Friday, March 20, 2009

Finding One's Authentic Voice

Strolling Along
9x12

 My work is about to take a detour.  I've always been in search of my true voice and it's been a long, winding path.  Trying to get in touch with one's authentic artist voice is a push and pull of learning from others and listening to oneself.  Sometimes the listening to oneself is the most difficult.  

Being objective and critical of one's work takes some distance and time.  It's a matter of knowing what works and what doesn't .  When it doesn't, I feel it's a waste of time and energy.  But in fact, all those "mistakes" are how I've learned.  And all those "mistakes" have shown me where I want to go.  

I'll be talking more about where I want to go in future posts.  In the meantime, I'm taking an on-line course with Deborah Paris.  She's a gifted artist and an amazing teacher.  She knows how to pare down compositions and paint in a truly luminous style.  I'm learning so much from taking this class.  But  I don't want my work to look exactly like hers (which is beautiful and unique).  I want my work to look like mine.   

16 comments:

Honor Bradley said...

I love the colors. They give a happy. light feeling mood to the picture. Thanks for sharing, I really enjoyed this picture. Honor

Celeste Bergin said...

beautiful painting, Janelle..it definitely looks authentically you.

Silver said...

i always love coming here. :)hugs-

Jala Pfaff said...

Hear, hear! Interesting how we both seem to be at some sort of veering-off-our-previous-path point.

Pam Holnback said...

I saw on FB that Deborah Paris was uploading pictures for her online class. I look forward to hearing more about it.

Janelle Goodwin said...

Hi Honor, I'm glad the painting gave a happy, light feeling. Thanks!

Hi Celeste, Very kind of you - thanks!

Hi Silver, I love visiting your blogs too!!

Hi Jala, I would really like to hear more about that!

Hi Pam, I'm still trying to absorb this new method of painting. It's fascinating. I'll talk more about it when I have a clearer understanding. Thanks!

Kathleen Krucoff said...

Hi Janelle,

The title of this post really hit home for me. Your painting is just exquisite and I will look forward to more about your online class. Last year I took a course from a well known glass artist and that class brought my work up to a new level. It's always good to invest in yourself!

Janelle Goodwin said...

Hi Kathleen, I never thought of it that way - investing in myself. Thanks for that food for thought!!

Karen said...

I think you put it perfectly, about learning, about finding our voice. How true, that it's long and winding. I suppose that it will be for all of our painting lives!
Enjoy that course! I look forward to hearing about it.

Laurel Daniel said...

This is so beautiful Janelle. I love the way the path leads right into that calm cool place... delicious color!

Brent Seevers said...

I like the use of that yellow.

Janelle Goodwin said...

Hi Karen, Yes, I think it will be that way our whole lives - a continuous exploration. I'll write about the class when I understand it firmly in my brain! Seems you're always, exploring, Karen. That's what makes your work intriguing! Thanks!

Hi Laurel, Thanks so much. I'd like to try this same composition in the tonalist style.

Hi Brent, Thanks you! Yellow is such a happy color, isn't it?

Kathleen Krucoff said...

Janelle -

I just nominated you for a Lemonade Award. I so admire your work, I just had to include you in my list of nominees. Details at my blog: http://kathleenkrucoff.blogspot.com/2009/03/another-lemonade-award.html

Kim VanDerHoek said...

Great way to lead into future posts! This is a topic that has been foremost in my mind for months now so I am curious to read what you have found along your journey. I hope your path can help me find an answer or two for myself.

Janelle Goodwin said...

Hi Kathleen, Thanks so much. I'm humbled and honored!

Hi Kim, I think being in touch with our originality is something we all need to be aware of. Thanks so much for your comment!

Patricia Siegel said...

I love the light in your landscapes. I am bestowing upon you the "Passion for Painting" award. Check out my 4/2 blog post for details. Beautiful work!