Growing or Flowing

As I was talking with a friend of mine this week the topic of being stretched as an artist came up. There are times in art when the creative juices just flow and other times when we feel dry, crusty and barren. Those are the moments you would give anything for a spark of creativity.Our conversation turned to the idea that we are either growing or flowing as an artist.

I am currently studying a course in drawing and using graphite as my medium. It stretches me and doesn’t always come easy or natural and I would much rather pick up a brush with some color. I know though as I press through and finish what I started that it will benefit my art skills. It might not flow now but who knows, I might discover a style or technique that I love through the process. Growing does not usually feel good at first but as you preserve and see it through you never know what will be birthed.

So whether you are learning something new and growing or just flowing with the familiar I encourage you to enjoy your art journey.

Happy Creating!!

Sheila Hibbert

Girl with a Pearl Earring

Yesterday, a friend and I went to the members preview of Girl with a Pearl Earring at the High Museum in Atlanta. This painting along with thirty-four other Dutch Paintings from the Mauritshuis are on display from The Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis located in The Hague, the Netherlands.

The exhibit also has four of Rembrandt's paintings and a painting titled The Goldfinch by one of his students Carel Fabritius. After Girl with a Pearl Earring this painting by Fabritius was one of my favorites.

It is so amazing to see art work that was created almost four hundred years ago. The detail, design, and colors are mesmerizing to me. I often wonder if these artists had any idea of the impact their work would have, and that centuries later people would still be viewing them with awe.

This is an excellent exhibit and I highly recommend it to all art lovers able to visit it in Atlanta between now and September 29th, 2013.

Happy Creating!

Sheila Hibbert

The Goldfinch  Carel Fabritius

Girl with a Pearl Earring Johannes Vermeer

International Artist

There are several periodicals on the market today for the art world. I have subscribed to several in the past.My all time favorite is definitely "International Artist"   . Every  issue has an art prize challenge series based on a theme landscape, floral, still life etc. The entries can be in a variety of mediums oil, acrylics, pastels etc. The winners share their design strategy in creating their art work including techniques and materials. It also includes articles on different mediums sharing the artist's step by step process. It has great variety and a wealth of information. So the next time you are at a book store I encourage you to pick up a copy.

Happy Creating!!

Sheila Hibbert

Add A Little Sparkle

I recently finished an oil painting of a "Peacock". In the planning stages of this painting I was looking for some paints that would help give my work that extra touch of color. In nature, as a bird turns, the sunlight reflects and you see different colors from different angles.

I was introduced to Daniel Smith Luminescent Oil Colors www.danielsmith.com.  These paints are awesome. There are several iridescent and pearlescent colors in the Luminescent line of oil paints. These oils have the ability to reflect light and add some dramatic color- shifting effects. I am so glad I found them and feel like they added the extra touch I was looking for. They also offer these in their acrylic line. So if you are looking for something to give your painting that extra sparkle give these a try!!

"Peacock"

18 x 18 Oil on Canvas

Happy Creating!!

Sheila

Art Therapy

I am currently teaching an acrylic painting class twice a month.  

I have a wonderful group of students that are a joy to teach. Teaching others what you have learned over the years is quite a honor. Each student is unique in so many areas age, likes, dislikes, exposure to and experience with painting. To me art is therapy when I allow my brain to connect over to the right side and flow what a wonderful experience. One of the best feeling as a teacher is when you witness as a student shifts over to the right side and things start clicking. It is hard to explain but very rewarding. I would like to challenge you to find at least 15 minutes in your day to pick up a pencil and doddle a bit or a brush and paint a few strokes.... get in some Art Therapy!!!