I am an artist - not a camera!

Today's post continues with the landscape theme - those who have been reading my blog up to now will know that I really want to be able to paint the landscapes that I love - the mountains where I walk and try and capture the serenity, beauty and magnificence of these special places and to be able to do this I need to stop being scared of landscapes and practice! - An artist and walking friend, Andy Beck Teesdale Gallery,  who paints beautiful landscapes told me that

'by trying harder subjects it gives you experience and a chance to progress.  They don't work out every time but no matter, you will know better next time.  We are all still learning'.  

Llyn Cau - below Cadair Idris, Snowdonia
from a photo by Gary Jones which can be viewed here
by Sharon Whitley the Rambling Artist

......I've taken this advice on board .... this painting is from a photo of Llyn Cau which lies below the beautiful Welsh mountain,  Cadair Idris, and is one of my favourite spots if not the most favourite spot of mine in Snowdonia.  I really felt I lost my way with this but have had some great feedback by the lovely people on PMP - the problem with me is that I rely too much on the photo reference - and I think this inhibits me from being more instinctive and creative - after seeing my interpretation of this landscape and knowing how I'd like to be a bit more fearless in my watercolours, Roy Simmons, the fearless watercolourist gave me this advice ..

'say to yourself in the mirror "I am an Artist - I am not a camera!"  You are an Artist, interpreting and reacting emotionally with every stroke of the brush.'

so taking on board Andy and Roy's advice I'm really going to try and get over my fear of landscapes by practice, practice, practice, getting experience and telling myself I'm not a camera!!!!

 As always your comments mean a lot to me