Painting

Nomad Artists: Crafting Creativity Across the Globe

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The traditional concept of an art studio has evolved significantly in the digital age. Modern artists are increasingly breaking away from the confines of four walls and embracing a nomadic lifestyle that combines their passion for travel with their creative pursuits. These globe-trotting creators carry their studios in their backpacks, drawing inspiration from diverse cultures and landscapes to produce their art.

Embracing the Nomadic Artist Lifestyle

Nomad artists are characterized by their love for change and the thrill of new environments. Whether it’s the peaceful shores of Bali, a lively café in Paris, or a quiet park in New York City, they find fre

sh inspiration at every stop. This dynamic lifestyle not only fuels their artistic vision but also exposes them to a variety of cultures and artistic methods that shape their creative output.

Essential Tools for the Traveling Artist

The success of a nomadic artist hinges on their choice of tools. It’s crucial to have gear that is portable, lightweight, and multifunctional. Digital artists often opt for tablets and laptops, equipped with styluses and software like Adobe Photoshop, Procreate, or Autodesk Sketchbook, which serve as their digital canva

ses. Meanwhile, artists who prefer traditional mediums might choose compact travel kits that include watercolor sets, sketchbooks, mini easels, and collapsible tools, all designed to fit neatly into a suitcase or backpack.

Navigating Challenges While on the Move

However, the nomadic lifestyle comes with its own set of hurdles. Issues such as unstable internet connections, finding suitable workspaces, and the constant need to adjust can be overwhelming. The transient nature of their living situation can also lead to feelings of isolation. To combat this, many nomadic artists participate in online forums or local w

orkshops where they can connect with peers and build a supportive community.

Maintaining Productivity and Inspiration

Discipline is key for nomadic artists, who must balance their work with the allure of new experiences. Many establish specific routines, dedicating certain hours of the day to their art, which helps maintain productivity. Keeping an inspiration journal is another common practice; documenting their journeys and ideas provides a rich reservoir of material for future artworks.

Connecting with Audiences and Showcasing Work

In today’s digital-centric world, maintaining an active online presence is essential. Nomadic artists regularly update their websites, blogs, and social media profiles with new artwork and insights into their creative process. Visual platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are especially useful, enabling them to reach a worldwide audience, engage with potential patrons, and connect with galleries.

The life of a nomadic artist blends adventure with creativity, presenting unique opportunities and challenges. It’s a life of constant discovery and inspiration, ideal for those who envision the world as their studio. If you’re a nomad artist or aspire to be one, we’d love to hear about your experiences and the art that has emerged from your travels in the comments below!

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Egyptian Papyrus Painting: A Journey Through an Ancient Art Form of Timeless Beauty

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Today, we continue our trek around the world looking at art forms we may not be familiar with. We have talked about Mexican Folk Art, Street Art, Chinese Kites, Japanese Origami, Sand drawings of Vanuatu, and Kintsugi so far. Now we go way back centuries to look at and learn about an ancient art form that is very much alive today. The art of the Egyptian Paypyrus Painting is both interesting and a piece of living history. Let’s see this art form and learn what we can about it. We may decide to incorporate some part of it into our own artistic endeavors.

In the world of art, where diverse cultures and histories blend to create a tapestry of human expression, Egyptian Papyrus Painting stands out as a testament to the ingenuity and artistic prowess of ancient civilizations. Egyptian Papyrus Painting is an art form that has captivated the hearts of art enthusiasts and historians alike.

The Origins of Papyrus Painting:

Papyrus, the canvas of the ancient Egyptians, was more than just a writing material; it was the backdrop for some of the most intricate and symbolic art pieces in history. Originating along the Nile River’s fertile banks, papyrus was not only used for documenting important texts but also for artistic expression. The art of papyrus painting began in the early dynastic periods, flourishing during the time of the Pharaohs.

The Process:

Creating a papyrus painting is a meticulous process. It begins with the harvesting of the papyrus plant. Then followed by a series of steps, including cutting, soaking, and pressing the stalks to create a smooth, flat surface. Once prepared, the papyrus becomes the perfect medium for artists to depict scenes of ancient Egyptian life, mythology, and gods.

Symbolism and Themes:

The themes in Egyptian papyrus paintings are deeply rooted in the culture’s religious beliefs and daily life. Common motifs include the gods of ancient Egypt, like Isis and Osiris; scenes from the Book of the Dead; depictions of daily life; and the famous journey of the sun god, Ra, across the sky. Each color and symbol in these paintings carries specific meanings, reflecting a rich tapestry of spiritual beliefs and practices.

Technique and Style:

The artistic style of papyrus painting is characterized by its linearity and flatness, with a lack of perspective that is typical of ancient Egyptian art. Artists used mineral-based pigments to create vibrant colors that have withstood the test of time. The precision and detail in these paintings showcase the high level of skill and artistry of the ancient Egyptian painters.

Papyrus Painting Today:

Today, Egyptian papyrus painting is not only a window into the past but also a living art form. Contemporary artists continue to use traditional techniques to create both authentic reproductions and modern interpretations. These artworks serve as a bridge connecting the ancient and modern worlds, allowing us to experience a piece of history in our own homes.

Conclusion:

Egyptian Papyrus Painting is more than just an art form; it’s a historical narrative painted on an ancient canvas. It offers us a glimpse into a civilization that has long fascinated the world with its mysteries and wonders. As we explore these captivating artworks, we are reminded of the enduring power of human creativity and expression.

If this topic resonates with you and you would like more information, here are some recent articles and videos about Egyptian Papyrus Painting:

Articles:
- Papyrus in Ancient Egypt | Essay | The Metropolitan Museum of Art | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History from The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This article provides an overview of the history and significance of papyrus in ancient Egypt.
- Egypt’s papyrus art struggles amid tourism slump | Africanews from Africanews. This article discusses the challenges facing the Egyptian papyrus painting industry due to the decline in tourism.
- Egypt’s papyrus makers keep tradition alive despite tourism slump – Al Jazeera from Al Jazeera. This article highlights the efforts of Egyptian artisans to keep the tradition of papyrus painting alive.
Videos:
- Meet Some Of The Last Papyrus Makers In Egypt Keeping A 5,000-Year-Old Craft Alive | Still Standing from Business Insider. This video takes you inside the world of the last papyrus makers in Egypt.
- How to Paint on Egyptian Papyrus from Travis McHenry. This video shows you how to paint on papyrus using traditional Egyptian techniques.
- Book of the Dead: Ancient Egyptian papyrus in the exhibition at the British Museum from The British Museum. This video takes a closer look at the Book of the Dead, an ancient Egyptian papyrus manuscript.
- Papyrus: How Egyptians use the plant to write and paint from The Report. This video explains how the papyrus plant was used for writing and painting in ancient Egypt.
- Papyrus Art Painting – Replica from the Tomb of Pashedu from EgyptologyLessons. This video shows you how to create a replica of a papyrus painting from the tomb of Pashedu

Enjoy!

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Acrylics: Why They Shine Above Other Art Mediums

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So far in this series, we have looked at the art medium of pastels here.

The History of Acrylics

Now let’s explore using acrylics as a painting medium. First, let’s talk briefly about the history of acrylic paint. It was originally created in 1934 in the hopes of finding a cheaper and safer way to apply paint to cars, but it was not until 1940, however, that the paint we know today was actually developed. This paint did not gain popularity with artists until sometime around 1940. But by 1960, artists everywhere had embraced the use of this medium.

The Enticing Qualities of Acrylics

Artists loved the ability to clean brushes with soap and water. They loved the quick drying time that allowed them to paint numerous layers in a single sitting. They fell in love with the vibrant colors available in this medium. The use of acrylics changed the way some artists painted completely because they could now do things in one day that used to take weeks due to drying times between layers. They come in a variety of forms, such as fluid acrylics, heavy body acrylics, and the regular type that we are all familiar with. They come in matte finishes as well as gloss finishes, so you have to decide ahead of time what look you are going for.

One of the reasons that acrylics were such a hit is that you can control the opacity of the paint with water, so you can mimic watercolors by thinning a lot, and you can mimic oils by using directly from the tube. Artists were delighted by this ability to make different styles of paintings using the same medium, which in turn saved them money.

As I said before, the vibrant colors were delightful, but the reason artists loved the paints was that when they dried, the vibrant colors remained the same. Watercolors change as they dry. Oils change as they dry. So an artist had to plan for the change in colors before painting. Now, with acrylics, there was no need for this type of planning, and painters were able to become more spontaneous.

So let’s compare acrylic paint to other mediums:

Acrylics vs. Oil Paints:
- Drying time (acrylics dry faster).
- Ease of modification (acrylics are more forgiving).
- Odor and toxicity (acrylics are less toxic).

Acrylics vs. watercolors:
- Opacity and coverage (acrylics are more opaque).
- Surface versatility (acrylics adhere to more surfaces).

Acrylics vs. Pastels:
- Permanence and durability (acrylics are more durable).
- Color blending (different techniques).

Reasons to Try Acrylic Paints

Acrylic paints are good for anyone who wants to paint. They are beginner-friendly, easy to learn to use, and easy to experiment with. Artists use them when they need professional, high-quality work. They are widely available and very affordable. One of the benefits of using acrylics is the ease of mixing colors and mediums. You can also incorporate textures into the paint. Artists everywhere love to experiment with different techniques using the medium, such as glazing and impasto. This medium is truly flexible and useful.

So, I hope this has encouraged you to try your hand with acrylic paint. You can get vibrant colors and textures in your work to satisfy your need to put your feelings on paper. You will enjoy the ease of use as well as the ease of clean-up since you wash your utensils with soap and water. There is no toxic materials to deal with, and there are no strong odors to irritate you.

I’d like to invite you to share your experiences painting with acrylic paints with me here. Send me pictures of your art, please. And if you enjoyed this blog post, please subscribe to the blog for more art-related content weekly. I am looking forward to hearing from you.

If you want to learn more about this topic, here are some resource links for you to click on:

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The Enchantment of Impressionism

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In today’s blog post, I thought I would look into the enchantment of impressionism and see what I find. I have long enjoyed the paintings of the artists of this era and I find that their work, singly and collectively, are very relevant even today. This may be the first in a series about different artistic styles since there are many. I enjoy learning about these styles and looking at paintings done in these styles. I hope you find it interesting too.

First, let’s talk about how Impressionism came into being and why. At its heart, impressionism emerged during the late 19th century, breaking free from rigid academic norms to explore boundless creative possibilities. Visionaries like Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas sought to capture fleeting moments and the transformative effects of light on canvas.

Impressionism is an art that prioritizes emotions and personal interpretations over formal constraints. It empowers you to express yourself freely, allowing your emotions to guide your artistic choices. You learn to be present, to observe the world around you with heightened awareness, and appreciate the beauty in the seemingly ordinary.
The play of light and color in impressionist works infuses them with life and energy. By mastering the manipulation of color and light, you can breathe vitality into your creations, enabling them to resonate deeply with the viewer.
Embrace the bold and spontaneous brushwork, a hallmark of impressionism. This technique encourages you to relinquish perfectionism, connecting you with the tactile nature of your medium and lending your art a raw and captivating texture.
Impressionism often revolves around landscapes and outdoor scenes, forging a profound connection with nature. Through your art, you can convey your love and reverence for the world around you, creating a symbiotic relationship between you, your work, and the environment.
Each impressionist masterpiece becomes a visual storyteller, offering unique narratives and inviting viewers to interpret and engage with the art on a personal level. As an artist, you acquire the ability to communicate your thoughts subtly, evoking profound emotions in your audience.
Impressionism’s daring spirit challenges artistic boundaries, encouraging you to venture beyond conventional norms and explore new frontiers in your creativity. It beckons you to dare, to think outside the box, and to forge a unique artistic path.

Moreover, studying impressionism allows you to sharpen your observational skills, honing your ability to notice subtleties and intricacies in your surroundings. It enriches your artistic practice by emphasizing the experiential aspect of creating art.

On your artistic journey, remember that impressionism’s influence extends far beyond its historical context. It remains an eternal source of inspiration for contemporary artists across various mediums, connecting you to a rich artistic legacy. Embrace impressionism as a catalyst for personal growth. Let it liberate your imagination, fostering an environment where experimentation and exploration are encouraged. In doing so, you will develop a distinctive artistic voice that resonates with authenticity and passion.

Beyond its artistic merits, understanding impressionism immerses you in a profound historical context. It offers insights into the impact of this movement and its artists on the trajectory of art history. Ultimately, impressionism’s timeless beauty lies in its ability to transcend time and captivate audiences across generations. It’s a delicate dance between technique, emotion, and observation. It creates art that leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of those who experience.

I hope this has been informative as well as inspirational. I hope you look at Impressionist paintings and really see what the artist intended. There are so many wonderful Impressionist painters. I hope you look them up and check out all of their work. It really is quite enjoyable.

Resources:

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Tips to Loosen up your Art

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If you are an artist you may need to loosen up your art work. You know it can be easy to get stuck in a rut and feel like your work is lacking energy or spontaneity. I frequently find myself trying to change my focus and loosen up my style. It seems to be a never ending saga for me. So I decided that if I have this problem, others probably do to. I recently tried doodling to change up and loosen up. You can see that post here.

One way to break out of this is to try change up your style and approach to creating art and here are some tips to help you do just that:

Tips to Try:

Use larger tools:

Switching to larger brushes, pencils, or markers can encourage you to make bigger, more sweeping gestures that are less controlled than what you might create with smaller tools. Using larger tools can be a great way to break out of a rigid, controlled style and encourage more fluid, gestural marks. Here are a few examples of larger tools you can try using:

Bigger paintbrushes: Switching to a larger brush can help you make broader, more sweeping strokes that are less precise than what you might create with a smaller brush. When you change to a larger brush, you find you are unable to get the detail that you can with your smaller brushes, but that is exactly what you are going for. With big brushes, you can capture the big picture without all the detail. Just that will definitely loosen up your work!
Large markers: Using large markers, such as chisel or broad-tipped markers, can help you create bold lines and blocks of color with minimal effort. This is a great way to experiment with graphic, abstract styles.
Charcoal sticks: Charcoal sticks come in a variety of sizes, including larger ones that can be used for expressive, sweeping marks. They’re also great for experimenting with different textures and blending techniques.
Wide-tip pens: Similar to large markers, wide-tip pens can be used to create bold, graphic lines and shapes with minimal effort. They’re particularly effective when used on smooth surfaces like paper or illustration board.

When working with larger tools, it’s important to remember that you may need to adjust your technique accordingly. Using larger tools may cause you to hold your implements differently and that may feel uncomfortable at first. Artists everywhere claim that just by holding their paint brushes back toward the end of the handle helps them loosen up considerably. You might try that first.

Embrace imperfection:

Remember that not every line needs to be perfect or precise. Let yourself make mistakes and embrace the happy accidents that occur when you’re not trying to be too precise. Some of the best artists alive will actually make errors on purpose just to create a sense of tension in the piece. Perfection is not what you seek as an artist, if you want perfection, take a photograph. You are trying to capture the mood, impression, or what you see when you look at something, not what actually presents itself.

Change your perspective:

Sometimes, getting out of your comfort zone and seeing things from a new angle can help you loosen up and create more freely. Here are some ways you can change your perspective:

Draw from life: Instead of drawing from a photograph or your imagination, try drawing from real life. This can help you see things from a new angle and capture the energy and movement of your subject.
Try a new medium: If you typically work with paint, try using markers or pastels. If you usually draw with pencils, try using charcoal or ink. Switching to a new medium can help you see your subject in a new way and create more spontaneously.
Work with a limited color palette: Instead of using every color in the rainbow, try working with a limited palette of three or four colors. This can help you focus on value and form, rather than getting caught up in the details.
Work on a new surface: Instead of using your usual sketchbook or canvas, try working on a new surface like toned paper, wood, or fabric. This can help you create marks that feel fresh and unexpected.
Draw with your non-dominant hand: This might sound counterintuitive, but drawing with your non-dominant hand can be a great way to loosen up and create more gestural marks. Because you’re not as comfortable or in control, you may be more likely to create marks that are spontaneous and expressive.

Work quickly: timer

Set a timer for a short amount of time (say, 5 or 10 minutes) and challenge yourself to create a complete piece of art within that timeframe. This will force you to work quickly and instinctively, without overthinking each detail and help you focus on the most important elements . Setting a timer can be a great way to create a sense of urgency and encourage more spontaneous, gestural marks. When you’re working against the clock, you may be more willing to take risks and try new things. Finally, working with a timer can help you develop a more efficient workflow, which can be helpful if you tend to get bogged down in the details.

Step back: Take breaks during the creative process to step back and look at your work from a distance. This can help you get a better sense of the overall composition and see where you might want to loosen up or add more energy.
Try a warm-up exercise: Before diving into a larger piece, try doing a quick warm-up exercise such as blind contour drawing or scribbling with a large marker. This can help you get into a looser, more relaxed mindset before tackling a more complex piece.
Use short bursts of time: If you don’t have a lot of time to devote to your art, try working in short bursts of 10 or 15 minutes throughout the day. This can help you create more frequently and develop a habit of working regularly.
Try timed challenges: There are many online challenges and prompts that involve creating art within a set time limit. You can find many such opportunities online, or if that is not your thing, you can set up your own challenges to help you loosen up

Create a strong underpainting (This is your road map):

When you have a very strong and accurate underpainting, you can be more confident and adventurous with the brushstrokes that
you lay on top of it because you have a map to follow. Choose a color that complements the color combinations that will be placed on top of it. This layer should be defining your subject. It will show light vs. dark and show crisp vs. loose to make your work easier for you.

Just stop blending!

Walk away from the painting! Get yourself a cup of coffee. Run an errand. Just give yourself some time away so that you can come back to it with fresh eyes. We all know the horror of creating mud by blending, and blending. This one thing has ruined

more artwork than any other. You think if you just do one little thing more it will fix itself. But the truth is you probably have already done too much. So, just stop. Put your brushes down. Walk away. Come back later with a better perspective. This can sometimes save your work.

Remember, there’s no one “right” way to create art. Loosening up your style can be a great way to inject new life into your work. It will help you rediscover the joy of creating. Art is totally subjective and it really doesn’t matter if anyone else likes it. If you get satisfaction and pleasure from it, you have done a great job. We should not be painting for acceptance from others, rather we paint because it feeds our souls

and makes us happy. That is enough.

Here is an artist you may find helpful in your pursuit of loose brush strokes: Ali Kay Studio on YouTube. Her work is beautiful but is not tight and detailed. She has paint-alongs on her channel that are fun and easy. She is a very good teacher and explains her process so anyone can understand it.

Another great artist to check out is Sandi Hester on YouTube. Her work is very loose and fun. She just goes with what she feels and sees when painting and it turns out beautifully.

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How to deal with the fear in creating art

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People who create have to deal daily with fears–fear of failure, fear of success, fear of the blank page, fear of running out of ideas, fear that others will not like their art, etc. With all of these fears, it is a wonder that any art gets made.

Creating art is a vulnerable experience. You pour your creativity, emotions, and time into your work, only to put it out into the world and wonder: will anyone like it? Will they appreciate my vision? What if they don’t? These fears can be paralyzing, but they don’t have to be. Here are some ways to deal with the fear that others will not like your art:

Remember that art is subjective

In the article, “3 Reasons People Don’t Like Your Art (and How to Deal)”, the author talks about the fact that sometimes people just aren’t ready, or they saw it too early in the process, or it just isn’t their thing. What one person loves, another may hate. That’s the beauty of art – it’s subjective and open to interpretation. Just because someone doesn’t like your art doesn’t mean it’s not good or that it doesn’t have value. It just means that person doesn’t connect with it in the same way you do.

Focus on the process, not the outcome

Instead of fixating on whether others will like your art or not, focus on the joy of creating it. Embrace the process, experiment, and enjoy the act of creating. When you focus on the process, you can detach from the outcome, which can ease the pressure and allow you to create without fear.

Remember the reasons you created in the first place. Does creating bring you joy? Then create. Does creating bring you feelings of relief from stress? Then create. Does creating help you distance yourself from daily anxieties? Then create. The process is what art is about, not the finished outcome. Creating is an act of self-love and self-compassion; you do it for yourself and if other like or dislike it, that is for them to decide.

Surround yourself with supportive people

Surround yourself with people who appreciate and support your art. This can include family, friends, mentors, or other artists. They can provide encouragement, constructive feedback, and a safe space to share your work without fear of judgment.

In the article, “11 Things That Scare Creative Artists (and what you can do about it)” the author lists 11 things with proactive responses to help you over the problems. One thing in this article talks about the myth that creating art is a solitary experience, “We believe, since we are artists, we have to do it all on our own. What other occupation is so opposed to help from others? What makes us so different from the rest of the world? The answer is, nothing. If we want to take our art and career to the next level, we need the help of others. “

Yes, you usually create alone, but it isn’t required. Many people chose to join groups of other artists to work in a shared space and give each other support and critiques. There is no reason you should not include friends, family members, of customers in your space to share in your creating. There are so many groups on Facebook now that you can join and show your work for support and critiques that there is no reason to feel alone anymore. With support, you will learn to deal with the fear of creating.

Build your confidence

Building your confidence can help you overcome the fear of rejection. Practice self-care, celebrate your successes (no matter how small), and remind yourself of your strengths and accomplishments. The more confident you feel, the more resilient you will be when faced with rejection.

In the article, “Overcoming the Fear of Rejection: A Guide for Artists” the author discusses why fear of rejection is a major problem for creatives and it breaks it down into 3 concrete steps to help you deal with the fear this obstacle causes. Not everyone is going to see your art the way you do and that has to be okay with you. If you have confidence in your work, negative comments will not bother you at all. You will be able to see your art from their perspective and that may help you grow as an artist. You need to be open to trial and error, experimentation, failure, success, and all the other experiences that come to you when you create art.

Embrace rejection as part of the process

Rejection is inevitable in the creative process and we need to deal with the fear. It’s not a reflection of your worth or talent as an artist. Instead of avoiding rejection, embrace it as a part of the process. Learn from it, use it to improve your craft, and keep creating. Everyone gets rejected at some time or another. You don’t die. You don’t have to go hide in a cave. You get over it and move past it. You, as a creative, need rejection to grow.

Embrace it as a learning opportunity even though it may hurt your feelings, or make you question what you are doing. Try to see the artwork through the eyes of the rejector. Ask questions like “what don’t you like about it?”, or “are there any parts that you do like?”. Getting this information will help you see that they are not rejecting you personally. That is a big problem we have as creatives–not being able to separate our person from the art piece. We put so much of ourselves into our work that it seems impossible to be impartial about it. Learn how to separate the you from the work so you can embrace rejection and grow.

Take risks

Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and taking risks can be scary, but it can also lead to growth and new opportunities. Try new techniques, experiment with different mediums, or create something that feels outside of your usual style. When you take risks, you may surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.

In the article, “10 Biggest Fears For Creatives And Ways To Overcome Them “ the author lists 10 fears that every creative has to overcome with positive action steps to take. Once you recognize those fears in yourself and you free yourself from them, you will be able to take those risks that creating new work entails.

As artists, the worst thing that can happen is for you to become stuck in one pattern of work. There is no growth when you keep creating the same thing over and over again. Once you have learned all that pattern has to offer you, you need to risk moving on to something new and different.

Remember that we all have these fears and we all struggle. Sometimes knowing that helps you deal with it better. Just keep creating, no matter the fears, and remember that what you are feeling is normal. You are a creative person and you need to create to be healthy and sane. Just keep creating! Remember to do your self-care. You can read more about how to do that here.

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