practice Archives - Maria Greene @ Greeneearth

Practice never makes perfect is true in some sense, though I believe that practice makes perfect if, say, you’re learning a new language. The art practice never ends. Some say that if you can paint something hyper-realistic you might call it perfect, but I bet the artist still strives for even more perfection.

Truth is, why strive for perfection in the first place? Artists want to get better at their techniques, of course. They want to execute their craft better for more personal satisfaction.

But what if you just want to express yourself, not perfecting the craft of painting perfect landscapes or faces?

Everyone can express themselves. It only takes a willingness to try.

Trying involves getting some materials, like an art journal or old book that you can alter (use as an art journal.) Buy a few acrylic (fast-drying) paints in colors you love, get some glue or medium, a few brushes, some markers, and a bunch of old magazines.

You can paint a background with a couple of your paints, anything goes. Draw stick figures, paint them, cut out images from magazines, words that speak to you. Add more paint and writing if necessary. Add stuff until you feel it’s right, if not perfect.

Then you practice to let go. It’s good enough!

It’s a great way to see in color what is important to you in life, and art!

What it actually takes is to do it, no excuses.

Carve out some time for creativity. Explore who you are, your wishes and dreams. Expressing in art is an age-old practice.

practice does not make perfect — practice

Art journaling can be challenging, but no one has to see your pages unless you want to share them.

Even if you hate the pages, at some point you’ll hit on a symbol or mixture of symbols you love and that will inspire you to continue making more pages. You’ll collect more stuff to add to your spreads, a bit at a time.

I keep making art because I feel a need for it. Maybe you won’t feel a need unless you really keep doing it, as with exercise. I can’t speak for you, but making art gives me a special kind of satisfaction, a feeling that it’s important.

I made a YouTube video of the first spread I made (above). You can watch it here to get inspired (hopefully.)

Without my art, my life seems to lack something. I go into my studio with anticipation and leave it feeling, oh well, many feelings, among them happiness, frustration, annoyance, challenged, inspired, accomplished. Every day is different.

I have more how-to videos on YouTube. They will help you explore your own creativity.

I have also made some more art journals for sale in my etsy shop. They will help if you fear the “blank white page.” ETSY SHOP.

Have a creative weekend, folks!

Here are a couple of blog posts about facing your fear and lack of motivation.

The Dog Ate My Motivation

Fear Holding You Back?

Maria

Trust and intuition go hand in hand. So many people think intuition is something “out there” or woo-woo, when in fact it’s a natural sense.

You can’t see or touch intuition, but you can perceive it.

I have done readings for the public for more than twenty years and I often get the question, “can you teach me how to use my intuition?” (For various reason: i.e. as in finding answers or make soul-centered choices.)

Fact is, you already have intuition built-in, and if you’re willing to slow down, go within, and listen, chances are you will feel it.

That’s where trust comes in.

Most people don’t trust their inner sense. As children we were taught to only rely on the outside world.

People lied to us and punished us if we didn’t obey or if we questioned too much. Fit in, by gum, or else!

Children are completely open to all levels until they shut down, which they will invariably do as they go through the system.

If a child can feel intuition, you can too!

practice sitting in silence. Make yourself comfortable with silence.
trust your “gut feeling.” Your body is an antenna and will never steer you wrong.
practice your intuition by running your issues or questions against your inner sense. Does it feel right or wrong? Act accordingly.
practice, practice, practice. There is no other way.
TRUST what you get and know it’s right. There will always be trial and error, but you get better the more you practice.
Make yourself at home in your inner sense.
You are the ultimate judge of what is best for you, based on your inner voice.
The more you listen, the clearer it will get.

People ask me about intuitive art since it’s something I enjoy making. I start without a plan or ulterior motive and move with the paint as each color strikes me.

Intuitive art is not always pretty, but there is always a message in the paint for me, just as in night dreams. They key is to be open to receive those subtle gifts.

This painting is a good example. I painted several layers before I saw an eye staring at me. Around the eye, I built the rest of the face. It came out all crooked, but true to what it wanted to be.

The message to me is that maybe I’m out of alignment? I have felt side-tracked lately, by my own doing. If the issue stares me in the face I can get the hint to do something about it.

Intuitive art is authentic. It speaks of deeper layers of our existence. That’s why I have explored the expression for a long time.

I paint other things, and I love mixed media, but intuitive art is about ME and what the energy is trying to tell me.

Sometimes it prompts me to find more joy.

Since we are all connected, an intuitive painting can speak to others on a deep level too.

You are freer to make choices due to your intuition. It’s okay to weigh every pro and con, but what FEELS right? Go with the feeling.

There are many angles to the subject, but intuition is always very straight forward.

I’m using my intuition to get closer to Nature, the mystical inner workings of energy. Now that is an adventure! 🙂

I have some more blog posts that tie in to this: Your Inner Child….

Another: Intuitive art or structured art?

I also have an intuitive art e-course that you can check out. It was $55, now $29. Art As Oracle…

Jump in at the deep end! 🙂

Have a great weekend.

Maria

Artist and writer