I looked over at the transparencies drying on my bed and saw a quilt. Not that I'd ever make one out of transparencies, but the repetition of the pattern on each page and the muted colors just jumped out at me as a lovely addition to my bedroom. It cries for color. We have yet to paint it. I don't mind white walls, but this white is too gray, no warm glow, nor the crisp and bright white I prefer. When I get around to painting though, I think it will be the blue you see on the pillowcase on the left. Yes, I'm still working on my bed, still in the bedroom. Perhaps you saw my article, No Studio? No Problem! in the new STUDIOS magazine from Quilting Arts (on newsstands now). Same bed, different bedroom now.
I am preparing for my classes in Houston. I must make sure the transparencies are perfectly dry before stacking and packing them. I have been counting, cutting, collating and crafting for the last 2 weeks. There is so much behind the scenes work that goes into teaching a class. Multiply that times 3 or 4 and it consumes your days. The worries, the wonders…"Have I forgotten something?", "Will they like this image?", "Will I be able to fit everything into this 3-hr class?, the 1-hr Make & Take at Make It U on the show floor with hundreds watching?" "Will it all fit into my suitcase?" Any teacher can relate. You spend days packing and preparing and then through in some clothes at the last minute, knowing that you can iron them in the hotel room the night or morning before class. It's enough to wear you out.
Thank you all for the positive comments on my fledgling attempts at abstract painting. I just wasn't feelin it this past Sunday. I told my teacher I didn't know what I was doing. She replied, "Good! You're not supposed to know." Abstract art is a whole different mind set. It's more about feeling than knowing. I had the realization during class that I was not creating a painting, but finding it. It's a process of applying paint, covering up what you don't like, what doesn't work, and then applying more, looking for that line, that shape that feels right. A painting we do in class is rarely finished. During critique, one student said, "So what shall i do, wait an hour and look at it again." I laughed to myself, "An hour, how about a week!" the same time the teacher and several students said, "At least a week." Art takes time. Whether it is realistic, abstract, collage or assemblage, it takes time. This I know, so after 3 hours of searching on my canvas, I feel worn out but not worried. It's there if I choose to take the time to find it.
We've been working on abstracting the figure. I stumble. I am learning to be bolder in my line, to "attack" the painting as the teacher recommended, following Richard Diebenkorn's list, Notes to myself on beginning a painting. For this class we were to prepare a canvas or heavy watercolor sheet with a collage of text. I knew it would be covered with paint, yet I spent hours arranging the text just so. There goes that perfectionism problem again. I need to learn to let go. You can see the text in this detail. It is there as a design element when needed, covered when not.
I chose to use 300 lb watercolor paper because I thought that if Idon't like the painting, I can cut it up and use pieces of it in other works. And yes, I can paint over the whole thing too. i feel more of an affinity for the paper as well. Closer to fabric? Not sure what the reason is but a canvas seems to permanent, so rigid, so BIG! Yes, I am also having a problem working big, but abstract is best done big. Freedom to make large marks, throw your body into the action of painting, be loose. Let go. A hard lesson to learn.
This will probably be my last post until I return from Houston next month. So to make sure you and your friends stop by and visit, and to reward all who have read this far, I will be drawing a name from all those who comment for this giveaway ~ drumroll please…
A package of my new transfer product, Transfer Artist Paper, affectionately known as TAP. For more info, check out the TAP website. I've been quietly marketing it without much fanfare, but it's catching on fast. Be among the first to use it. There will be a lot more TAP talk to come.
  
   
  
   
   
 
I never thought about all the work going into teaching a class! I don’t know how you find the time! I wish i lived where there were classes. Great site. HUGS, Judy
Hope you had a blast in Houston — wish I could have been there! I hope to try your TAP soon.
Hi Lesley,
Your TAP product makes my imagination run wild. I have been a fan of your LALALAND site for years. I tend toward fixing and managing, so I,too,have a hard time just letting go. As I get older, I’m working at not being so judgemental of my creations. I’ve managed to let go of cooking and housework, so there is hope. See ya in Houston at Quilt Festival.
Oh Boy nothing wrong with that abstract. Very nice. I belong to the Ottawa Mixed Media Artists and it’s mainly abstract of course due to the nature of materials and you must use more than one medium in your work that goes to both juried and unjuried shows so that lends itself to abstract presentation. I tend to be abstract expressionism as I work with images of family and clothes and such. Anyway this is not about me. Well sort of. What I wanted to mention is that I teach art to adults with developmental disabilities and if you want to see what letting go and just getting down to the task is like go vist a group in your area if you have one. I teach mainly art to them not crafts as crafts are often to cookie cutter like to lend themselves to my teaching style but we do some on occasion plus they get crafts at other programs. At my classes they get materials and techniques taught to them and then use them to the best of their ability and the whole point is for them to be able to make lots of their own decisions in relation to their art and to embrace their abilities so Lesley just clear your mind, make decisions and embrace your ability. Likewise to everyone reading this comment. Do it and enjoy the process and be amazed at the end result as it does have an energy of it’s own that you will only exhaust yourself trying to manipulate too much. Happy art times everyone, Deborah
I’m a member of your Group and I’ve learned so much there! Your new TAP looks fab and I must say your paintings are very inspiring… it’s never too late to learn something new and you are living proof! Hope you enjoy all your classes and have fun!
Hi Lesley:
Can’t believe I stumbled across your blog. Love your work and can’t wait to see TAP and what it does. Wish I were going to Houston–(sigh).
Hello from North Beach, MD! and thank you for the giveaway.
I have been thinking about taking a class with the Art League School,….maybe soon.
I like what you’ve done and how brave you are to work “big”.
Happy days,
Joanie
Is there an article on TAP lined up for CPS?
I’d love to try it
Maggie
I can’t wait to try your new product. Will order some soon!
What a secret! I just read all of the FAQ questions. It sounds really great!
Smiles, Andra
Love your abstracts. I recently “found” some older articles by you on transfers. Can’t remember which magazine, maybe Cloth Paper Scissors. Been trying to clean out, sort and organize the craft area so that’s how I restumbled across these articles. Why does the organization of the craft area always seem like a never ending process? LOL
Stretching & stepping out of our comfort zone is hard but oh, so rewarding in the long run
Never heard of this Tap stuff. Sounds really interested.
I love the way you use the line to suggest the shape in your abstract figure piece. By finding the painting on the canvas you’re like Michelangelo who sculpt out the figures already in the marble.
Would love to try out some TAP – have fun in Houston!
I’d love to try your transfer paper. And I think your abstract paintings are nice.
I like the painting, I think you are getting a great line and the colors are wonderful
I’m always looking for a high quality transfer paper, especially one that doesn’t ‘melt’ under heat! Look forward to seeing you at Huston!
Love your abstracts. I will be checking out TAP more!
Lesley, It was your transfer techniques that motivated me onto a collage/altered arts/mixed media journey. And now I can see it continue to expand with yet another method. Many thanks!!!
jan in ohio
ps – I really like your abstract creations. Look forward to seeing more.
Adorable grandbaby. We are waiting on our first any day now. Have fun in Houston. I would love to take a class from you sometime.
Cannot wait to try out your TAP! I really like the last cropped photo with the text just peeking through. Have fun in Houston!
Lesley,
Perfection is the best you can do on the day. Trust me, I’m a quilter.
I’m also an abstract painter. I find abstract easy… but I find the way you usually work almost impossible. Perhaps it’s just a mindset…
I love your abstracts. The shapes, colors, text and texture are wonderful. I’ve taken one abstract painting class, from Marcia Staiger thru The Art League in the Torpedo Factory also in case you’d like to explore abstracts more after Bev’s class. It was a gentle torture of sorts for me since fiber is my media, but it did get me out of my comfort zone and nudged me to think and look at my work from a different angle. In fact, that’s when I began layering the materials. Hmmm…just realized it.
Have fun in with your class in Houston. Thanks for writing your blog.
Wish I was able to attend your class – I love the work you do with transparancies. Please include my name in your draw and hte best of luck with the class
I took an abstract art class last year, and I agree it was freeing. But I had more fun with the underpainting and the scraping off to reveal the layers of color. Do you think that had anything to do with my love of surface design?
Abstraction is a
“magnet”; yours pull me in; I would like to experiment with TAP,Have fun with the crowds at Make it U.
Your abstracts are wonderful. Like you, I tend to overthink my abstracts I need to learn to relax and let go. I am trying.
I do like the sound of your TAP.
I was hoping you’d have something about your trip to Houston. I know your classes will be super. Wish I was there!
I love the sound of your TAP! Would love to try it! 🙂
Leslie, I read about your TAP and would love to get some of it!
Enjoy Houston – I used to live there and took a week’s vacation every year for Festival!
Leslie, I read about your TAP and would love to get some of it!
Enjoy Houston – I used to live there and took a week’s vacation every year for Festival!
I share your confusion about abstracts. I just don’t get them. So, I’m looking forward to reading on how you are coping with those concepts.
If that’s how you “stumble” I can’t wait to see how you “dance”! I think your painting is quite good!! Have fun in Houston…hope you got everything packed
Lesley, I’m in awe of your abstract work so far! And impressed that you are taking classes in it … one of my goals. Your color sense seems to stay with you, regardless of the artform.
Abstraction is a tough one for me as well. But I think your piece with the figure is spot on! Love the colors too. Good luck in Houston and have fun for me!
I loved reading about your abstract class. It makes me want to get back to painting again. I do paint on fabric now but would like to do a traditional stretched canvas abstract.
Jo
Thanks for sharing your abstract process – it’s something I’ve always wanted to try . . .
Your new product sounds interesting!
I like your abstract work and have enjoyed the process you’ve shared. I struggle with abstraction as I am such a realist.
Sure wish I were going to Houston this year but I’m hoping to maybe make Chicago in the spring. I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time.
Lesley,
I love the colors you are using on your abstract pieces. I had not heard of TAP before. It looks really interesting. I will have to try it out.
I purchased TAP after downloading your video from Quilting Arts-Transfers. The video is great! I can’t wait to try TAP. Even the package design is fabulous. Enjoy Houston!
I love reading your blog entries. Have fun in Houston. Sure wish I could be there to take your class. Lois
I can’t wait to read more about TAPP. Enjoy your blog, I read it daily. Good luck in Huston. Peggy McDevitt
Can’t wait to check out the TAP!
Hi Lesley! I love coming to your site to read what you have to say! thank you for sharing your experiences with ‘us’ and especially your experiences in your ‘abstract’ painting class! You are a natural teacher. and even though you may not have confidence in the paintings you are producing, I think they are great! Take care!
Loved the “Studio” article – it’s great to know that even without a 15×20 feet dedicated space it’s more than possible to make great art. You’re an inspiration to all of us. Have fun in Houston.
Erin in Morro Bay