Yay! But please, don't ever worry about "far behind" with me! The whole point of that zine was that I was so far behind with everyone, but I don't want anyone to feel guilt or stress! Pen pals are fun and a bonus at any time! I started back to school today too and am feeling the pain!
Yes! I am a true student of the Artist's Way! I still have my life-changing copy from 1996! And wrote about it in my graphic memoir: how it helped me transition from a life in sports to a life in art.
It's always stayed with me, so I think I'm implicitly always building on it. I've continued morning pages off and on for many years--with a big uptick as I worked on my graphic novel recently. I re-did it a few years ago--meaning that I reread the book weekly and reanswered many of the questions. How has it been useful for you?
I love the idea of ‘graphic memoir’ I am writing my memoir on Substack at the moment ‘My Life In 100 Objects’ Maybe I will do a grahuc memoir next time. Where is the link for yours.
I've painted 5,337 acrylic paintings every day for 14 years, I used to think acrylic was the work of the devil, hang in there, it's about the process, not the product.
Holy MOLY! I just looked at your beautiful work on your website. Do you primarily paint in acrylic? I agree about the process--I just don't love this stage of the process :)
Hi there! I hate that part of the process too, you are in good company. I try to think of it as growing pains, but my patience level doesn't always allow such a reflective spin. I also paint in oil and watercolor (and I add white gouache into that, so it's more forgiving, so do what that what you will!) but it wasn't until I figured out acrylic that I segued into those other mediums, thank you for looking at the project, you've made my day!
Oh cool, it's so interesting to get your perspective! (14 years, what?!) I love how each medium teaches us different things about ourselves and our subjects!
Hi there, on little 6" x 6" Masonite panels (they are inexpensive and easy to store, because they are firm, won't bend, and they are only an 1/8th inch thick.
While all art materials have their own characteristics, sometimes it helps to push the envelope by treating them like other materials. The first class I had in college where we worked with acrylics, our instructor had us work with them like watercolors, watering them down till they were transparent.
Then again, sometimes you have to keep pushing on something till you figure out how to make it work. I can't tell you how many times I loaded up a monotype plate with too much ink, had it squirt out the other side, ruining the paper and the felt, before figuring out how to make really thin layers.
Good for you for sticking with your art every day project for 4 months! I love what you're doing here.
Oh that's a cool idea to try treating materials as if they are a different type! And yes, doing daily art is all about pushing the envelope, so maybe that's something I'll try. Thanks, Anne!
you're very welcome. We should have an illustrators chat about all the ways you can pervert the intentions/rules of various mediums. I have many thoughts and ideas. :-)
Loved reading/looking at this, and I can relate to that creative rut kinda feeling (although I think what you’ve created here — in documenting that experience — is worth being proud of in itself!)
Haha! I was worried it might not be clear since my style is so loose that I actually like most of what's on this post, but they were mostly made with gouache in November. And I do like that giraffe! I just haven't made any decent acrylic work yet.
A million years ago, when I was a college freshman, I identified as an art major. Later, I switched to English because I could edit and edit my writing until I was satisfied -- unlike painting, which I could so easily ruin. Much later, I would return to art-making, telling myself that I wasn't invested in the outcome, which has freed me up to experiment and actually like my work. As Lisa says, it's about the process..... and who knows? maybe mixed media comes next! Your return to analog is exciting!
So interesting and familiar! That was a big thing for me with art-making too: I have felt more free to experiment because "writing" was my main thing--with the art it didn't matter if I failed (whatever that meant). And next month I already know will be collage for Februllage! :)
This is so wonderful Kelcey, so thrilled to have stumbled upon this post and your art! I love that the practice of showing up daily means letting go of any particular result. There is always tomorrow ✨
I have an almost daily art practice and it really is life-changing! I wanted to make this a year of daily painting, but I’m thinking I’m going to a bit more realistic and choose a month or two or three, when I know I will actually have the time, and challenge myself to paint everyday, even if it’s just for 15 minutes.
Love your colors, work, determination! Keep going! I’d add one of my works that gives me the same fun perky feeling I got looking at yours tonight but don't see here in comments how to do it. But I've been working obsessively at digital collage, designing large physical and digital jigsaw puzzles,among other techniques and "products" using iPads since 2011 -- after a lifetime of "regular art, portraits, drawings, photography, watercolors, charcoal, and sculpture." Yes, steadily working has its benefits and work does get better over time no matter what the techniques. And so now I have "inventory" of thousands of decent images and am slogging through titling, documenting digital file locations, copywriting, trademarking, planning product lines, setting up sales galleries, looking for specialty professional printers for 6' x 8' wall sized photos, etc. So I say, "Never give up what brings you joy to work on. Can be therapeutic, too!
Hello and sorry for the belated reply! Thanks for the encouragement! If you "restack" the post, I think you might be able to add an image (but I'm not sure!). And what a task to inventory so many years of work! I totally agree about the joy. ❤️
Thanks so much, Christine! xo
Yay! But please, don't ever worry about "far behind" with me! The whole point of that zine was that I was so far behind with everyone, but I don't want anyone to feel guilt or stress! Pen pals are fun and a bonus at any time! I started back to school today too and am feeling the pain!
Thank you ... a good reminder when feeling stuck, just not feeling it creatively.
Exactly: it's true in many contexts!
What a great reminder! Persistence!
Indeed!
This reminds me a lot of the messaging in the Artist’s Way, which I love. Play without purpose is sometimes so hard.
Yes! I am a true student of the Artist's Way! I still have my life-changing copy from 1996! And wrote about it in my graphic memoir: how it helped me transition from a life in sports to a life in art.
Do you still do it? I just finished my first round of it...it's been so useful.
It's always stayed with me, so I think I'm implicitly always building on it. I've continued morning pages off and on for many years--with a big uptick as I worked on my graphic novel recently. I re-did it a few years ago--meaning that I reread the book weekly and reanswered many of the questions. How has it been useful for you?
I notice that morning pages really help to unclog me. Whatever is stuck releases. The play part--artist dates--is what I’d like to focus on now.
I love the idea of ‘graphic memoir’ I am writing my memoir on Substack at the moment ‘My Life In 100 Objects’ Maybe I will do a grahuc memoir next time. Where is the link for yours.
Ooh I love the idea of life in objects, and it lends itself perfectly to adding illustration! :) My graphic memoir is here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-keeper-soccer-me-and-the-law-that-changed-women-s-lives-kelcey-ervick/18300055?ean=9780593539187
This is so cool. I will check it out.
Thank you!
I've painted 5,337 acrylic paintings every day for 14 years, I used to think acrylic was the work of the devil, hang in there, it's about the process, not the product.
Holy MOLY! I just looked at your beautiful work on your website. Do you primarily paint in acrylic? I agree about the process--I just don't love this stage of the process :)
Hi there! I hate that part of the process too, you are in good company. I try to think of it as growing pains, but my patience level doesn't always allow such a reflective spin. I also paint in oil and watercolor (and I add white gouache into that, so it's more forgiving, so do what that what you will!) but it wasn't until I figured out acrylic that I segued into those other mediums, thank you for looking at the project, you've made my day!
Oh cool, it's so interesting to get your perspective! (14 years, what?!) I love how each medium teaches us different things about ourselves and our subjects!
I just realized that I've been following you on Instagram for a long time! No wonder your name and art seemed familiar! 😂
I'm so glad to hear, you've made my day (I follow you there too, your posts are always catch my eye!)
🥰❤️🥰
WOW!! In sketchbooks? On canvas? I’m going to hop over to check out your substack!
Hi there, on little 6" x 6" Masonite panels (they are inexpensive and easy to store, because they are firm, won't bend, and they are only an 1/8th inch thick.
Wonderful! Can I see them somewhere?
Absolutely! You can check some of them out on my instagram account @Lisa_daria_kennedy
and the entire project from day one is catalogued here - lisadaria.blogspot.com
So interesting ❤️
It's about the process, especially with daily arting
Totally agree. I'm glad I've been through the process enough to trust that I'll push through!
Such a nice read Kelcey! Love your writing 💙
Aw thanks, Grace! xo
So true!
While all art materials have their own characteristics, sometimes it helps to push the envelope by treating them like other materials. The first class I had in college where we worked with acrylics, our instructor had us work with them like watercolors, watering them down till they were transparent.
Then again, sometimes you have to keep pushing on something till you figure out how to make it work. I can't tell you how many times I loaded up a monotype plate with too much ink, had it squirt out the other side, ruining the paper and the felt, before figuring out how to make really thin layers.
Good for you for sticking with your art every day project for 4 months! I love what you're doing here.
Oh that's a cool idea to try treating materials as if they are a different type! And yes, doing daily art is all about pushing the envelope, so maybe that's something I'll try. Thanks, Anne!
you're very welcome. We should have an illustrators chat about all the ways you can pervert the intentions/rules of various mediums. I have many thoughts and ideas. :-)
Yes! Would love to hear more!
Loved reading/looking at this, and I can relate to that creative rut kinda feeling (although I think what you’ve created here — in documenting that experience — is worth being proud of in itself!)
Thank you so much, Talia!
Yes, aesthetics are subjective blah blah. But do you honestly not like the giraffe 😮 ?!!
Haha! I was worried it might not be clear since my style is so loose that I actually like most of what's on this post, but they were mostly made with gouache in November. And I do like that giraffe! I just haven't made any decent acrylic work yet.
I love your artwork Kelcey! Keep going and being the inspiration you are.
So nice of you to say! Thank you, Sravani!
A million years ago, when I was a college freshman, I identified as an art major. Later, I switched to English because I could edit and edit my writing until I was satisfied -- unlike painting, which I could so easily ruin. Much later, I would return to art-making, telling myself that I wasn't invested in the outcome, which has freed me up to experiment and actually like my work. As Lisa says, it's about the process..... and who knows? maybe mixed media comes next! Your return to analog is exciting!
So interesting and familiar! That was a big thing for me with art-making too: I have felt more free to experiment because "writing" was my main thing--with the art it didn't matter if I failed (whatever that meant). And next month I already know will be collage for Februllage! :)
This is so wonderful Kelcey, so thrilled to have stumbled upon this post and your art! I love that the practice of showing up daily means letting go of any particular result. There is always tomorrow ✨
Thank you, Carolyn!
I have an almost daily art practice and it really is life-changing! I wanted to make this a year of daily painting, but I’m thinking I’m going to a bit more realistic and choose a month or two or three, when I know I will actually have the time, and challenge myself to paint everyday, even if it’s just for 15 minutes.
I think that's a great idea! I'm going one month at a time at the moment too!
Love your colors, work, determination! Keep going! I’d add one of my works that gives me the same fun perky feeling I got looking at yours tonight but don't see here in comments how to do it. But I've been working obsessively at digital collage, designing large physical and digital jigsaw puzzles,among other techniques and "products" using iPads since 2011 -- after a lifetime of "regular art, portraits, drawings, photography, watercolors, charcoal, and sculpture." Yes, steadily working has its benefits and work does get better over time no matter what the techniques. And so now I have "inventory" of thousands of decent images and am slogging through titling, documenting digital file locations, copywriting, trademarking, planning product lines, setting up sales galleries, looking for specialty professional printers for 6' x 8' wall sized photos, etc. So I say, "Never give up what brings you joy to work on. Can be therapeutic, too!
Hello and sorry for the belated reply! Thanks for the encouragement! If you "restack" the post, I think you might be able to add an image (but I'm not sure!). And what a task to inventory so many years of work! I totally agree about the joy. ❤️