A Little Heavy on the Posca

One of my first projects since my return to the studio was a mixed media abstract, one of a series of lessons in one of a series of workshops I’ve signed up for, which I found in one of a series of emails I’ve been receiving. So, can you tell yet that I’m already a bit overwhelmed? Yep, I am.

Still, coming here to sit down and write about what I’m doing with my art is one of the most enjoyable parts of my life. I love blogging, love sharing thoughts with those of you who read, love the feeling of acceptance I find here. I’m not judged by what I create — or what I fail to create. Blogging gives me a feeling of being appreciated, a sense that what I’m doing has some meaning. It’s a good feeling.

Upon returning to the studio, I signed up for an “art gathering” series of workshops with a different video lesson for several days, plus a few free lessons along the way. And then, funny thing… I got an email about another series of free workshops. Sure, why not! And then another, and was I interested in joining this Facebook group, or that one? Of course. I’ll happily join in.

Sad to say, though, it was really too much, too soon. Especially jumping in to the Facebook group and seeing the gorgeous works of art other members were creating. I wanted to cry as I looked at some of the incredibly beautiful creations there. Oh, how I wish I could truly be the artist I want to be. No point crying over it, though. I have to be who I am — and as an artist, I’m one who tries, one who can create something with a semblance of reality most of the time, but not one who can easily and effortlessly draw, sketch, paint, and turn out masterful pieces of art.

Of course, there are different kinds of art. Specifically there is “realistic” art — in which subjects are depicted as they really are — and then there is “abstract” art. I’ve written a lot about abstract art in the past because it looks simple enough but is very difficult to create successfully. One thing I won’t deny, though. Abstract art is — at some level — easier to attempt than realistic art. With abstract art, it’s mostly about color, somewhat about design and shape, but I don’t have to worry about “drawing” or being accurate with perspectives or proportions, at least not to any significant degree.

So, while floundering about with too many free lessons piling up day by day, I settled in to enjoy one video presentation. I’m not sure now I could even find the link back to it, nor could I tell you for sure who the presenter was. All I can do is show you my result.

There’s a bit cut off at the bottom. My scanner won’t accommodate a full sheet of watercolor paper, but you’re not missing anything important. You can get a feel for what this colorful mixed-media abstract is all about.

As part of the lesson, it was all about loosening up, playing with various materials, and just trusting one’s own instincts in the process of art.

I began with water-soluble crayons, added watercolor, dabbed on a bit of acrylic in places, and then I reached for my new Posca pens. And, as you can see, I went a bit overboard. I like the little white dots I added, but once I got the black pen in my hand, I definitely overdid things.

The watercolor sheet was initially taped off, and since I was out of artist tape, I used washi tape. Later, I removed it, although it might have looked better had I kept it in place.

I can’t say I’m completely happy with what I created, but I did enjoy the process, and I think that’s the most important element of art for me — especially right now. I’m probably going to do this exercise again, maybe using even more media. I might go for watercolor pencils, maybe use some of my oil pastels, drop in a bit of acrylic ink. But I’ll be a bit more judicious in my use of those Posca Pens!

Buying those Posca pens was a big step for me, though, and I think I need to celebrate taking that step. This was the first time in about a year that I went online and ordered any sort of art supplies for my studio. Needless to say, I had to use them once I had them in hand.

I used the black too much, but as the instructor said in the video, “Make note of what you like and what you don’t like, then carry that forward to the next time.” I’m paraphrasing, but obviously this is a little art exercise that’s meant to be repeated again and again. It was fun, and I am looking forward to doing it again.