The Question of Creativity...

I hear it all the time… “I’m not creative”.    I kinda know what people mean when they say that, - they don’t know how to draw or paint or sculpt.  But, that’s not all there is to creativity - and as an art teacher, I know that these skills can be learned!  I also know that creative expression is so much broader than 1 area of art! So, I don’t think it’s true! I think each of us is creative in one way or another!  

 

  We all have a personal point of view - a different way of seeing things. A different "take" on the way we see the world around us... and when we express that personal viewpoint in our own way, we are exercising creativity!

The enjoyment of bringing into being something that hasn’t yet been done before - at least not in the exact way in which we do it - and by putting our own personal touch on something (whatever that something may be) we have exercised creative expression! We are, by nature, makers and doers!

Creativity can be visual (which is the way I express my view of the world), but it can also be with the use of written language, or movement, or musical harmony, or culinary creations, or carpentry, or a so many other possibilities!

So, let’s celebrate our creativity!  Let it root and develop and bloom, which requires purposeful nurture --- feeding it with beauty and wonder; the process of growth!   It requires taking time with intention to let it blossom and become. What feeds your creative spirit?  

Old Time Floral

Old Fashioned Floral, 6x6" oil on gesso board

©2018  Helen Read 

 When my children were small, I was the recipient of hand picked flowers which often found their way into a mason jar to be placed in a visible spot for all see!   Such joy in small gifts like that... a happy smile on a small face, and a mom's warmed heart.  I love those memories... and this painting reminds me of those long ago moments.  
Nostalgia in a blue jar!

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Good for the Soul!

What are the benefits of visual art?

• Visual beauty brings peace in an often frenetic world 
• Visual images engage a different part of the brain
• Visual works engage us with the artist and the world as they see it 
• Visual works remind us of the Great Creator who is the originator of beauty
• Visual art gives us space and time to absorb, to consider, to re-engage with that part of our spirit that is often pushed aside in the busyness of life. 

Maybe (probably) there are more benefits! 
Leave a message!  Tell me some more!  

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Don't Stop Now!

A  little excerpt from my April newsletter.  Let it inspire you to speak the message that is yours uniquely.  

Just before winter is over and just before the full bloom of spring occurs, it is easy for me  to feel like I’m running out of steam. Do you ever get that feeling too? The goals I have seem awfully weighty - and a little too distant.  

This can affect what I’m doing artistically as well as in just about every area of life. I’m reminded how important it is to nurture a positive mindset.  It makes all the difference! 

Do you believe (like I do) that each of us has been created with particular gifts and a unique voice in all of history? It’s kind of amazing, really!  And this means that your voice, in whatever way you express yourself, is valuable and needed!  So, here’s a positive word of encouragement - 

 

Let your voice speak!

Perhaps it is through art, but it might be through music or dance or writing or baking or gardening or something else!  There are countless ways to voice the message only you are able to speak. Don’t ever feel it isn’t worthwhile or good enough… you are needed!

_________________________

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Royal Purple

Royal Purple, 9x12" oil on gessoboard 

© Helen Read  

Nothing says "spring" to me quite like the bloom of tulips.   Spring hasn't really arrived here in my area - even though it's past due - being mid-April!  So, I've taken to creating spring with paint, while I wait!
This gathering of beautiful purple tulips seems to shimmer and glow. 
I looked up the meaning of tulips... so many flowers are associated with a cryptic meaning.  I found out that tulips are representative of love and passion.  Purple is indicative of royalty.   I must admit, they do have a very regal upright habit, commanding one's attention!

Bring a love, passion, and lots of royal color to your walls! 
This lovely painting is almost dry and ready to ship very soon!

Oh - before you go! 

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Bringing the garden inside!

It's been a long, long wait this year.... and we are still waiting!

And, quite honestly, I'm weary of the wait! 
As I look at my sleeping garden, there's a little bit of hope ~ some green shoots have
sprouted.  But usually by now, spring is here and flowers are in bloom.

So, I'm creating my own spring time with colorful oil paint....

This painting is 9x12", oil on gesso board.  As you can see, it isn't finished yet. 
I started with transparent color - in full strength allowing the white of the gessoboard (smooth surface) to 

allow the colors to glow.   Then, I went back with opaque paint to refine the shapes and to add in additional color to create the highlights and darker values. 

It has a painterly feel, with loose strokes and broken color, 

and hopefully, I've conveyed a sense of joyful profusion!  

More work will bring it to it's final form in just a few days!  

Yay ... there's still time!

It is NOT too late!

Yes!  It's true - I often give away little paintings...

I usually have a special offer....

And I have free downloads! 

There isn't any "catch".... but you won't know about these gifts and offers unless you get my newsletter. 
It comes out every month - and April's newsletter will be sent very soon! 

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So why not?  Don't miss out!  I love creating for my friends! 

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