When I read Michelle Ward's challenge for September, "Learn Something New" I smiled and said, "that's easy, I'm always learning new stuff." In the last two years I've taken three classes between the local art institute and museum art center including digital photography, making art with Photoshop, and mixed media painting. I've taken four workshops and five online workshops. I even offered my first online workshop this summer that was a huge hit with 42 participants from 5 countries and I'm gearing up for two workshops starting this week. One is on "personal retreats" featuring a fun art journaling project where participants can make their very own retreat houses. The second workshop is a re-run of the Vision Card/Vision Journal workshop.
Although I've taken to offering some of my own workshops, I don't slow down on learning new things. I'm a committed life-long learner. Pictured above is my first painting using Chinese brush painting techniques. We started with practicing the word chrysanthemum and then painted them. This is one of four flowers taught in the Sumi-e tradition. The four flowers follow the seasons - chrysanthemums in the fall, bamboo in the winter, plum blossoms in the spring, and orchid in the summer. Our instructor Bruce Iverson shared some history and taoist philosophy as well as his deep love for the art. I was so impressed with how easily he made each brush stroke look. I have a lot of practice to do! I'm eager to carve out some quiet time for myself to practice.
The classes that I'm taking these days are bringing me back to my interest in Chinese and Japanese art forms and philosophy. I have so many things I want to learn and practice! In addition to learning the Asian calligraphy I'm interested in Western calligraphy and typography. I have some lovely books that show illuminated letters and other books that show so many beautiful scripts. I'm searching for a good instructor nearby as I know the best way to learn is from a good teacher.
Like many of my creative friends, there never seems to be enough time to do all the things I want to do. When I look back over the last couple of years, I can see that I haven't wasted my time. I've learned and shared so much. It is in the sharing, the exchanging of ideas and techniques that I find so much pleasure. Michelle Ward's GPP Street Team blog is a great hub for creatives to meet and greet. I encourage you to swing by there to see what other creatives are learning.
Cheers to seizing the day and learning something new!
Kathryn Antyr
Michelle Ward's GPP Crusade No. 33
Kathryn, what a great post! I'm so glad you see your time as well spent. Even though I know others are just as busy they don't always see things from that perspective. Thank you for illustrating the recent things you've made an effort to learn - the Eastern lettering and flower arranging are perfect examples of how learning something new can influence us in the studio. Bravo for taking on the new venue of teaching online. You have much to offer and that is a terrific platform for gathering worldwide creatives. I love the thought of artists learning together from the comfort of their own space.
Posted by: michelle ward | September 27, 2009 at 07:19 PM
Fabulous job on the Chinese Brush Painting. Looking forward to the personal retreat workshop starting.
Posted by: Megan Warren | September 28, 2009 at 12:51 AM
exciting projects - thanks for sharing
Posted by: Regina | September 28, 2009 at 02:04 AM
Your paintings are beautiful. I also like that photograph - very elegant. I have the same attitude. I love to learn! That's why I'm always buying so many art supplies. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Posted by: Darlene | September 28, 2009 at 01:27 PM
Thanks Darlene for swinging by. Oh the books and supplies are so irresistible. There are so many possibilities and directions we can go in!
On Sep 28, 2009, at 1:27 PM, typepad@sixapart.com wrote:
Posted by: Kathryn - Collage Diva | September 28, 2009 at 05:25 PM
What a great philosophy! I know that is something I firmly believe in - you have to keep learning. And I try to.
Thanks so much for the course this summer - it was so helpful and fun!
Posted by: Bev | September 29, 2009 at 07:40 PM
Hello Kathryn,
WOW : did you paint those flowers ?!? I know that you have great skills, but these look fabulous and that just after one lesson !
I completely agree about never stop learning : I just love that too but as so many people... time and choices... but one day at a time and when I die, I come back to learn more...:)
greetings from belgium
Inge
PS : i enjoyed your comments on my blog a lot. I always do, cause you write from your heart and you mean what you write. thanks for letting me know I' m a "mother hen" :)
Posted by: inge | September 30, 2009 at 02:12 AM
All of these projects are stunning. You have a gift! Love the paintings and the flower arranging. WOW!
Posted by: Marlynn | September 30, 2009 at 10:06 AM
i love reading about and seeing your learning with flower arranging, kathryn! i'm a lifelong learner too. always so many fascinating things out there to learn about!
Posted by: leah | September 30, 2009 at 06:40 PM
Amazing projects, Kathryn! I felt the same way about the crusade too...LOVE learning!
Happy weekend,
Julie
Posted by: Julie | October 02, 2009 at 04:52 PM