Welcome to 2024! Our Creative Best Wishes for all that the new year may bring.
I recently read about the “National Art Pass” program in the UK. There is no doubt that this is a wonderful program (perhaps there are other such initiatives around the world) and all manner of art lovers are feeling the restorative benefits of access to participating art venues and galleries. It made me realize how lucky we all are to be involved in the arts on a creative level. We welcome an unlimited “Art Pass” feeling into our creative being, giving access to the boundless potential in all of us.
Winter Courses at the OSA – open for registration
January is, of course the start of the Winter Term: I’ll be teaching a range of courses, in-studio and on-line, adults and children – details and direct links to the OSA registration system are now on our courses page: https://www.davidkearn.com/workshops/
10 Creative Ideas for 2024
Yes, it’s resolution time! Here are a few ideas for staying creative through the year:
- Start with quick sketches – so easy…any kind of squiggle drawing!
- Try new combinations – enjoy the change, and new energy
- Keep ample supplies – so that you do not feel “precious” about anything
- Use the largest practical format – so that you don’t get cramped by edges
- Have materials ready – finding materials is a barrier to creativity!
- Reuse old materials – rather than always sourcing from new
- Create a sprinkling of smaller works – a very nice vibe
- Art is a numbers game – the more you do, the more work out
- Try a little art ahead of those chores – art is so easily swept aside
- Do something every day – even if only for a few minutes!
The Isleworth Mona Lisa
The “Isleworth” version of the Mona Lisa is causing some waves:
To my eye, a copy, without Leonardo’s touch – almost “airbrushed” in it’s effect (I will not expound about heavy camera obscura-like shadows); and what’s up with that wonky horizon! Isn’t the art world strange!
The Colour of Snow
Snow, like water, or the sky for that matter, does not have a stable hue. Its whiteness or should I say lightness, comes from reflection and diffusion of light, all the colours of the rainbow combining, appearing white in most cases. The fun is in the shadows. They do have to have colour and this can be highly variable. Blues and purples often predominate and greens and pinks can work too – have a look at a few paintings from the post-impressionist era. Although some of this may be artistic licence, just keep looking at a patch of snow and the colours will start to appear!
Break-a-Brush!
David & France