Creative cowboy

Rushing (ideas). Running wildly [ahead]. Exploring. Claiming space (for me).

This term- “creative cowboy” came to me while I was walking the other morning.

There is a whole thing that occurs when I walk. Fresh air. And my mind runs free. Contemplating.

Other ideas are new. Newer? Newish?…..

There is this internal dialog. Monologue. Soliloquy.

And sometimes, it is gold.

As soon as my mind said “creative cowboy”…. There was a smile that crossed my face.

Anyone watching me walk, would have wondered what the heck I was thinking.

Eye twinkling.

Huge smile…. I am a creative cowboy. 

Exploring where few have ventured (?lol….) New space. No expectations. Rules have yet to be set. Boundaries are a silly ideation.

These thoughts partnered well with my newest “painting” journey.

I was fixated by the idea of a “pirouette stroke.” I was attempting this stroke with my dagger brush but to no avail.

The brush is typically used for watercolor and I am a distracted watercolorist at best. Truly. Unruly. Non-compliant. 

When I couldn't recreate said stroke, I of course, turned to the google machine for more information.

Youtube to the rescue; however, I only take what I need. I only need a hint of something and I am rushing off headstrong to find my own way.

Roll of the brush between my fingers. Maybe straight up and down.....

Pull the brush away from me. The rest of the video is gibberish to me- As I am not really looking for the perfect leaf or blade of grass.

This creative cowboy needs to roam. Run free. Agile. Nimble. Fend for myself.

Fall down and brush the dirt off….. Keep going. Grabbing sheets of the cheap paper. And color. And then the next color. and more paper.

Do I like it?! I will know what I like when I see it. For sure. Keep trying. Keep going.

So I started with watercolor; and the results were ok…. 

But, what if I just use water. YES. what if?!

And Brusho?!

The brush holds an incredible amount of water. Some drops were accidental as I was too slow getting to my starting point, but other drops were an attempt to be placed just so. Wanting a more organic style. Less human hand.

Quickly I learned to allow gravity to assist. Height was definitely a factor as well.

Too close, and the resultant drop would be quickly swallowed into the puddle that may already be there or quickly absorbed by the drying paper, thirsty for more.

I am not sure that there is a “too high” with the height at which the drops would fall. Those drops were glorious. Ones with the beautifully organic splash; not contained within the aqueous berm.

And, as long as we are sauntering along…. Natural drying…..

No hairdryer pushing the water (and color) to where I do not want it to go.

I remember in classes, especially watercolorists, saying how they hated hairdryers. I get it now. I think at the time, I was too young. Had too many other things to get done. Limited time.

I appreciate the slow, natural drying process now. This creation needs its own time [and space.]

Just like what we are asking for- time and space. Set it aside……Allow the magic to occur between the paper, water and color.

There is something to be said for watching paint dry. 

Here is a short demo of the brush I used to make the abstract florals above.

xo. Kristin