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Isn't it true that some of the best things in life are all around us and we see them so much that we end up taking them for granted. Especially when we're pressed for time or our thoughts are consumed with worry or stress. It's so important to have times that you intentionally slow down and notice the good things that surround you. You'll live more inspired and your life will be richer if you do!  "If you aren't seeing anything inspiring, you're walking too fast." - Aeron Brown
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It's a great way to celebrate the environment, culture and history of an area. And it's attracting professional artists that are creating unique and inspiring pieces! I was fortunate to be selected for just such a project. The City of Goodyear awarded 5 artists (from hundreds of applicants) a commission to create art for a traffic signal cabinet at 5 different locations in the city. The cabinet I was assigned is in a shopping mall – where I shop all the time!  It was a great experience to connect with the owners and managers of the businesses in the mall, to talk about art. We brainstormed about subject matter, history of the area and style of painting. I found a lot of support for my florals and the bold colors I typically use.  I worked closely with the Arts & Culture Commission – scheduling the project and presenting my draft concept. I was inspired by their goal to have artwork that could be seen easily driving by, along with a few "hidden" nuggets that could be appreciated only close-up, by pedestrians. It was fun to incorporate these elements into my painting. Having decided on the local cholla cactus flower, and with the commission's enthusiastic approval, I painted on a very large wooden panel. The painting was professionally photographed, sized for a vinyl wrap, which was permanently applied to the metal cabinet. People are genuinely excited to have artwork on the streets of their communities. “The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.” – Pablo Picasso.   I've people ask me if I could teach them how to paint. My first response was to search for materials on things I learned in art classes. But isn't that kind of stuff readily available online? Then I realized that its the basic study of drawing that guides my work. It’s not that I draw perfectly but instead that drawing has helped me to see the world differently. Any venture into painting is all about seeing. Seeing as an artist is about becoming aware of what you actually see with your eyes rather than what you expect something to look like. From a scientific point of view, our eyes use a multitude of tricks and gimmicks in order to produce a vision that our brain can understand. The role of an artist is to deconstruct what we see in order to get to the mechanics and details of how we see something, then transfer that to whatever medium or style we like. Since we are all individuals, the product of our seeing will be as diverse as the number of artists in the world. Which means a whole lot! That reminds me of a wise saying: "Don't try to be someone else – they're already taken."   This intentional way of seeing is something that can be learned. That's where drawing becomes such an important foundation for any artist. Challenging yourself to look deeply at a subject and attempt to reproduce it on to a 2-D surface, requires careful looking – without preconceptions or whether it makes sense to your brain or not. Well, maybe especially if it doesn't make sense to your brain! (Remember all those tricks and gimmicks!) Can I suggest a great way to start drawing? Use your eyes to find shapes of color, shades of color, where light is touching and where shadows are falling. As you see these things, try your best to copy them. Not how you think it should look, but just what you see. One of the best tools to begin seeing this way is with a sketchbook that you use daily. Drawing is always an important part of my painting process. Abstract artists usually have the ability to draw. Even a friend of mine that creates fine art sculptural baskets will draw sketches of his ideas. As you practice and practice this kind of focused observation and recording, you will begin to see like an artist. As awkward as it might seem at first, your brain will slowly start letting your eyes take over. With regular practice, you will begin to notice that you are seeing things differently. It's like discovering a whole new world! I can't think of a better foundation and starting point for learning how to paint than drawing. And the best news – you don't have to know how to draw a straight line! (Really? Where did that excuse come from anyways!?!?!) If you have more thoughts on seeing like an artist, I would love to hear your comments below! 
We just came home from a trip like that. My husband and I found a “new-to-us” redwood old growth forest far off the beaten path – Montgomery Woods State Reserve in Northern California. I thought we would never get there on that zig-zagging barely paved road. But it was well worth the drive! Some of the tallest trees in the whole world are in this reserve.  Standing in a grove with these ancient giants was breathtaking and exhilarating. It was only about a 2 mile hike – just enough to immerse in the forest without taking all day. I love the atmosphere of old growth forests and this place was thick with it. Sound is muffled by a rich carpet of ferns and sweet smelling mulch. Everywhere you look are fallen trees, branches and stumps that are quite literally using their misfortune and decay to breed a new tree, as only redwoods can do. I felt a strong sense of ancient majesty as I looked up into the canopy overhead, trying to glimpse the tops of some of the smaller trees. Like a small rural community, every creature seems to know each other’s business and seems quite excited to be the first to announce our presence. I find that it’s the perfect balance between serenity and a thriving environment teaming with wildlife and lush foliage.
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AuthorHi! I'm Becca Farmer and I'm a modern realism painter. Archives
September 2019
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