Do your own thing

I recently attended a “paint-in.” 

If you are asking yourself “What IS a paint-in?” 

Let me share.

It is a group of artists who gather in one spot to spend a few days just painting.

Dedicated time.

Likely friends.

Or people you may hang with for other things- like plein air painting or known through a watercolor society. (There were several “societies” represented there.)

IF you are working on a painting and feeling a bit stuck or would like feedback- there is a critique.

The last evening you are there.

So you can have other artists view your painting and offer honest feedback to consider.

I am sharing because it can be a bit overwhelming. 

The group setting. 

Everyone painting.

Some on large canvas; others on watercolor paper.

And I brought cheap drawing paper. 

Who wants to fit in?! Lol.

The first half day I am not sure I accomplished anything- other than setting up my spot. Although, there was a gelli printing demo Monday evening… and you know I am always down for some printing. I have a few good bits here.

Tuesday a little more printing. Trying different things. I only brought some supplies- and those supplies are always, of course, not quite what I was looking for. (insert eye roll here).... I did continue to dibble dabble though. I had used a couple of these artist’s cards as palettes and then, worked from there.

But, by Wednesday, knowing there was a critique- I did want to have a few things to at least share. 

If you know me, you would know- that I will keep trying to make almost anything work. If I have to paint over it. Add more collage. More doodles…..

I ended up with several pieces I was happy with, enough to share with the group. (the top painting, and the bottom two at the end of the post)

I wasn’t sure if I needed a critique, but would have happily accepted any words of wisdom.

I tell you this story to say, was I painting on canvas or watercolor paper? No.

Was it watercolor? No.

Was it straight acrylic paint? Also no.

But did the pieces I made while I was there scream “Kristin?” YES.

Just a reminder to not compare.

Do your own thing.

Let your creative voice be heard. 

It would have been easy enough to let the room of painters completely overwhelm me….. But, I kept my head down and did my own thing. 

And I loved what I made during my time at the paint-in. 

There was something about dedicated time. No laundry to move. No vacuuming. Heck- we didn’t even have to cook- just show up at the designated time- eat.

And keep working.

I so appreciated my time there.

xo. kristin