion.

Sometimes life gets in the way and our art takes a back seat. For example in early January while out on a walk when it was very icy my loving dog blindsided me and down I went. The full force land on my wrist put me out of commission. As soon as I could I figured a way to get back into painting, I did. Oil painters know clean up is half the battle, doing that with one hand is difficult. After a couple weeks of healing I discovered that using a palette knife was just the thing with limited mobility. Not only did it make for easier clean up, in the process I discovered some new techniques and started an entire series of paintings which I call my WIld Horse series. ( http://cherylnancyanngordon.com/ see Horse Gallery).

We are often moved in directions when life's adversities hit. So go with it and see what happens. But never let life get in the way of your passion, just find a way around it. You just might be surprised at the outcome!

Getting a good picture without glare for your art work is not that hard!!!

I usually finish my paintings at night and like to photograph them right away. Plus I live in SW Montana and its not always possible to go outside and shoot a nice picture with natural light in the shade. Too many weather factors.

I struggled to get a good photo of my art and found this to be so frustrating. A lot of my work has high gloss and that just reflects as white light so often. I searched for what other people were doing and didn't find much. By accident I discovered that if a I take a 16 x 20 sheet of white or cream mat board, and simply hold that up between the light source and image and I can virtually eliminate most of the glare. It is important that the room be fairly well lit in order to bring out other details.

With the great cameras in phones and point and shoot digital cameras we have much greater options. A couple other pointers that are important is to make sure the angle of your camera is the same plane as your painting. Try to get the image to fill the picture as much as possible but leave some edges, then crop it clean.

Sounds so simple and like most good solutions.... it is!

Cheryl Nancy Ann Gordon
Check out my current work and Like my FB Page
https://www.facebook.com/cherylnancyanngordon/

If you are an avid painter, I bet you have lots of completed pieces laying around just waiting to be framed. You would much rather be painting and creating than the tedious task of framing. Anyone relate? Well, that's my story for sure. Its not that I mind the framing, its the gathering of materials and putting everything together to do this task. Once I actually, get a piece matted and framed, it is very satisfying. I need to work on this part of my process.

Yesterday, I bought 20 frames and am in the process of actually completing some of my work. I discovered that I really like the "floating mount" idea. For many of my pieces that is ideal. Well, I haven't the first clue in how to go about doing this. In my typical fashion, I just did it.

The picture here is an example of a Floating Mount. Its 12 x 16 on canvas in a 16 x 20 inch frame. I was pleased with myself for completing this task. In the process of hanging it in my hallway, and I should of used two hands. Low and behold, it slipped out of my hand and fell to the floor. I damaged the frame and the image came loose from the mat board. This is the reason for my post.

I learned that the green gorilla painters tape is probably Not the best adhering material. So out of this "slip up" this morning, I researched the process of Floating Mount and I thought I would share that with you.

I discovered that it is important to use an archival bonding material and the most recommended one is: filmoplast. I found some on Amazon. Neschen Filmoplast P Archival Mending Tape, 1"x100' for $17.98. It is also helpful to have a burnishing bone to adhere the tape for added strength. Those are also easy to find on Amazon.

Just the bit of information was all I needed. Can't wait for these two items to come in so I can get framing.

Hope this bit of information is helpful and you too can start completing your art projects!!!

I am an impatient painter.
I never want to quit til I am done...
I have to give these oils some drying time!
on pause for the time being.

Many artists struggle with self doubt. Especially after being away from the brush and pallet for a few days. The past week I was working on the road, away from my painting studio. Coming back home, I was excited to do some painting but the thought of starting a larger size project was intimidating to me. So I pulled out a smaller cedar board that I like to have on hand. Its 7 x 16 and decided I would just do a random sketch of whatever might want to express itself. That is how I created this Oil on Cedar small Impressionistic Landscape Painting.

My advise is don't let your brain get in the way of creativity. Just go for it, break the ice and enjoy the process! Once you get warmed up and in the swing again.... those ideas will rush right in and your fun continues!

Enjoy your passion,
Paint everyday!
Cheryl Nancy Ann Gordon

Finally figured out how to use my tablet for reference photos as I am painting. Normally, a phone screen or tablet screen will "time Out" so you don't use up all your battery power. There are times, like when you are covered in paint and really don't want it all over your key board or screen, and you wish you could keep the photo on! Been there many times...... there is a cool app, actually several of them. Go to Google play store or apple apps and search Time out. Download an app and when you run the app and click on your photo you are using for reference painting it will STAY ALIVE without your screen going blank on you. The one thing I noticed on my screen is it will dim on me. I can use use the back side of my knuckle which is about the only part of me that doesn't have paint on it and tap the screen when I need to check my photo. It will brighten up. It sure beats printing out a photo all the time. Just thought some others might benefit from that little tidbit. KEEP PAINTING!

As I lay in bed, unable to sleep, and not really driven to go paint like I usually do, I was thinking about painting. The thoughts that struck me were about the driving force behind a good painting. Then, I realized its no different for a speaker, musician, writer, even a good house cleaner. Its the same, when something works, its really because there was a total connectivity on a strong emotional level. You are energized and charged, and there is a compelling force that drives you to do what you do. I have noticed that sometimes, I paint because I want a diversion and my heart isn't really there, but I think it should be. Those are usually the paintings I am not so thrilled with and tend to take more time than I care to put in them. Other times, I become so at one with the oils, brush and canvas that I just can't paint fast enough. Everything just moves and flows from something within me that doesn't even seem real. After words, I will often wonder, in amazement.... how did I do that?

I found myself puzzled about this and asked how do we consistently get that connected feeling, that emotional charge that just sweeps past the conscious mind and another deeper unconscious self emerges and takes over?

Is this NORMAL???? Ha, looking at my "work" place I realize I have about 6 different projects in the making. I do this all for fun. Since I now have my own space and don't have to worry about cleaning up, creating has taken on a whole new life. I feel more free to just get in there and paint. Start a new, leave old ones around for just the right to pick them up and work on them some more. Its made my life, my Art life, so much more fun. My studio is in my office. I find its encroaching upon my office space. Thats great, because it means I really have shifted my prioities to doing the fun stuff in life instead of just work. WHAT DOES Your WORK Space look like? Mine is really a mess. Please post photos, I think we would all enjoy taking a peek!

These are �Portraits� of my chickens. I only have five. Rhode Island Reds, a bold, go anywhere, independent type of chicken, and great layers. They have developed the habit of coming to the front door and the other day this is what I saw as I was eating breakfast, peeking right in the front door window. My challenge in painting is getting started, letting loose with the brush and then knowing when to end. I always want to do more when I think I should be almost done. The �more� is not usually what I want so with Double Trouble I am simply stopping without adding the �more�. I started with a used canvas that I picked up at a garage sale and painted the background over it. There is lots of texture in this piece because of the previous painting. I like texture. A lot of times painting with acrylics it�s a little flat. With this painting, I wanted it to be rough and I really loaded on the paint. In person this really shows. 16 x 20 Inch Acrylic on Canvas Board.
Cheryl Nancy Ann Gordon
Feburary 15, 2015 #7

Ok, this is my first Blog. I am writing because I am just coming out as an artist. I find it scary, sort of. I mean, actually having other people look or Not look at my work. Its very different for me. I have longed to dedicate more of my time to painting but only in recently years have I made painting a priority for me when I have free time. I'm a self taught artist for the most part. I love seeing what I can create. Whenever I think of painting something, the funny thing is a part of me feels nervous yet excited to begin another project. I have lots of inner dialog with myself about painting. Its a challenge for me that I love and want to pursue and develop. Its my passion, why else does one paint? But the thing that Boggels me or should I say, Bloggels me is.... why do I feel this inner hesitation sometimes, a lack of confidence and somewhat fearful? So, just wondering if its just me or do others feel that way too. I love Fine Art America as a way to display my work and I love seeing what other people are doing. I just found out about blogging so I thought I would start sharing stuff that goes on for me.

Personally, I love to know the story behind a picture, painting and why and how an artist arrived at that point. I try to remember some of those things once I have completed a painting. I still work alot in our business, we are Estate Liquidators. I try to be home on Sundays and thats usually when I have time to paint. It doesn't always work that way, but thats why I call myself a Sunday Painter. For the first time, I have a my own room where I can leave my paints and mess out and it isnt going to bother anyone. That has helped alot in keeping me painting on a regular basis.

Since I just recently started my Web site with my art, I figured it would be a good time to keep my thoughts out there. Maybe others struggle with this problem. Writers get it looking at a blank page, or beginning something. Maybe it just goes with the creative turf. Its an entirely different kind of excitement. Tomorrow is Sunday, so I am looking forward to working on my two chickens I actually got started a couple days ago.

They look funny now, and the challenge will be to see how I can turn this around into something of a finished product. I started a chicken picture last fall and got upset with it. Then out of shear determination, last week, wanted to finish it. My husband really liked it. So I shared it on Facebook and my friends really liked. That was all quite curious to me.... so then I saw a Chicks contest and decided to enter it. Now it sits at the top of the list for votes. Who would of ever thought? So that gives me encouragement to show my work. If you want to see the one I'm referring to its called, Trouble. ... and ya, if you want to vote on it too, that would be great. http://fineartamerica.com/contests/chick-days-2015.html?tab=vote&artworkid=14180482 My next one is Double Trouble. These are my chickens, Rhode Island Reds and for some reason they are always off doing..... who knows what!

Well, thanks for reading. I will update with my progress on Double Trouble!

Cheryl Nancy Ann Gordon