Get Your Paint On ended this past week, and it was pretty wonderful. The class was low pressure, but the more I put into it - the actual painting, participating in the facebook, flickr, and blog - the more I got out of it! I also just loved the (low) pressure of getting assignments done. I’m still working on my week 4 and need to do week 5, but it will happen.
I loved reading the different struggles my fellow students were having - some had *never* painted before and did not know basic stuff, and some students were struggling with adding more meaningful content to the textured backgrounds they loved painting, and a lot of more experienced folks were trying new things out of their comfort zone. Regardless of each individual issue or fear, they all made the most expressive and lovely paintings! And everyone was so kind to each other when giving feedback and praise. I know my heart swelled with pride when I read the supportive, sweet, and funny comments folks made about my paintings. I made my husband listen to me read them out loud!
Mati & Lisa did a really great job. Despite Lisa breaking her arm, and Mati moving her studio and other deadlines they mentioned going on behind the scenes, I never felt like they disappeared from the community. I also thought their videos were endearing and sweet (as well as educational!). The artist interviews and inspiration each week was downright amazing, and it really did inspire me to try new things and think about my paintings differently.
More than anything, for me, it helped me put my stuff out there. I paint and collage all the time, but taking pictures, updating my blog, and even finally listing something on etsy seems overwhelming at times. Having a weekly goal to post a painting on flickr made it easier to write a blog post about it, and that just got my momentum swirling...
Thanks Mati & Lisa! You guys rule!
And speaking of momentum, I’ve listed my first item ever in my etsy shop! Yeah!
