I know almost nothing about painting so it was very interesting to hear how much goes into it. I could relate to one example though. Long time ago I felt like drawing and started. I just tried to draw pictures of people in magazines with a pencil. I read somewhere to put the picture upside down and not to try to draw the figure, but to just draw the shadows I see. And magically the figure appeared. I never forget the magic and the pleasing feeling of satisfaction.
The other thing that stands out for me is your absolute dedication and foccus to what you sesired and the freedom to follow that.
That is so cool that technique worked for you, at least to experience. In my studio I have a painting wall, directly opposite I have mirror so that I can see the painting through the mirror, reversed. And I turn the painting upside down, and look at through the mirror ... if it looks good under those conditions, its gold!
This chapter was incredible and so powerful. Wow! I am in awe. How wonderful that school sounds, and how sternly you took yourself by the “horns” and focused your creative energy. All the art in here is beautiful, but my favorite is Jette with the raw linen canvas in blue and gold. Thank you so very much for sharing your story.
Thank you for commenting Jenn. Oh, that school, was incredible. About 20-25 attended every life drawing session. Wonderful models...and the school offered sculpture and lithography, no teaching about art but you could be taught the process of making a sculpture to getting the casts ready for bronze, and how to make lithography. And all day everyday except Sundays. Heaven.
That is amazing. I am so glad you had that experience, and so much time to work on your art and figure out your style and what you enjoy. What an incredible opportunity!
Michael, I have nothing but great things to say about this. You've led an interesting life (I loved reading about your uncle and your reaction to him), and you really capture how it feels to be immersed in the creative process.
Reading about how you turn figures and shadows into art is amazing, and of course, the results are phenomenal (I think I loved "Woman With Her Hands Folded in Her Lap" most of all).
You are not only a brilliant artist, but also a vivid and imaginative storyteller. I've enjoyed every second of this memoir so far.
Don Juan told Carlos Castaneda that we beckon intent with our eyes. The left eye in particular, whilst squinting the right. I alternate between the two, when writing and reading, which are my passions. This somehow adds depth and tone to the drawing I am making within my mind's eye, and enhances the mental acuity which I can bring to the exercise, which facilitates my comprehension and higher knowing. Thank you very much for your insightful art and writing Michael. You are a true artist. 🙏🙏🙏
I appreciate the compliment, and your riff on Don Juan and seeing. A publisher friend has read some works in progress and shares with me what thoughts the writing was the catalyst for. It’s a very nice way cf commenting.
It's true...even at these early stages of your technical development I can see your unique expression coming through. We've all seen paintings, but not all give us pause...like yours do me. I'm thrilled to be able to say that honestly!! ❤️
I know almost nothing about painting so it was very interesting to hear how much goes into it. I could relate to one example though. Long time ago I felt like drawing and started. I just tried to draw pictures of people in magazines with a pencil. I read somewhere to put the picture upside down and not to try to draw the figure, but to just draw the shadows I see. And magically the figure appeared. I never forget the magic and the pleasing feeling of satisfaction.
The other thing that stands out for me is your absolute dedication and foccus to what you sesired and the freedom to follow that.
That is so cool that technique worked for you, at least to experience. In my studio I have a painting wall, directly opposite I have mirror so that I can see the painting through the mirror, reversed. And I turn the painting upside down, and look at through the mirror ... if it looks good under those conditions, its gold!
Love seeing your early art…that first self-portrait and the still-life are faves already! ✨🥂✨
Love that, thanks for liking them. : ) So nice to show earliest works that still resonate!
This chapter was incredible and so powerful. Wow! I am in awe. How wonderful that school sounds, and how sternly you took yourself by the “horns” and focused your creative energy. All the art in here is beautiful, but my favorite is Jette with the raw linen canvas in blue and gold. Thank you so very much for sharing your story.
Thank you for commenting Jenn. Oh, that school, was incredible. About 20-25 attended every life drawing session. Wonderful models...and the school offered sculpture and lithography, no teaching about art but you could be taught the process of making a sculpture to getting the casts ready for bronze, and how to make lithography. And all day everyday except Sundays. Heaven.
That is amazing. I am so glad you had that experience, and so much time to work on your art and figure out your style and what you enjoy. What an incredible opportunity!
Living the tennis dream!
Thank you @Tracy for restacking!
I will be reading this later this evening Michael! I am looking so forward to it! Thank you!
Michael, I have nothing but great things to say about this. You've led an interesting life (I loved reading about your uncle and your reaction to him), and you really capture how it feels to be immersed in the creative process.
Reading about how you turn figures and shadows into art is amazing, and of course, the results are phenomenal (I think I loved "Woman With Her Hands Folded in Her Lap" most of all).
You are not only a brilliant artist, but also a vivid and imaginative storyteller. I've enjoyed every second of this memoir so far.
Thank you so much Melissa. Really touched. I am writing it for people like you and John. With the hope of speaking to that creator in you.
You’ve certainly accomplished your goal. Looking forward to the next chapter!
Don Juan told Carlos Castaneda that we beckon intent with our eyes. The left eye in particular, whilst squinting the right. I alternate between the two, when writing and reading, which are my passions. This somehow adds depth and tone to the drawing I am making within my mind's eye, and enhances the mental acuity which I can bring to the exercise, which facilitates my comprehension and higher knowing. Thank you very much for your insightful art and writing Michael. You are a true artist. 🙏🙏🙏
I appreciate this so much, thank you Elliot! I was certain I reply earlier, but my phone has iffy cell reception.
A pleasure Michael
Can you relate to the summoning of intent Michael and what is the source of your appreciation? 🙏
I appreciate the compliment, and your riff on Don Juan and seeing. A publisher friend has read some works in progress and shares with me what thoughts the writing was the catalyst for. It’s a very nice way cf commenting.
Thank you Michael 🙏
WOW, Your self portrait! Jette~ those colours...the blending, it's like nothing I've ever seen before. And that PEACH!! I could look at it all day.
Smiling ear to ear! Thank you Jacqueline!
It's true...even at these early stages of your technical development I can see your unique expression coming through. We've all seen paintings, but not all give us pause...like yours do me. I'm thrilled to be able to say that honestly!! ❤️