Trying New Things

When I look over my work from over the years I can see trends.  I can see different stages I went through creatively.  I can see differences.  Sometimes I look back at a piece and wish I could burn it.  Ha, but it’s true.  When I was at my cousin Rebecca’s house I told her two different times I wished she would take down two different pieces of my art.  I see the issues and flaws…she sees me and memories.

I always wonder if friends and family get tired of my gifts of art.  I don’t want them to, but honestly, the most sincere gift I can give is something I pour my time, heart and creativity into.  It’s not always art, but it’s definitely a frequented gift.

My brother Chris’ birthday was at the beginning of October.  I wanted to give him something that he would know came from my heart…that he would know held my sincerity and love.

I have a hard time trying new things in my art…stepping outside of the techniques which I know deeply…which I have tested and created and changed and work for me, but I wanted to try something new.  It may look like a simple canvas…like something which was easy, but it wasn’t…at least for me.  I wanted to use some of my Mom’s favorite hymns from one of her hymnal books.  And Tennessee.  Tennessee because this is where we were born and raised…where out relationship began.

Getting the outline of Tennessee the size I needed was difficult…free handing part of the state was not my most comfortable venture.  I can doodle, but when it comes to accurately depicting our state outline…I was a fish out of water.  Once I finally got the outline, then it was keeping the hymns in good condition while painting over the outline accurately.  This may all sounds crazy and you may have a much easier way, but for me, this was new…the techniques and style.  In the end, I think Chris understood and appreciated the love behind the piece.

Trying new things can be intimidating and take you out of your comfort zone, but sometimes when you do, you are really glad you did.

Happy Thursday.