DailyPaintWorks!

Excited to announce that two of my paintings have been selected as Judge's Pick on DailyPaintWorks.com

 

The Fear...

Anytime you go out of your comfort zone you are probably going to encounter Fear.  As a Christian I know where my heart is and comfort truly lies.  However, it still is only being honest to admit that in art I do suffer from fear on many a day.

Recently a friend loaned me a book, not knowing the struggles I have been privately battling.  The book really got my attention when I saw the title, ART & FEAR.  How can you not be intrigued and when she told me it was a quick read I knew I had to take some holiday down time and give it a look.

David Bayless, one of the co authors of the book warns that most people who begin work in art soon loose heart and quit.  He list an operating manual to avoid being a quitter and it really struck home with me.

A.  Make friends with others who make art, and share your in-progress work with each other frequently.

B.  Learn to think of (A) rather than the Museum of Modern Art, as the destination of your work.  

Now this was powerful for me.  So to direct this into real terms that fit where I am, I realize I need to stay in class, not just for instruction and guidance, but more for the fellowship of other artist!  The most encouragement I get is from those who know and love me, and other artist that see my work in classes and workshops.

So that sets up my New Year's Promise to myself with:

Goal #1 -- Stay in situations, classes, workshops, critiques, clubs and any other opportunities to be with artist who are there for inspiration, comfort, cheer, encouragement, urging, favor, helpfulness and all those other terms to describe support!

Even when the cash is tight, I will see if I can rub a few nickels together and continue with my classes.  Of course the big daddy of all is coming up at the end of the month and even though this is considered a chance of a lifetime class, it still is no more important that the once every Tuesday or Thursday class I set in each week.

Thank you Father for such opportunity.

Greetings and Happy 2014 to You!

Welcome to a New Year with Linda Dunbar Fine Art, and a more dedicated push to improve myself as an artist and be a more easy going person and friend.  

This year is going to be about setting goals and reaching them.  If not reaching them all, then accepting myself for where I am and going with it.  

In upcoming blogs I will be sharing those goals.  It is important for me to begin enjoying the process and appreciating the effort.  Making Art is difficult and involves skills that can be learned as well as improved.  

The learning process for me is realizing that I need to relax and be aware of the the present situation I am in.  Appreciate the chances I have to learn from others and paint with them.  All things must come to an end, but who would ever want to graduate and no longer be with others who enjoy the arts and appreciate the work each other does?  

So, whatever is your passion or whatever you want to learn, my wish is that you will slow down and enjoy the journey with me.  That is the real lesson I am working on for myself this year.  Hope you have time to go there with me!

A Rare Glimpse at the Work of an Artist!

Recently, I was privileged to attend the workshop held by award winning artist Derek Penix.  These photos were taken by another artist friend who attended and shared them with me, so now I want to share them with you.  The process he goes thru to create a painting is so unique and interesting.  Derek thinks of everything he sees as abstract shapes that come together in harmony.  He does not worry so much about color, chroma or values as they just "happen" for him.  Watching him is like watching an orchestra conductor swing his baton in bold strokes and wide gashes.  He truly proves that art is work and for me I felt tired from just watching.  Hope you all enjoy.

Winning Photo Will Now Become a Painting

This is the photo our readers choose to win the Linda Dunbar Art Photo Contest.

Hoping I can do justice to this great photo.  Submitted by Sarah Flowers it is a truly wonderful image.  Excited to give it a try as inspiration for my brush.

You Are Never Too...

Recently, four very sweet men who are a part of Yoda's many art classes, celebrated their artist flair with an art show at The Pallet Restaurant in Tulsa.  They called it, "The Four Amigos," and a large crowd attended to view their art, sip wine and enjoy hors dourness.  These four characters are so much fun to get to paint along with and enjoy their friendship as well as talents.

For this middle aged, well maybe middle aged and then some, it is a real breath of fresh air to know that you can enjoy your passion well into the retirement years.  These guys have been best buddies for years, even a couple of them went to the same elementary school together.  Imagine how fun it is for those of us so lucky to listen as they reminise about girls and all the fun of their childhood many years ago.

Today, one of my favorites asked me to tell him about my iPhone because he wants to learn to email from a phone and have the capability to send photos to friends.  D.P. is well up there in years and I love it that he wants to learn and has the bravery to explore the technology out there.  So, today I salute you D.P. and your journey, as well as the witness you are to the rest of us, who only pray to smile as bright and live as well as you.  You are an inspiration as well as a TRUE artist!  BRAVO!!

D.P. and Yoda (Ross Myers)

Oklahoma Society of Impressionist

Let me go on record as saying I thoroughly enjoy painting at the Carriage House of the Tulsa Rose Center.

Thank you to Gil Adams for hosting us there!

  

The Carriage House

Derek Penix is a local star in art here in Tulsa as well as around the country, and a member of the select group The Oklahoma Society of Impressionist.  

                                                                  

Derek Penix

 He is a young talented artist who will be teaching workshops all over the country next year, so I am privileged to be able to attend in my own town. Students traveled from far away to attend.  One even came from Montreal, Canada to spend time with this artist and learn his technique.   I leave these workshops with a deflated feeling each time, but still come away with more new  knowledge than my head can contain.  If only, I think each time.  Will I have be good enough to enter a competition and be noticed?  Art is work, I keep reminding myself.

Giles, our new friend from Canada.

Other than a chance to spend time in a professional artist studio, the thing I liked best was the time that Derek spent just chatting with us and sharing a lot of his own personal views and perspectives.  He invested several hours doing that this time and it helps me to gain a more realistic view about the future of my goals.  He stressed to paint a lot, and by that a lot EACH day.  Three paintings each day.  Spend time with your craft if you want to improve and it certainly makes sense.  He also stressed, stop working to please others and painting what you think they want to see.  Paint what you want and paint a lot of it!  Let go of ego, and the need to be accepted for your work.  Work for the work, not for the praise.  Good advice for me.  

With all this in mind, I am setting new goals for myself. Since I studied under him last I have made it a point to do something for my craft every single day.  If I could not get to the studio, I read art history or watched painting videos.  In three weeks from now I am planning to begin painting three paintings a day.  Simple ones as Derek advised for three months.  Look out because when you pass my house, paint will be flying!