I've never been much of a talker. Words always escape me, or I think of the right thing to say when the opportunity is past. Maybe it has something to do with growing up in a family where I never could get in a word edgewise. Or maybe it's because I thought nobody was listening to me anyway. I've always, always struggled to express myself verbally. Shyness is one of my demons! So in recent weeks, as I've admired the submissions over at Inspire Me Thursday, I've noticed that so many of the artists there are able to express themselves so beautifully, not only with their visual art, but with their words as well. Pattie, Cheryl, Royce, Leah, and many others have such a gift for words! Suddenly, I found myself thinking, "I have nothing to say! Everyone but me can speak!" Then I realized that I do have something to say, a LOT to say, it's just that I have to say most of it visually. And I know that my art cyber-friends can hear what I'm saying, even if I'm not writing about it! I'm so thankful for all of you who speak my language!
Anyway --it's "Open Topic" at Inspire Me Thursday this week, so I thought I'd share some more of my "tiny works". I'm still using these little Prismacolor pencil drawings for motivation and inspiration. These are all 1-3/4" square. Here's how it works: I keep small pieces of bristol board on hand, and when a design pops into my head (which can happen at any moment - while reading, watching HGTV, playing with the cats -- you know how it goes), I grab one of these squares, quickly sketch my idea in pencil, then immediately make it permanent with a Micron pen. Then I color it with Prismacolor pencils, trying not to think too much about what colors I use. I may (or may not!) use these squares in a larger piece. Some of these may be combined with the background pictured here, which is acrylic paint on watercolor paper. Who knows?
15 comments:
I feel like I could have written that myself! You're very sweet to say that I can express myself in words, but I'm always at such a loss for words and find it so hard to say what i really mean. Art is the way I feel most comfortable communicating as it seems to say all that I can't find words for.
I'm a super duper introvert and usually let others do most of the talking.
You just said a lot here!! So keep writing whatever comes and keep creating your lovely art!
I think we express ourselves in so many different ways. Point in case, your beautiful artwork. I would never know you were an introvert. It is amazing how our rearing shapes our methods of communication.
Cheryl...
First of all thank you so much for the wonderfully kind words! And I agree with Leah you certainly have said a lot here!! I too am very shy (I know you are laughing right now and saying...RIGHT!!) But I am!! And I started writing for myself about a year ago with my affirmations...and I have to say that they honestly write themselves from my hearts stirrings.
And I also agree with Pilar...we all express ourselves in different ways..and your art work speaks to my soul with all its colors and movements.......This group of artists certainly make a difference in the strength that we all have as artists...both visually and verbally! Wonderful little pieces!!
Blessings to you!
I feel the same way as you...sometimes I wonder why I even have a blog! Then other days I feel good and have plenty to show on the blog, so it depends on my mood. But looking through YOUR blog - its just wonderful. I have NEVER seen those marbles before they are wonderful!! I paint stones, but marbles could be my next challenge! wow thanks for inspiring!
Thanks for sharing what you wrote, I often times feel the same. Your visuals are just amazing and you DO have so much to say! And but the way, you ARE saying it!
Thanks again for sharing!
Cheryl...
Just nominated you for:
ROCKIN GIRL BLOGGER award!
You can get the tag off my site:
www.pjmosca.blogspot.com!
KEEP ON ROCKIN!!
I'm inspired that's for sure! Good idea keeping those squares around! And you so have something to say. I am of the opinion that sometimes art says much more than words could ever say anyway! Keep voicing!
these are fab, love them ;-)
I absolutely LOVE these! Prismacolor pencils are my favorite! I love your entire narrative! Thank you so much for sharing!! I also appreciate your very kind words. Keep up the fab art!!
Cheryl,
Yes! You certainly DO have something to say, and your heart speaks so eloquently through both your art and words. I feel what you write. To this day, I am still moved by your story on 7/15 about Hurricane Katrina, how it affected your life, and how you're bringing yourself back from creative famine. I am so glad that you have! Thank you for your kind words about my writing, which is really an eavesdropping on my heart...as Pattie mentioned and I'm sure all can attest it truly is "heartspeak" - just like yours : )
I feel honored, blessed, thrilled and downright giddy!...to be a part of this inspiring, supportive, creative, kindred group of women. We Rock!
Finally, thank you for sharing your wonderful ideas! Like how you use the little squares, I've been looking to do small art and you've inspired me to give it a try; and like Garden Girl, I'm very excited about the marble project. Thank you for your generous sharing.
I agree with everyone else! Your piece this week made me smile as it came up on the screen. Such joy!
I'm with you here on this one...only new to it. I got interested in ATC or ACEO cards (artist trading cards) which are standarly 2.5x3.5 inches in size. I cut some up to work on for fun, since I never do such small stuff usually, and WOW...I think it is SO much fun. I have a feeling it's going to translate well into my other paintings too. It's really a neat thing to look at something so up close, so to speak. I love these! They are so bold and bright. Fun!
once again, you blow me away. i always knew you were shy but not around me and your art work is the best. i've always told you that. now you are proving it. i can't tell you how creative you truly are. you should put some of the quilting on your blog. you're amazing. i love you and your work. see you in sept. have plenty to show me. a. dottie
Cheryl,
I've been back to your post several times over the last couple of days! Your 'authenticity' and 'heart' speak volumes...both in your wondrously creative art and IN YOUR WORDS!
All these beautiful and stunning comments by everyone here are a tribute to YOU and your expressions, whatever form they may take! If this isn't a standing ovation in cyberspace, I don't know what is! I'm grateful and humbled by the power. Can't wait to see what you do next!
I understand about not feeling like you have anything to say. Your artwork says a lot and I love the bright colors you use.
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