I spend a lot of time in bookshops.
I can browse for hours and invariably I come out with a couple of books to add to the collection.
I tend to go in with an idea of a book that I have heard about or read a review of. Normally I don't really remember the name or the author - I think my brain does it on purpose - so I browse and browse.
I love the art section. Love looking at the books detailing the old masterpieces, the how to draw, master watercolours, Oil Painting in a week !!
One day, a few years ago, in Hodges Figgis book shop in Dawson Street, Dublin, I spotted a book called "The Creative License: Giving Yourself Permission to Be the Artist You Truly Are", by Danny Gregory.
It caught my eye. Leafed through it very quickly and before I knew it I had paid for it and was sitting on the train on my way home, eager to find sit down and follow his suggestions on how to get started on the artist's journey.
Artist...
I have never thought of myself as an artist.
It wasn't something i could do. Surely wasn't.
My previous attempts were stick men and poorly executed sketches.
Fast forward 6 years and I go nowhere without a pen and a journal. I filled many a Moleskine with sketches, drawings, ideas, cartoons, doodles.
I mess around with watercolours with varied results.
Very recently I have started messing with Acrylic paints - a present from my family for my recent birthday.
The cow above is my first acrylic ever...
Is it good?
Is it worth framing?
Is is worth selling?
None of the above matter.
The process is amazing. The therapeutic effect of pen to paper, pencil shading, mixing colours, watching the figures appear on the paper... taking the time to do it.
Do something new.
Try it.
You'll be amazed of what your brain is capable of.
Andrea