everything always looks a wee bit better framed...
Taking a little break from intuitive painting. It is definitely my new found love, but one that deserves quick spurts of creative and mental energy. If I spend too long sitting and thinking and trying to see, I find myself getting a wee bit grumpy and frustrated.
I am not a patient person when it comes to creating. I like to work and get it done. Unfortunately, I lose my passion for the creation as time progresses. I then find myself staring longingly at the new blank canvas waiting…patiently.. for its turn.
The other day I had to physically lie down and take a nap. My canvas was leaning up against the wall. Half dozed and fully relaxed I found myself just looking at it, eyes half closed. I was amazed at all the different scenes I saw transforming before my very eyes.
Could this be the secret? Afternoon cat naps?!
I am thinking that they are definitely a thing of my future. I would suggest to all…try it! Instead of throwing up your arms in despair.Take a break. Relax and close your eyes. Let it evolve. When you approach your painting from a clearer, more laid back perspective, great things happen..
My husband is going to love that I am now promoting afternoon cat naps…
Painting does not come easy to me. I struggle with it which is exactly what intrigues me the most about it. I love a challenge and for me, right now, this is it. Slowly I have learned that I do need to step away..and take a deep breath or two ( or a nap now!)
So what’s a girl to do for a little mindless, creative fix??
I play with paper. I cut, I glue, I sew.
I find inspiration in books and magazines. I find layouts and colors that intrigue me. I go through my paper stash and put things together.
It’s very relaxing and doesn’t require as much brain power as painting. No worries here about how to mix the perfect shade of purple or create a beautiful distressed back ground.. Just find the piece of paper that best resembles what you are after.
Rip and glue….
There are so many beautiful handmade papers out there.(Dont forget to check out your local paint and paper store too.. have a little read here to find out where most of the paper for these collages came from!)
A great start to the week. Hoping it’s great for you too…
spaark.wordpress.com 
I’m with you on the catnap idea! If I fight the feeling, I’m grumpy and unproductive. If I just give in and lie down, I’m always surprised by how refreshing and energizing a very short nap can be. I’m loving intuitive painting as well, but I definitely get stuck and have to walk away from time to time. If I keep going when I’m really not feeling it, I don’t like the outcome! Love your artwork, especially the birdcage piece with all that vibrant color.
Lets hear it for naps! I indulge regularly!!
Hey Julie! I thought I was following your blog this whole time but apparently not, I’ve fixed that not. I’m an official follower now. Loving your posts by the way!
*’now’, not ‘not’…
Happy to have you along! Thanks, Julie
Julie, you ROCK!!!
Your paintings/collages/sewing projects are amazing. Those brown flowers… i would SO hang that on my wall. They are awesome! As for promoting cat naps – i’m in. (even if your husband may not be impressed that you are now promoting this on-line!) 🙂 xoxo