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Monday 9 July 2012

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


19 comments:

  1. Fabulous!
    You certainly are an artist :) xx

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  2. Such good advice from both Sharon.... I also need to start doing more challenging things..... watch this space!!!

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    1. I certainly will Judith, judging by your latest flower, you certainly are going for it - it is stunning and sooo big!

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  3. Great advice Sharon. Would make a great mantra too for all artists!

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    1. You know yourself what an inspiration Roy is and I'm lucky to have someone like Andy to give advice too - and Andy is right you never stop learning!

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  4. I don't WANT to see the photo... I'll just enjoy your LOVELY painting... and it is lovely... I'm glad to know you and your art... you are most definitely an artist not a camera.

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    1. that's such a lovely thing to say Elaine, thank you so much x

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  5. Me gustan mucho tus paisajes, creo que pones tu corazon en lo que pintas!

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  6. Good advice, I like it! It is a fabulous painting!

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    1. It's great advice - thank you for popping by Judy, so please you like it

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  7. Hi Sharon, some great thoughts here from yourself and other artists.
    The desire to paint what you feel and not what you see makes you an artist. The desire to paint the great outdoors makes you a landscape artist ... but as was said, we never stop learning ... so enjoy the journey!

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    1. thank you Michael and I certainly do intend to enjoy it!

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  8. What excellent advice, Sharon. I struggle with landscapes as well but you've done a super job!

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    1. Hi Tracy - lovely to see you here and thank you for your comments - look forward to seeing your paintings at Gordale on Saturday - will you be going at all?

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  9. Hello dear, beautiful landscape and comments. Congratulations

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I love hearing from you, thank you so much for leaving a comment - I will always try to leave a reply and pop over to visit your blog if you have one - although sometimes I may be slower than others, have a wonderful day xx