Cultivating Kindness in Art

Thich Nhat Hahn talks about planting seeds of joy. How do we do that with art? How do we cultivate joy and kindness in art? It begins with the artist's mind and intention. If an artist approaches art like a meditation then awareness and mindfulness begins by bringing one's awareness to their mind and heart. A painting session could go something like this: the artist begins with the open hearted attitude of love, compassion, joy, and equanimity for everyone. By taking a few minutes before lifting a brush to focus on and breathing these qualities, qualities that we want for ourselves and for the world, we are setting the tone for our artwork. Next, during the time we are drawing and paintings we can keep our minds and hearts open by returning our attention to what we are doing and creating. Even repeating the words of love, compassion, joy, and equanimity can bring our attention back to the kindness we are inviting in and expressing.

Today, as I was working on painting these new sprouts, my focus was on the colors and textures of the new plants with their little hairs along the stems and the delicate veins in their first leaves. I felt peaceful and happy sitting with these new plants. I felt connected to them and wished them well. Actually there was no sense of a me wishing them well, my experience was just awareness of color, light, movement, paintings, looking – essentially just being. I appreciated the amazing ability of a seed to transform into a plant; and a kind of innocent joy in painting and looking and wondering and being welled up inside.

Painting the greenhouse brought my attention to radiant warmth and light. The interior of the greenhouse had a transfused glow that encouraged the plants to grow. It's is a small example of the gentle and kind environment that I wish to grow in. All humans and living beings want to have this type of nurturing environment – we're all equal in that.

So in finishing a painting we can acknowledge that our time painting was a gift to ourselves and others; that many people and things contributed to our painting session by digging minerals for and making paints, and collecting hairs for brushes, and harvesting cotton and making paper, and someone having encouraged us to be creative, and all of that we can acknowledge with gratitude. Not only have we cultivated seeds of kindness in our hearts with this activity but the artwork that was created will be charged up with nourishing energy. Bring mindfulness into your art and everything you do.

Happy painting,

Susan

Mindful art – mind of art

It isn't even a chicken or egg question, the mind comes before art. The state of an artist's mind is what presents the filter for creative energy to be expressed. This implies that if an artist is in a negative frame of mind the art will be a reflection of that and also true is that if the artist is in an open and joyful state of mind so to will the art have that quality. Art therapists and art historians both view art with the scientific objective of discerning the state of the mind of the artist and their external influences while creating a work or works of art. So it seems that the artist themselves are conscious of what they are thinking or feeling, what it is they want to convey, what materials and imagery best reveal their idea.

A student of mine recently asked if artists created art perfectly right off or if they were "flying by the seat of their pants" or what? Actually, it's some of each. When we look at a finished piece of art a viewer may assume that the artist has life and art under control. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Art is a practice and process and expression. I suggested to my student that she spend some time looking at artists' sketchbooks which are like journals or diaries in visual form. It is there that we can see the steps and process involved in creating a finished work. Often times these initial sketches are beautiful in their authenticity. It is this direct sort of gesture and energy that many artists strive to convey in their finished works.

It is here that I wish to return to the mind and art. If in fact we all have minds with thoughts and emotions, elementally interconnected, then creative expression is available to anyone. The idea that a person doesn't have an artistic bone in their body is simply untrue. I'm not suggesting that everyone will become a famous artist; I am stating that anyone can be creatively expressive. And art materials can be a very enjoyable and lively way to be free.

Art journals are a great place for authentic expression. It is a place of reflection and awareness of ourselves, our circumstances, dreams, aspirations, experiences, and revelations can be explored, viewed, aired, and released. Maybe it is art for the masses. Yet it is the collective consciousness that we need to bring greater awareness to; the first step being through the individual. It is very exciting to have art materials and journals for this adventure.

Apple Hill - Plein Air Art Journaling

Next class dates are May 3rd & 5th. We will be painting at the Bluebird Iris Farm. Please join in the class.

Today was a gorgeous day at Smokey Ridge Ranch in Apple Hill (Camino, CA). We sat under blossoming apple trees with petals fluttering down around us. The view looked out over a pond with geese and red winged black birds. Up the hill behind the pond was extended vistas of the orchard and vineyard.

Today our painting focus was using liquid mask to maintain the pristine white of the apple blossoms while painting wet on wet in the background. We also used the resist to mask out the fence line in order to paint the pond behind it. Our morning and the lesson went quickly as we enjoyed each other's company and the beautiful area we live in.

This summer we will be continuing the series of meadows, gardens, and orchards of El Dorado County by painting lavender, lilies, peonies, and mountain wildflowers. Please email me for more information sbk317@yahoo.com.

Be well,

Susan

Art Journaling on Rainy Days

The last couple of classes I have had to find a Plan B for our outdoor painting class due to the wet weather. Luckily the local plant nursery said that we could paint in their greenhouse.

Today our thoughts to consider were fear & courage and rigidity & flexibility. First is fear of making art & making mistakes. The second for our outdoor painters is making art & making mistakes in public. It is important to acknowledge that the fear is there, it's just a feeling and we can gentle bring our focus back to our painting. Also, the act of painting in public, when we feel people looking at our work, is an act of kindness because it is a reminder to ourselves and others that it is ok to be creative, to be imperfect, and to do something we enjoy. We can support each other in perusing happiness.

Rigidity is when we have expectations of how the day should go, how our paintings should look, and we close down. Creativity doesn't flow. So we can bring our thoughts into the present moment and see how things are. That's what artists do. The look, feel, listen, and open to perceiving things in a fresh way. This is flexibility.

Art is a practice that teaches us to sit, be aware of our bodies and surroundings, and to be open to the creative energy that is all around us and within us. It's a tool that can bring us to a place of clarity and calm.

Hand Illustrated Accordion Book

Making this accordion book was fun. I took a piece of watercolor paper and illustrated jackrabbits with pen and watercolors. Then I used scrap cardboard for the ends which I covered with Chinese packing paper, rice paper, and raffia. I glued the watercolor illustration to the cardboard ends and here is my lively jackrabbit book.

Illustration for Accordion Book

I've been admiring the styles of Beatrix Potter and Tasha Tudor for illustrating books. So I am working on an accordion book of a jackrabbit. I'm almost done with the painting; then I'll put the covers on it.

Painting at Daffodil Hill

Watercolor Journaling outside at Daffodil Hill in Volcano, CA.

Two great days of plein air painting with my students. We studied the delicate colors in shadows, looking at contours and shapes, and be present with nature. Really fantastic start to the series. Next week is painting the wildflowers of Coloma.

Great morning art journaling!!

Plein Air Art Journaling

4/5/12 at Daffodil Hill

Beautiful morning teaching, sketching and painting on Daffodil Hill in Volcano, CA. Sunshine, fragrant blooms, thousands of daffodils swaying in a cool breeze - and art!! Best combo ever.

"If one daffodil is worth a thousand pleasures, then one is too few" ~ Wm. Wordsworth