Being Silly
One of the things I am particularly enjoying about this process of digital painting is my sense of being silly and having fun. Sometimes my silliness gets separated from my painting because I want to make sure I am reverent. But with the digital, somehow it seems ok to just be silly with the paintings and with the names.
Deadlines Looming, Digital © Diane Clancy
Many of this last series of images the last month or two, I would never do in paper or canvas and paint. For me, there is something about this medium … partly the immediacy with the tools I am using … that really bring out my silliness.
So many of them look like silly little creatures. Sue O’Kieffe also had mentioned a quote from a famous person about painting from the unconscious (or subconscious) caused figures to emerge. Somehow that also helps me feel good about these silly little beings that are emerging.
How about you? What happens when you let yourself be silly when creating?
~ Diane Clancy
Technorati Tags: digital painting, Sue O’Kieffe, creative process
I usually end up with something I want to throw in the trash and other people love it….
I love these images!
I think I am still trying to seriously learn how to use Paint Shop Pro, so I am not able to be silly and creative yet. I am looking forward to the day when I can paint like this and be happy with what I create. First I have to learn how to use all the tools. You should be proud of yourself, creating these digital paintings. They are truly beautiful and speak to me very much. I do notice that I am always looking for the symmetry in them and that I am then kind of happy when they are just a little off center. That’s what makes them interesting.
The quote is by Jackson Pollack: “”When you are working out of your unconscious, figures are bound to emerge.”
I find that working with symmetrical imagery like you and I do, that the unexpected definitely emerges when putting the pieces together. Its good to loosen up and have fun with our art, I think. I’ve seen everything from clowns in lettuce to totem animals and shamans in my work, and the result has ranged from the humorous to the deep and mysterious.
This piece is a lot of fun. I’ve felt like that! I would suggest a good dose of pepto-bismal for this fellow’s upset stomach brought on by too much stress and worry! 🙂
~Sue
Again, my little question: how do you choose your color combinations? I am stubborn in this regard. Lol
Well, Julie, given that others love what you want to throw away, I hope you will refrain from throwing!! I know Susan wanted to trash some photos and I said NO!! These are some her best sellers. I think often we are so close to things we have trouble being objective. Plus different people have different tastes and I don’t like throwing things that someone likes. Though I know many artists will disagree with me.
Irene, thank you for your comments on my paintings being meaningful to you!! That is a big piece of what keeps me going (not all of it – but part of it). I encourage to use this learning time as a time of playful exploration without having to be serious. Certainly no one can expect you to create masterpieces as you are learning this program … so use this as a stolen time for permission to play. Often I restrict myself so I don’t have to make decisions and then play within that space. So I encourage you to be learning a tool and then allow yourself to play with it!! I hope this helps to give you permission to not have to be an expert to have fun!!
Sue, thank you for reminding me of the quote. I think of it and you often as I am creating these works. What a great insight about the unexpected emerging from working with symmetry and putting the pieces together. I think that is true – because there is less focus on realism, then things can “pop through.” Very interesting!
Neda, ok, ok …. I keep thinking I have answered this – but clearly not!! I am glad you are persistent. I love that you and others care!!!! I have made taken this comment and marked it as a post to do …. hopefully soon … I am already writing in my mind.
Thank you all!!
~ Diane Clancy