Amy I struggled with the same issue you have and I think I'm turning a corner after a year and more just working in sketchbooks using mixed media and allowing myself to just play. I have copied some works of artists (Monet,Cezanne, Joan Eardley) that I admire and wish I could paint like. Copying allows me to really have a go at getting loose and discovering what media I really enjoy. I am using colors and marks I would probably never have explored if I didn't allow myself to copy those I admire. Copying was a big no-no for me all my artistic life but I see first hand how helpful it is for someone who is struggling with a block or a burnout. Working like this has moved me in a direction to find a style of my own. Don't rush it. Relax into the block and see it as a turning point. You have the knowledge and the talent. Give up some control and let things happen. Good luck to you.
Ooooh! What an EXCELLENT idea! I remember back when I was in art school, there was one lecture about doing a "master copy" TO figure out brushwork and construction of composition, etc. I had TOTALLY forgotten about that until you just said that! I think I might need to do that! Thank you so much for the idea! I hope I can get where you are, and have a turning point myself! I just know I am not really enjoying my process anymore and I think that's a huge part of what is going on. Thank you so much for the helpful advice and for taking the time to watch my video!
Both Emily Carr and Robert Bateman are highly revered artists here in Canada. Robert Bateman is still actively painting at 94 years of age. An amazing talent and legacy. There is a wonderful art school in Vancouver named after Emily Carr. Interesting that you found those two books near where you live! Thank you for sharing!
I didn't know he was still painting! I googled him after I got home and saw he was 94! That's awesome! I new about Emily Carr because we used to take summer trips out to Washington State and then go up into BC and Vancouver. I remember seeing prints of her work up there during those summers! Thank you so much for the information and for watching!
I am a new watercolorist. I mostly paint in acrylics. I am finding it hard to just let go and let the water do its thing. Carr reminds me of Dr. Seuss books! I think I'll look through a few and just try to paint silly for a while. I too am a realist and in my class in junior high I really liked doing abstracts and geometric shapes. Give yourself a break and just relax. Lovely wedding pics. Glad you are healing and your husband is too. Can relate. My IBS is crazy must be summer weather. Hang in there. We all have funky periods. I need to sew some things and I can't get it in the mood.
Hi Amy! I was having the exact same problem as you. I was always tense and sore after painting and was not enjoying it. One of my artist friends suggested I try doing an abstract painting. I took her advice one day and used lots of mixed media, starting with watercolor and then layering with acrylic markers and Neocolor II’s. I had a blast! I created something that I love and it changed everything for me. I stopped being so meticulous and I play so much more. I’m doing more abstracts and mixed media and I love to paint again! I can tell my style is changing and I’m not so sure everyone loves it. I will see soon. I have some pop-ups this summer and my new stuff is in the same gallery my old stuff was in. Fingers crossed! I don’t care because I love what I’m doing now so much more than the precise realism I was.
Nice haul! I love used bookstores as much as I love art stores. Don't be afraid of your art block. You will get through it. Have you been spending time with your hobbies? I wished we lived closer; I would take you on a museum / art gallery date! Nothing gets me more inspired than seeing art in person. I hope you feel better soon. It was good to see your face, btw!
Emily Carr is amazing and her paintings are of many aboriginal villages on Vancouver Island and British Columbia. We have family visiting from New Zealand in a few days and will be spending 4 days on the Island it’s so beautiful over there. Your trip looked amazing love your videos as usual. Hope everything is healing take care.😊👩🏻🎨
Beautiful books and vacation, thank you for sharing! I struggled with style for a long time, too. I'm a fashion and textile sculpture artist, but I also paint (mostly watercolour and inks). I was also taught that if it's not realism it's bad, thankfully I've broken away from most of that, but I slip back into it now and then. The main thing that helped me, was to do exactly what you suggested, and saw in the Emily Carr book. Pick a reference, and try to make it in as many styles as possible. Also, when you're trying to loosen up, only allow yourself a certain spot in the piece to be realistic or more detailed. Pull the viewers eye, but give yourself some styles to play through. Another thing I've done is use a sketchbook but give myself a time limit. Having multiple types of art to work between is helpful too, which you have on the go anyway. Journal a bit if you do the sketchbook concept; note the amount of time you used, how you FELT when making the piece, what you favourite part/least favourite part is, not on the end result worth, but the process. If you ever want to chat more, feel free to send me a message. I work at an art college and I'm always growing as I want the artists around me, and we evolve together. Monet is the artist who lost his sight, and his art is actually my inspiration. It's all beautiful, but I love the ones later in his career because they have more feeling, even if they're not as technically complex. Be well, I'm a fan of your work, and the block will sort itself out with time and listening to your feelings.
I had that exact book by Robert Batman. It was a signed copy. Ugh i lost during a move. His art is amazing, i use to sit and go through it all the time. He was chosen to paint a picture for Charles and Diana when they got married. He said he specifically made it known that he wanted it to go to Charles. Incase they got divorced he wanted him to have it lol. seriously that's what he said. There is a PBS special about him. I watched years ago. Thank you for sharing.
I loved this video and your vacation and wedding photos. You made a beautiful couple. Especially liked the picture of you in your wedding dress turning back …..so beautiful! Amy please don’t let those mean people who make comments get to you. Life is too short. It says a lot more about them than it does about you. Glad the shoulder is a little better. Love from Az. I grew up in Michigan loved the beach pictures of Lake Superior.🥰
Hi Amy, I’m envious of you books find. I grew up in Hamilton which is the neighbouring city to Burlington Ontario where Robert Bateman lived and taught high school art before retiring to British Columbia. Love Emily Carr. You should also research our well love “Group of Seven” artists. The McMichael Gallery close to Toronto has many of there paintings. You should google the McMichael collection.
Robert Bateman and Emily Carr are both Canadian. I believe he's from Ontario, Canada. He was very famous here for his wildlife paintings. I adore Ms Carr and she was unofficially in the Group of Seven in Canada. The Art of our great North. I enjoy watching your videos! Thanks for the books!
Love Robert Bateman! Went to a couple of his lectures and meet him both times. He is the nicest man and so talented. And I have a couple of signed books. You are so right about the original old folk tales, they were way more scary! I loved picking out those books as a child when visiting the bookmobile. When I look back, I never found them scary myself, but very intriguing and enjoyable as an avid reader. You will find the style you want within this coming year, so hang on and keep on doing what you do. Sending virtual hugs💜
Thanks for sharing your vacation and beautiful memories of your wedding! Beautiful book finds and prices. Hang in there and remember to give yourself grace.
When I'm blocked I get a large sheet cheap mixed media paper. Tape it into squares and treat it as one painting. I throw everything on it usually starting with acrylic paint. Then pens, collage, mark making. Don't think just do it.I'm always surprised when I take off the tape it's such fun. Also I think a lady called Keeley Wayne from Colored Crush did grid journalling which is basically the same but in miniature. I paint expressive and sometimes abstract florals but my portraits are realistic and I need to do this when changing styles or I get blocked. Maybe it could help you. Loved the video and books❤
Very nice book haul! Arthur Rackham is one of my favorite illustrators. Have you ever seen Michael Hague's work? He does beautiful illustrations for books like ' The Wind in the Willows'. He does watercolor and ink paintings.
That Cézanne book is such a great find! Thank you for sharing your used art books. Maybe you could practice painting an animal or object (like an apple) and the objective is to paint it from most realistic to most abstract - see how many fun iterations you can fit on a page.
Beautiful town you mom lives in really peaceful. Love all the books you got the last one looks like pictures, love it creat artists and glad you arm is better.
Loved the art book flip thru. I wonder if you try mixing water color and acrylic if that might help you out loosen up. Maybe a loose watercolor background with an more detailed acrylic painting overtop? I noticed several times you mentioned liking the brush strokes, so maybe a heavy body acrylic even? Artist block is hard, so remember to be patient with yourself too.
I have a bunch of Robert Bateman's books. I think I have everything he put out pre 2000. I met him at a book signing probably 30-35 years ago? Always admired him (I am Canadian). Great video, Amy. Thanks for sharing. 😊
Heavenly!! Love Lake Superior, it's a treasure!! We are lifelong, born and raised, Michiganders. We travel to Lake Superior often. Also, ever year we make the trek to Copper Harbor, my husband races in the CH Trails Club mountain bike race. It's our favorite escape.
Lol! My son told me I should consider editing that out!😀 but he's at that age where everything I do seems to be embarrassing! So glad you liked the video!
Lovely video hun where u were driving past those flowers it reminds me driving in the outback with all the beautiful Aussie wild flowers in bloom.. it’s so beautiful the best place ever I live in the city of capital of North Queensland Townsville. ❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊xxxx
A very nice video - varied content and all very entertaining. I have to say that was a great selection of art books at really quite bargain prices - I have a few similar 'large tomes' on my bookshelves and it can be quite relaxing (and inspiring) to spend a quiet hour simply thumbing through them when the urge to paint is taking a temporary break. I hope both the art block and the flare-up of the Crohn's both subside for you very quickly Take care - kind regards, Brian.
Thanks for showing the book on Emily Carr...she live on haida gwaii ...an island in the Northern B.C. islands...north of Vancouver Island...much of her life....painting there...Janis...from The Yukon Canada
I recently bought a used Robert Batemen bird book. I love it! So many beautiful bird paintings. Good luck with your art block. I know you follow her.....watching Sandi Hester videos can help.
Originally those so-called children's tales, for example the Brothers Grimm collection, were for adult entertainment and were even more frightening than the versions we read as children.
Amy, I got burnt out with doing just watercolor all the time and I too, did not enjoy, I mean, passionately enjoy my process as well. I started a year ago to do nothing but spontaneously abstract, untimely on small pieces, just putting on music and going with my gut. I began to love the color, marks, ink blots, collage and NOW, this year I’ve begun doing abstract but representational as well and I am BACK to the joy of my practice. Try doing that, give yourself 20 days of nothing but intuitive marks of color and other media and see what a difference it makes at wanting to sit down in your studio and playing again, good luck
Fun video. So neat how you are trying new things! For solicited advice, have you checked out Sandi Hester, Ian Roberts, and other more abstract painters? There is a lot of mention of timed paintings/drawings, drawing with your non-dominant hand, master's studies, contour drawing, etc. Maybe this time of introspection will yield something unexpected. I want my art to be something more too. It can be overwhelming to me sometimes. Thanks for sharing your process to create art.
I love Sandi Hester! I had some money saved from a sponsored video that i had earmarked for art education and I just bought her class "taking Notes in the Landscape" with it. Also Malcom Dewey's Painting loose class. I haven't checked out Ian Roberts, I will have too! I just found him on YT and subscribed! Thanks for the advice and for watching!
Robert Bateman is from my area of Canada. I have grown up with prints of his work everywhere. His daughter is also an artist and we had a set of prints of her watercolor birds in my house growing up.
I love the scenery in the beginning of the video! I’m also jealous. It’s 98 degrees in NE PA today and been high temps for awhile now.😭. I love your used books. I was a big fan of Cezanne in art school and I need to reconnect with his work. My first thought when I saw the black and white images in the Matisse book was just how incredible the compositions were. Seeing them in black and white really put his compositions in the forefront. Thanks for a great video!!
Hi Amy, Im canadian and have loved Robert Batman's stuff for years. My best friend in high school, her father was a personal friend of Robert And had many rare and unique peices from him. I always found his stuff very inspiring. With i could draw like that! Thanks for sharing!!
This is the best video ever! ❤ I love your lovely vacation. Your wedding photos are so beautiful. I love books! Thank you for the book tour. I can get lost in a book store. I am having the same creative block with my art and style. I am just getting into more abstraction with some expressionism. You look really happy. 😊
Hi Amy. Glad you all got to get away for a bit. Enjoyed all the pretty flowers! Also glad to see that your husband looks to have recovered well from the accident. May i suggest, humbly, that you just pull out any paints and brushes and just play with no particular goal or piece in mind. Just even scribbles and blotches of paint. I understand you are much more of an accomplished artist to need that but i have seen others talk about block and that just getting a brush in their hands with no plan at all and no goal of actually creating something worth looking at helps. 😮 it sometimes sparks an idea. Continue to get out into nature, our best medicine. Take good care!
Hi Susan, Yes! He does finally seem to be healing a little, although he does still have quite a bit of pain, but he's definitely on the road to getting better now! I also think you are exactly right. I need unstructured art play I think. I have two sponsored videos I have to get through, and then I'm not taking anymore on for a while. I need to just be able to follow what interests me and not have stress on me to turn out a creation on a time line, I think. Or at least that's part of it. I think you are exactly right! Thank you for taking the time to watch and leave a comment! I appreciate it so much!
When I have a problem with painting. I go outside the box. I process fiber, dye, and spin yarn. Maybe work on your jewelry for awhile or your greenhouse 😊 When I put to much pressure on myself. I cannot paint. I have to walk away for awhile ❤
Yeah, I think what you're suggesting is exactly what I should do. I have two sponsored videos I have to do and then I'm not taking on anymore. I need some time to sort things out. Thanks for the great advice and for taking the time to watch and leave a comment!
You've often mentioned wanting to change your style, and I totally agree with the person who commented below. I think realism IS your style. You are good at it, and it is what comes naturally. But, I know what you mean about not wanting your art to be a carbon copy a reference photo. My suggestion is find reference photos that tell a story or that have dramatic lighting, and use materials that can be a little more "painterly" like soft pastels or thick paint (impasto). And also you can play around with color. I just don't think you should fight realism if that is what you're drawn to. I'm so glad you had a nice getaway and found some great books!
Hi Amy, Thanks for this video I related so much to your trying to paint in a more looser style - hope your block gets unblocked soon, this struggle you are in might hopefully be the beginning of new things.
Hi Jeanette! Thanks for letting me know you relate! I think a lot of us have this struggle, or at least it seems like I've heard a lot of artists talking about it the last few years! I hope we both find our way through! Thank you for taking the time to watch and leave a comment!
Glad you're both healing well. Great book haul I've always been drawn to Salvador dali love his metamorphosis of narcissus painting I had a go at that in college it was fun to try Sorry you're having a hard time with artist block I know it's not fun ❤
Lol! I wish that were true! My kids were looking at the pics with me and said "Wow, you look so different!" I said, maybe it was because I had bangs, and they agreed, but I think it was just to humor me!
Very enjoyable, thank you. Loved the Lake Superior footage. I recently checked out a library book on the lovely work of watercolorist Mary Whyte. I have not had good luck finding art books in antique or used bookstores. Enjoyed your wonderful finds.
That particular used bookstore always has a great art selection! I wish I could visit more often! Although it would be bad for my bank account! Thank you so much for watching and commenting, Deeann! I appreciate it!
Hey Amy! Awesome vid! Wow, beautiful country, reference photo material every where you turn. Rest and quiet time (physically and mentally) is so important. Sometimes we feel pressured to create, for no reason. Take a breath... maybe try painting with your opposite hand (if you're able) to get some loose action going on the page... 😂just a silly idea to put some fun back into creativity! Talking about gorgeous brush strokes, check out Giovanni Boldini, soooo talented. Hang in there! Thanks again for sharing!🙂
Hi Victoria! I am so glad you liked the video! Thank you for the kind words and encouragement! I really appreciate it! The painting with the opposite hand sounds like a great idea! and also might make for an interesting video! Thank you for sharing! I'll also be checking out Giovanni Boldini too! Thanks again!
Worth remembering that if it looks like a photo there is no point painting it! Art should surely be your own personal interpretation of what you see or imagine.
I don't actually agree with that. I myself have several prints of paintings hanging on my wall at home by famous wildlife and landscape artists that are hyper realistic. I love them and I am glad I bought them. I just am not enjoying my process very much when I paint hyper realistically, which is why I'm trying to change things up. I don't think one kind of art has more value than the other. They are just different and differences are good! Thanks for watching and commenting!
I do really like how the paintings turn out, but I haven't been enjoying my process lately. It just feels so stressful. I guess I feel kind of lost. We all do at times, I think? I hope I can find my way back! Thanks for watching and commenting, Cherry!
That might be an idea! I was kind of thinking of doing a small painting challenge over on my patreon for July where we try to do three paintings a week, with the largest size allowed being 8x 10... I do have some new watercolors to try out that a company was kind enough to send mw with no expectation of a video or anything, which would take the pressure off. Thanks for letting me know, and for watching, Pamela!
I really enjoy your art Amy and have been a subscriber since day one. I too am having major art block. I think my major cause of it is the other things going on in my life, both health wise and other things. Here are just my thoughts. Since you continually always go back to the realist look I think that is actually your style. And if so why do you have to change. It’s one thing to admire the work of others but that doesn’t make your work is any less beautiful or valuable. I’ve been a fan of Robert Bateman for many years. I can’t imagine him ever criticizing himself because it’s too realistic. And if you look at it , it does not really look like a photograph. He has planned the look he wanted but a photograph would look entirely different. Maybe you could try giving yourself permission to keep working realistically. I love your work and I for one hope you don’t change your style.
Everything you say makes total sense. I think I'm just feeling lost and I really haven't been enjoying my process lately but I suspect, probably like you, it might be because I have so much other stuff going on in my life and I am so overwhelmed and exhausted by the last few months that maybe even just doing the stuff I normally like, like art, feels overwhelming and not enjoyable if that makes sense? Like, maybe it's not because I don't like my normal style but because I'm just overwhelmed and tired? Because I do normally like my art process too, but haven't since about November when my arm got injured and that seemed like it started that whole string of bad luck that my family has had. So yeah... I'm lost right now. Hopefully I find my way back! Thanks for all the thoughtful advice, Linda!
I’m having surgery soon and after that I’m hoping to get back into my art. Here’s praying that you and I can get over our art block and get back to loving what we do! ❤
Dear beautiful Amy, first of all thank you for being so raw, open and honest, you are not alone. I have never been able to actually produce photorealistic or even semi-realistic artwork. I was also taught like many of us that it had no worth, that you were bad at art if it didn’t look like the picture you were referencing. I think you’ll find a lot of people with Art horror stories from growing up. In fact, why don’t you mention in one of your videos for people to share their art horror stories? It might help us all feel less alone, and also allow people who have ideas to share with the community. It has taken me literally decades to realise that you can have all the skill in the world to do whatever your thing is, you can even be extremely financially successful (artist), but if your not enjoying the process, expressing your feelings/passion/thoughts, having fun, experiencing the flow state, then it’s defeating the point. I thin we all have this mentality (because it happened when we were young) that we are going to be graded on our art (performance) & somehow the type of person we are. We think our self-worth is directly linked to how well we perform in the eyes of others, so if it’s not perfect, and we’ll executed, then we think this has to mean we’re not perfect , we’re not enough and somehow we are are not doing the right thing, we must be doing something wrong. We subconsciously fear we will get a bad grade/review/feedback/reception and therefore will be perceived as less than an impostor. I’m pretty sure we also think there are consequence if it’s not perfect, whether that be in our eyes of others. This is where we actually have to STOP & CHALLENGE those thoughts that we all have, because at the end of the day we’re not doing this for everyone else, we’re not being graded, it’s definitely IS NOT linked to what we are worth as a human being. We should be doing it to enjoy the process. We’re doing it as a gift to ourselves, and if it’s not perfect, the world won’t end and there are will be no negative consequences, if we don’t like what we’ve created we can do another one. Key Words here are STOP & CHALLENGE. When I have an Art block which has been quite common for me, I even went through a severe bout of depression, and I didn’t pick up any art material for 7 years. I had a wonderful art therapist, who would just sit with me as I couldn’t bring myself to do anything. I eventually started by just doing circles of colour with my watercolours, just like when we swatching and I continue to do that for quite sometime. I still do it now when I can’t think of something to do or I just need a break to zone out. At the end of the day you’re still creating you’re still doing art and you’re still having that time for yourself, and that, after all, is it not the essence of why we do art. My next challenge was to learn to loosen up. I did that by creating a piece of work in my sketchbook, or a blank piece of paper, and I would say to myself, “ this can going straight in the bin or it’s for my eyes only” “ after all what does it really matter what it looks like I have full control over who sees it. When I found myself trying to be perfect, getting too tight or stressed I make myself stop and check-in, I may start another piece or step away for about five minutes and then come back. Eventually I realised no one else holds me to the standards i do. Best trick I’ve ever learned is constantly reminding myself when you have that nasty negative voice, is ask yourself, “Would you speak to a loved one child/spouse/friend/loved family member like that?” Would you even allow someone to say such things to them? Wouldn’t you speak up for them and put a stop to it?” Then when you realise that you would never allow someone to do this to someone special to you you have to ask the question, “What makes you think you’re so special that these rules don’t also apply to you?” “Why should you get special treatment or be the exception?” (Even when it’s negative) You need to look at yourself as a separate person, and that negative voice as a bully, picking on someone you care about, with constant correction and even snapping back at that voice (thoughts), you’ll find your freedom and your own voice again I promise.
I would suggest doing work that you do not share the finished product with RUclips. If you struggle with perfectionism, painting for a RUclips audience puts pressure on the product. For a perfectionist this can take the joy away from the process. You can share bits of your process or bits of an in progress work, but save review of the finished products for some later time. I would also suggest that it is okay to paint realism. Feel comfortable embracing your own style. It will evolve as you allow yourself to explore (and fail). I took a class where we had an assignment to choose an artist and do a painting ‘in the style’ of that artist. It was an interesting way to try out another style while being much more creatively challenging than just copying someone else’s painting.
perfection is overrated love the lupines I haven't seem that many of them since moved away from Main Our school and are parents well meaning that they were may never have seen the kind of paintings you are looking at in these books You may try some guided meditation there lots freebee on youtube and podcasts It may release your inner child and open up your art style Just a thought PS Remember Vangoh still painted what felt true to himself when the rest of the arts community the his painting we hidous
Don’t know if this will help. Are you a rule follower in your life? Are you detail oriented in your life? I wonder if the way we be in the world influences our style. I really don’t know. It was just something that popped into my head a d I thought I’d ask. Another artist I follow worked very hard to go from realistic to lose painter. It took her a long while. She said she had to really be intentional each time she painted. She did being to see her style change and so did her followers. Don’t have anything on art block. Maybe find something you’ve never done and just go crazy with having fun trying it. Hope your summer brings you joy and more healing.
I get that you want to get more loose in your work, but there is nothing wrong with painting realistically. I personally don’t like the fact that so many people are now talking about painting loosely as being the ‘best’ or most ‘creative’ way to paint. Maybe the reason why you’re having artist block right now is because you’re focusing too much about what others are doing or on what you think you should be doing. Do you know what I mean? There is nothing wrong with any way of painting, just do you.
Amy I struggled with the same issue you have and I think I'm turning a corner after a year and more just working in sketchbooks using mixed media and allowing myself to just play. I have copied some works of artists (Monet,Cezanne, Joan Eardley) that I admire and wish I could paint like. Copying allows me to really have a go at getting loose and discovering what media I really enjoy. I am using colors and marks I would probably never have explored if I didn't allow myself to copy those I admire. Copying was a big no-no for me all my artistic life but I see first hand how helpful it is for someone who is struggling with a block or a burnout. Working like this has moved me in a direction to find a style of my own. Don't rush it. Relax into the block and see it as a turning point. You have the knowledge and the talent. Give up some control and let things happen. Good luck to you.
Ooooh! What an EXCELLENT idea! I remember back when I was in art school, there was one lecture about doing a "master copy" TO figure out brushwork and construction of composition, etc. I had TOTALLY forgotten about that until you just said that! I think I might need to do that! Thank you so much for the idea! I hope I can get where you are, and have a turning point myself! I just know I am not really enjoying my process anymore and I think that's a huge part of what is going on. Thank you so much for the helpful advice and for taking the time to watch my video!
Both Emily Carr and Robert Bateman are highly revered artists here in Canada. Robert Bateman is still actively painting at 94 years of age. An amazing talent and legacy. There is a wonderful art school in Vancouver named after Emily Carr. Interesting that you found those two books near where you live! Thank you for sharing!
I didn't know he was still painting! I googled him after I got home and saw he was 94! That's awesome! I new about Emily Carr because we used to take summer trips out to Washington State and then go up into BC and Vancouver. I remember seeing prints of her work up there during those summers! Thank you so much for the information and for watching!
I am a new watercolorist. I mostly paint in acrylics. I am finding it hard to just let go and let the water do its thing. Carr reminds me of Dr. Seuss books! I think I'll look through a few and just try to paint silly for a while. I too am a realist and in my class in junior high I really liked doing abstracts and geometric shapes. Give yourself a break and just relax. Lovely wedding pics. Glad you are healing and your husband is too. Can relate. My IBS is crazy must be summer weather. Hang in there. We all have funky periods. I need to sew some things and I can't get it in the mood.
Robert Bateman is one of the best animal environment artists! Love his work! Good find! 😊
Hi Amy! I was having the exact same problem as you. I was always tense and sore after painting and was not enjoying it. One of my artist friends suggested I try doing an abstract painting. I took her advice one day and used lots of mixed media, starting with watercolor and then layering with acrylic markers and Neocolor II’s. I had a blast! I created something that I love and it changed everything for me. I stopped being so meticulous and I play so much more. I’m doing more abstracts and mixed media and I love to paint again! I can tell my style is changing and I’m not so sure everyone loves it. I will see soon. I have some pop-ups this summer and my new stuff is in the same gallery my old stuff was in. Fingers crossed! I don’t care because I love what I’m doing now so much more than the precise realism I was.
Nice haul! I love used bookstores as much as I love art stores. Don't be afraid of your art block. You will get through it. Have you been spending time with your hobbies? I wished we lived closer; I would take you on a museum / art gallery date! Nothing gets me more inspired than seeing art in person. I hope you feel better soon. It was good to see your face, btw!
Emily Carr is amazing and her paintings are of many aboriginal villages on Vancouver Island and British Columbia.
We have family visiting from New Zealand in a few days and will be spending 4 days on the Island it’s so beautiful over there.
Your trip looked amazing love your videos as usual.
Hope everything is healing take care.😊👩🏻🎨
Beautiful books and vacation, thank you for sharing!
I struggled with style for a long time, too. I'm a fashion and textile sculpture artist, but I also paint (mostly watercolour and inks). I was also taught that if it's not realism it's bad, thankfully I've broken away from most of that, but I slip back into it now and then.
The main thing that helped me, was to do exactly what you suggested, and saw in the Emily Carr book. Pick a reference, and try to make it in as many styles as possible. Also, when you're trying to loosen up, only allow yourself a certain spot in the piece to be realistic or more detailed. Pull the viewers eye, but give yourself some styles to play through.
Another thing I've done is use a sketchbook but give myself a time limit. Having multiple types of art to work between is helpful too, which you have on the go anyway. Journal a bit if you do the sketchbook concept; note the amount of time you used, how you FELT when making the piece, what you favourite part/least favourite part is, not on the end result worth, but the process.
If you ever want to chat more, feel free to send me a message. I work at an art college and I'm always growing as I want the artists around me, and we evolve together.
Monet is the artist who lost his sight, and his art is actually my inspiration. It's all beautiful, but I love the ones later in his career because they have more feeling, even if they're not as technically complex.
Be well, I'm a fan of your work, and the block will sort itself out with time and listening to your feelings.
I had that exact book by Robert Batman. It was a signed copy. Ugh i lost during a move. His art is amazing, i use to sit and go through it all the time. He was chosen to paint a picture for Charles and Diana when they got married. He said he specifically made it known that he wanted it to go to Charles. Incase they got divorced he wanted him to have it lol. seriously that's what he said. There is a PBS special about him. I watched years ago. Thank you for sharing.
I loved this video and your vacation and wedding photos. You made a beautiful couple. Especially liked the picture of you in your wedding dress turning back …..so beautiful! Amy please don’t let those mean people who make comments get to you. Life is too short. It says a lot more about them than it does about you. Glad the shoulder is a little better. Love from Az. I grew up in Michigan loved the beach pictures of Lake Superior.🥰
Hi Amy, I’m envious of you books find. I grew up in Hamilton which is the neighbouring city to Burlington Ontario where Robert Bateman lived and taught high school art before retiring to British Columbia. Love Emily Carr. You should also research our well love “Group of Seven” artists. The McMichael Gallery close to Toronto has many of there paintings. You should google the McMichael collection.
The Robert Bateman book is spectacular! wow! Great video, thanks.
So nice to hear that your shoulder is healing. Thanks you so much for sharing the beautiful video of your vacation. Art books pictures were a bonus.
Robert Bateman and Emily Carr are both Canadian. I believe he's from Ontario, Canada. He was very famous here for his wildlife paintings. I adore Ms Carr and she was unofficially in the Group of Seven in Canada. The Art of our great North. I enjoy watching your videos! Thanks for the books!
Love Robert Bateman! Went to a couple of his lectures and meet him both times. He is the nicest man and so talented. And I have a couple of signed books. You are so right about the original old folk tales, they were way more scary! I loved picking out those books as a child when visiting the bookmobile. When I look back, I never found them scary myself, but very intriguing and enjoyable as an avid reader. You will find the style you want within this coming year, so hang on and keep on doing what you do. Sending virtual hugs💜
Thanks for sharing your vacation and beautiful memories of your wedding! Beautiful book finds and prices. Hang in there and remember to give yourself grace.
Thank you! Will do! And thanks for watching!
When I'm blocked I get a large sheet cheap mixed media paper. Tape it into squares and treat it as one painting. I throw everything on it usually starting with acrylic paint. Then pens, collage, mark making. Don't think just do it.I'm always surprised when I take off the tape it's such fun. Also I think a lady called Keeley Wayne from Colored Crush did grid journalling which is basically the same but in miniature. I paint expressive and sometimes abstract florals but my portraits are realistic and I need to do this when changing styles or I get blocked. Maybe it could help you. Loved the video and books❤
Very nice book haul! Arthur Rackham is one of my favorite illustrators. Have you ever seen Michael Hague's work? He does beautiful illustrations for books like ' The Wind in the Willows'. He does watercolor and ink paintings.
That Cézanne book is such a great find! Thank you for sharing your used art books.
Maybe you could practice painting an animal or object (like an apple) and the objective is to paint it from most realistic to most abstract - see how many fun iterations you can fit on a page.
Beautiful town you mom lives in really peaceful. Love all the books you got the last one looks like pictures, love it creat artists and glad you arm is better.
Loved the art book flip thru. I wonder if you try mixing water color and acrylic if that might help you out loosen up. Maybe a loose watercolor background with an more detailed acrylic painting overtop? I noticed several times you mentioned liking the brush strokes, so maybe a heavy body acrylic even? Artist block is hard, so remember to be patient with yourself too.
I have a bunch of Robert Bateman's books. I think I have everything he put out pre 2000. I met him at a book signing probably 30-35 years ago? Always admired him (I am Canadian). Great video, Amy. Thanks for sharing. 😊
Heavenly!! Love Lake Superior, it's a treasure!! We are lifelong, born and raised, Michiganders. We travel to Lake Superior often. Also, ever year we make the trek to Copper Harbor, my husband races in the CH Trails Club mountain bike race. It's our favorite escape.
You have the best most contagious laugh thank you so much for sharing it's just what I needed😊❤🙏🏼🫂🫶🏼
Lol! My son told me I should consider editing that out!😀 but he's at that age where everything I do seems to be embarrassing! So glad you liked the video!
Lovely video hun where u were driving past those flowers it reminds me driving in the outback with all the beautiful Aussie wild flowers in bloom.. it’s so beautiful the best place ever I live in the city of capital of North Queensland Townsville. ❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊xxxx
A very nice video - varied content and all very entertaining. I have to say that was a great selection of art books at really quite bargain prices - I have a few similar 'large tomes' on my bookshelves and it can be quite relaxing (and inspiring) to spend a quiet hour simply thumbing through them when the urge to paint is taking a temporary break. I hope both the art block and the flare-up of the Crohn's both subside for you very quickly Take care - kind regards, Brian.
Thanks for showing the book on Emily Carr...she live on haida gwaii ...an island in the Northern B.C. islands...north of Vancouver Island...much of her life....painting there...Janis...from The Yukon Canada
Yep Arthur Rackham used pen, ink and watercolour! His art kinda reminds me of Henry Justice Ford's work which I think you'd enjoy :)
I recently bought a used Robert Batemen bird book. I love it! So many beautiful bird paintings. Good luck with your art block. I know you follow her.....watching Sandi Hester videos can help.
I'm genuinely amazed-bravo!🌎🌎🌎⚽🍀🍀🍀
Originally those so-called children's tales, for example the Brothers Grimm collection, were for adult entertainment and were even more frightening than the versions we read as children.
Amy, I got burnt out with doing just watercolor all the time and I too, did not enjoy, I mean, passionately enjoy my process as well. I started a year ago to do nothing but spontaneously abstract, untimely on small pieces, just putting on music and going with my gut. I began to love the color, marks, ink blots, collage and NOW, this year I’ve begun doing abstract but representational as well and I am BACK to the joy of my practice. Try doing that, give yourself 20 days of nothing but intuitive marks of color and other media and see what a difference it makes at wanting to sit down in your studio and playing again, good luck
Fun video. So neat how you are trying new things! For solicited advice, have you checked out Sandi Hester, Ian Roberts, and other more abstract painters? There is a lot of mention of timed paintings/drawings, drawing with your non-dominant hand, master's studies, contour drawing, etc. Maybe this time of introspection will yield something unexpected. I want my art to be something more too. It can be overwhelming to me sometimes. Thanks for sharing your process to create art.
I love Sandi Hester! I had some money saved from a sponsored video that i had earmarked for art education and I just bought her class "taking Notes in the Landscape" with it. Also Malcom Dewey's Painting loose class. I haven't checked out Ian Roberts, I will have too! I just found him on YT and subscribed! Thanks for the advice and for watching!
I love Emily Carr! I first discovered her work in Uclulet, Vancouver Island! Thanks for the memory! ❤️
Robert Bateman is from my area of Canada. I have grown up with prints of his work everywhere. His daughter is also an artist and we had a set of prints of her watercolor birds
in my house growing up.
I love the scenery in the beginning of the video! I’m also jealous. It’s 98 degrees in NE PA today and been high temps for awhile now.😭. I love your used books. I was a big fan of Cezanne in art school and I need to reconnect with his work. My first thought when I saw the black and white images in the Matisse book was just how incredible the compositions were. Seeing them in black and white really put his compositions in the forefront. Thanks for a great video!!
Hi Amy,
Im canadian and have loved Robert Batman's stuff for years.
My best friend in high school, her father was a personal friend of Robert
And had many rare and unique peices from him.
I always found his stuff very inspiring. With i could draw like that!
Thanks for sharing!!
Lol i just noticed i spelled Bateman wrong every time! OMG!
Just Loveky ❤
This is the best video ever! ❤ I love your lovely vacation. Your wedding photos are so beautiful. I love books! Thank you for the book tour. I can get lost in a book store. I am having the same creative block with my art and style. I am just getting into more abstraction with some expressionism. You look really happy. 😊
Hi Amy. Glad you all got to get away for a bit. Enjoyed all the pretty flowers! Also glad to see that your husband looks to have recovered well from the accident. May i suggest, humbly, that you just pull out any paints and brushes and just play with no particular goal or piece in mind. Just even scribbles and blotches of paint. I understand you are much more of an accomplished artist to need that but i have seen others talk about block and that just getting a brush in their hands with no plan at all and no goal of actually creating something worth looking at helps. 😮 it sometimes sparks an idea. Continue to get out into nature, our best medicine. Take good care!
Hi Susan, Yes! He does finally seem to be healing a little, although he does still have quite a bit of pain, but he's definitely on the road to getting better now! I also think you are exactly right. I need unstructured art play I think. I have two sponsored videos I have to get through, and then I'm not taking anymore on for a while. I need to just be able to follow what interests me and not have stress on me to turn out a creation on a time line, I think. Or at least that's part of it. I think you are exactly right! Thank you for taking the time to watch and leave a comment! I appreciate it so much!
When I have a problem with painting. I go outside the box. I process fiber, dye, and spin yarn.
Maybe work on your jewelry for awhile or your greenhouse 😊
When I put to much pressure on myself. I cannot paint. I have to walk away for awhile ❤
Yeah, I think what you're suggesting is exactly what I should do. I have two sponsored videos I have to do and then I'm not taking on anymore. I need some time to sort things out. Thanks for the great advice and for taking the time to watch and leave a comment!
You've often mentioned wanting to change your style, and I totally agree with the person who commented below. I think realism IS your style. You are good at it, and it is what comes naturally. But, I know what you mean about not wanting your art to be a carbon copy a reference photo. My suggestion is find reference photos that tell a story or that have dramatic lighting, and use materials that can be a little more "painterly" like soft pastels or thick paint (impasto). And also you can play around with color. I just don't think you should fight realism if that is what you're drawn to. I'm so glad you had a nice getaway and found some great books!
Hi Amy, Thanks for this video I related so much to your trying to paint in a more looser style - hope your block gets unblocked soon, this struggle you are in might hopefully be the beginning of new things.
Hi Jeanette! Thanks for letting me know you relate! I think a lot of us have this struggle, or at least it seems like I've heard a lot of artists talking about it the last few years! I hope we both find our way through! Thank you for taking the time to watch and leave a comment!
Glad you're both healing well.
Great book haul I've always been drawn to Salvador dali love his metamorphosis of narcissus painting I had a go at that in college it was fun to try
Sorry you're having a hard time with artist block I know it's not fun ❤
thanks for sharing...you haven't changed a bit since your weeding day :)
Lol! I wish that were true! My kids were looking at the pics with me and said "Wow, you look so different!" I said, maybe it was because I had bangs, and they agreed, but I think it was just to humor me!
Very enjoyable, thank you. Loved the Lake Superior footage. I recently checked out a library book on the lovely work of watercolorist Mary Whyte. I have not had good luck finding art books in antique or used bookstores. Enjoyed your wonderful finds.
That particular used bookstore always has a great art selection! I wish I could visit more often! Although it would be bad for my bank account! Thank you so much for watching and commenting, Deeann! I appreciate it!
so great to see a new video ,i love your art and videos
Thank you so much 😀
Hey Amy! Awesome vid! Wow, beautiful country, reference photo material every where you turn. Rest and quiet time (physically and mentally) is so important. Sometimes we feel pressured to create, for no reason. Take a breath... maybe try painting with your opposite hand (if you're able) to get some loose action going on the page... 😂just a silly idea to put some fun back into creativity! Talking about gorgeous brush strokes, check out Giovanni Boldini, soooo talented. Hang in there! Thanks again for sharing!🙂
Hi Victoria! I am so glad you liked the video! Thank you for the kind words and encouragement! I really appreciate it! The painting with the opposite hand sounds like a great idea! and also might make for an interesting video! Thank you for sharing! I'll also be checking out Giovanni Boldini too! Thanks again!
i think itd be cool to see you paint on papers found in the local hedgerows
Worth remembering that if it looks like a photo there is no point painting it! Art should surely be your own personal interpretation of what you see or imagine.
I don't actually agree with that. I myself have several prints of paintings hanging on my wall at home by famous wildlife and landscape artists that are hyper realistic. I love them and I am glad I bought them. I just am not enjoying my process very much when I paint hyper realistically, which is why I'm trying to change things up. I don't think one kind of art has more value than the other. They are just different and differences are good! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Taking some process lessons helps me when I’m blocked,,, Amanda Evanston’s are my current classes.
I think you paint beautifully and don't be so hard on yourself.
I do really like how the paintings turn out, but I haven't been enjoying my process lately. It just feels so stressful. I guess I feel kind of lost. We all do at times, I think? I hope I can find my way back! Thanks for watching and commenting, Cherry!
Ohhh, art block. I'm in a serious block. It's painful.
Lovely video, first take care of yourself, push to paint is not working, do something else you like to do, the block wil go away. ❤
World watercolor month is next month…maybe a 30 day challenge will help you 😀
That might be an idea! I was kind of thinking of doing a small painting challenge over on my patreon for July where we try to do three paintings a week, with the largest size allowed being 8x 10... I do have some new watercolors to try out that a company was kind enough to send mw with no expectation of a video or anything, which would take the pressure off. Thanks for letting me know, and for watching, Pamela!
I really enjoy your art Amy and have been a subscriber since day one. I too am having major art block. I think my major cause of it is the other things going on in my life, both health wise and other things. Here are just my thoughts. Since you continually always go back to the realist look I think that is actually your style. And if so why do you have to change. It’s one thing to admire the work of others but that doesn’t make your work is any less beautiful or valuable. I’ve been a fan of Robert Bateman for many years. I can’t imagine him ever criticizing himself because it’s too realistic. And if you look at it , it does not really look like a photograph. He has planned the look he wanted but a photograph would look entirely different. Maybe you could try giving yourself permission to keep working realistically. I love your work and I for one hope you don’t change your style.
Everything you say makes total sense. I think I'm just feeling lost and I really haven't been enjoying my process lately but I suspect, probably like you, it might be because I have so much other stuff going on in my life and I am so overwhelmed and exhausted by the last few months that maybe even just doing the stuff I normally like, like art, feels overwhelming and not enjoyable if that makes sense? Like, maybe it's not because I don't like my normal style but because I'm just overwhelmed and tired? Because I do normally like my art process too, but haven't since about November when my arm got injured and that seemed like it started that whole string of bad luck that my family has had. So yeah... I'm lost right now. Hopefully I find my way back! Thanks for all the thoughtful advice, Linda!
I’m having surgery soon and after that I’m hoping to get back into my art. Here’s praying that you and I can get over our art block and get back to loving what we do! ❤
Robert Bateman IS a great Canadian artist, not "Was". Great book finds.
Robert Bateman is still alive.
Dear beautiful Amy, first of all thank you for being so raw, open and honest, you are not alone. I have never been able to actually produce photorealistic or even semi-realistic artwork. I was also taught like many of us that it had no worth, that you were bad at art if it didn’t look like the picture you were referencing. I think you’ll find a lot of people with Art horror stories from growing up. In fact, why don’t you mention in one of your videos for people to share their art horror stories? It might help us all feel less alone, and also allow people who have ideas to share with the community.
It has taken me literally decades to realise that you can have all the skill in the world to do whatever your thing is, you can even be extremely financially successful (artist), but if your not enjoying the process, expressing your feelings/passion/thoughts, having fun, experiencing the flow state, then it’s defeating the point.
I thin we all have this mentality (because it happened when we were young) that we are going to be graded on our art (performance) & somehow the type of person we are. We think our self-worth is directly linked to how well we perform in the eyes of others, so if it’s not perfect, and we’ll executed, then we think this has to mean we’re not perfect , we’re not enough and somehow we are are not doing the right thing, we must be doing something wrong. We subconsciously fear we will get a bad grade/review/feedback/reception and therefore will be perceived as less than an impostor. I’m pretty sure we also think there are consequence if it’s not perfect, whether that be in our eyes of others.
This is where we actually have to STOP & CHALLENGE those thoughts that we all have, because at the end of the day we’re not doing this for everyone else, we’re not being graded, it’s definitely IS NOT linked to what we are worth as a human being. We should be doing it to enjoy the process. We’re doing it as a gift to ourselves, and if it’s not perfect, the world won’t end and there are will be no negative consequences, if we don’t like what we’ve created we can do another one. Key Words here are STOP & CHALLENGE.
When I have an Art block which has been quite common for me, I even went through a severe bout of depression, and I didn’t pick up any art material for 7 years. I had a wonderful art therapist, who would just sit with me as I couldn’t bring myself to do anything. I eventually started by just doing circles of colour with my watercolours, just like when we swatching and I continue to do that for quite sometime. I still do it now when I can’t think of something to do or I just need a break to zone out. At the end of the day you’re still creating you’re still doing art and you’re still having that time for yourself, and that, after all, is it not the essence of why we do art.
My next challenge was to learn to loosen up. I did that by creating a piece of work in my sketchbook, or a blank piece of paper, and I would say to myself, “ this can going straight in the bin or it’s for my eyes only” “ after all what does it really matter what it looks like I have full control over who sees it.
When I found myself trying to be perfect, getting too tight or stressed I make myself stop and check-in, I may start another piece or step away for about five minutes and then come back. Eventually I realised no one else holds me to the standards i do.
Best trick I’ve ever learned is constantly reminding myself when you have that nasty negative voice, is ask yourself, “Would you speak to a loved one child/spouse/friend/loved family member like that?” Would you even allow someone to say such things to them? Wouldn’t you speak up for them and put a stop to it?” Then when you realise that you would never allow someone to do this to someone special to you you have to ask the question,
“What makes you think you’re so special that these rules don’t also apply to you?”
“Why should you get special treatment or be the exception?” (Even when it’s negative)
You need to look at yourself as a separate person, and that negative voice as a bully, picking on someone you care about, with constant correction and even snapping back at that voice (thoughts), you’ll find your freedom and your own voice again I promise.
I would suggest doing work that you do not share the finished product with RUclips. If you struggle with perfectionism, painting for a RUclips audience puts pressure on the product. For a perfectionist this can take the joy away from the process. You can share bits of your process or bits of an in progress work, but save review of the finished products for some later time. I would also suggest that it is okay to paint realism. Feel comfortable embracing your own style. It will evolve as you allow yourself to explore (and fail).
I took a class where we had an assignment to choose an artist and do a painting ‘in the style’ of that artist. It was an interesting way to try out another style while being much more creatively challenging than just copying someone else’s painting.
perfection is overrated love the lupines I haven't seem that many of them since moved away from Main Our school and are parents well meaning that they were may never have seen the kind of paintings you are looking at in these books You may try some guided meditation there lots freebee on youtube and podcasts It may release your inner child and open up your art style Just a thought PS Remember Vangoh still painted what felt true to himself when the rest of the arts community the his painting we hidous
Don’t know if this will help. Are you a rule follower in your life? Are you detail oriented in your life? I wonder if the way we be in the world influences our style. I really don’t know. It was just something that popped into my head a d I thought I’d ask. Another artist I follow worked very hard to go from realistic to lose painter. It took her a long while. She said she had to really be intentional each time she painted. She did being to see her style change and so did her followers. Don’t have anything on art block. Maybe find something you’ve never done and just go crazy with having fun trying it. Hope your summer brings you joy and more healing.
Blijf trouw aan je zelf😊
Have you tried just painting with your left hand? You can’t expect it to look realistic with your non-dominant hand. 🤷🏻♀️ Maybe
I get that you want to get more loose in your work, but there is nothing wrong with painting realistically. I personally don’t like the fact that so many people are now talking about painting loosely as being the ‘best’ or most ‘creative’ way to paint. Maybe the reason why you’re having artist block right now is because you’re focusing too much about what others are doing or on what you think you should be doing. Do you know what I mean? There is nothing wrong with any way of painting, just do you.