Surreal Saturday

13 Reasons Why You Should Take Up Painting

Surfs Up by smArtee

1. It's fun to experiment with color and texture.
Nothing brings out your inner child more than playing with paint.  You can swirl colors together and build up thick textures on your palette, then see how they look slathered across your canvas.  Some prefer visible brush strokes while others blend them in.  Try painting with your fingers, too!
2. You can be sloppy and still create a masterpiece.
Drawings can sometimes look a bit rough if you've gone back and erased a bunch.  With painting, you can splatter and "go outside the lines" and wind up with a very expressive piece of work.
3. You will start to come up with your own unique style that would otherwise be unknown to the world of art.
It's true.  No one has the exact same style.  Without you, the art world is missing out on what could be some extraordinary paintings!

Soy Sauce by beyeler

4. It's a healthy alternative to eating potato chips in front of the tube.
Imagine the hours of painting you could get done in the time you plop in front of the television to watch reality shows while absently chowing down on junk food.  Some shows are worth watching, but indulging in TV just because you have nothing else to do... paint instead!
5. Mention painting as a hobby in an interview and score some "creative thinking" points.
Sounds ridiculous, right?  But you know how it goes.  Employers go through hundreds of applications and interview tons of people.  They're looking for someone who stands out.  Milk it!
6. It's another thing your mom can brag about to the neighbors.
No matter how bad you think your paintings are, your mom will forever be proud of you.  And hey, if she's telling all her girlfriends that you are an artist, maybe she can score some connections and potential clients.

Glow by JuxtaposedArts

7. It's therapeutic.
Going off and painting for a couple of hours by yourself is awesome for when you need some "me time".  Your focus is on the painting and you can forget about the daily stresses for a while.  Even if you get frustrated with what you're working on, you're probably getting rid of some anger that was building up inside you.
8. You will gain a deeper appreciation for other artists' paintings.
Once you've painted, you can relate to other painters.  The next time you go to an art gallery, you'll be surprised how much more you notice about a painting, and even get some ideas for trying out new techniques.
9. People will think you have super powers (er, talent).
The main difference between artists and non-artists is that artists make art.  It's really that simple!  People who don't paint are more likely to be amazed by your work because they can't fathom doing it themselves.  The secret is just to give a shot and run with it.
10. You will learn a lot about the way you make decisions.
One of the greatest things about painting is the ever-changing process.  You may start a painting with one idea in mind, and then go in a completely different direction once it starts taking shape.  Paintings evolve in the loveliest of ways, all based on your choices.

My Hair is Alive by Flyokay

11. There are tons of opportunities to have your work displayed.
Check your local galleries, bookstores, and coffee shops to see how you can get your paintings featured.  You can also enter numerous online juried shows where you can win awards.  All it takes is a little research.
12. You're probably not as bad an artist as you think you are.
Whenever I hear someone say that they can't paint or draw, I always think "have you really ever invested any time in it?"  I cannot stress this enough: you aren't going to be good at anything the first time you attempt it.  So don't put yourself down when your painting of a dog looks more like a deformed pig; it will get better the more you do it.
13. After you complete a few paintings, people will want you to paint them something (cha-ching!).
You'll be surprised how many people will want your art to decorate their walls.  It's hip to be able to say,"My friend Sarah painted that, she's an artist."

Got a Mom? Get Her a Super Gift for Mother's Day

If your mom is like mine, she will insist that she doesn't want anything for Mother's Day... all the more reason to get her something awesome.  You've got a couple of weeks to fret over what to buy, eventually panicking the night before and picking out some silly thing at the Hallmark shop, OR you can browse my lovely selections below and get your shopping done early.

Vintage Sky Blue Beads from BlackStarBeads

Orange Floral Sleep Mask from BiBon

Printed Porcelain Town Bowl from zmedceramics

I Heart Mom from RiverCityArtworks

You are my Sunshine from Raw Art Letterpress

Tropical Garden Tissue Cozy from SewSweetStitches

Surreal Saturday

My Top 5: Comedies

1. Spaceballs

Mel Brooks made some hella funny movies, but this one has always made me laugh no matter how many times I watch it.  Favorite quote: "So, Lone Star, now you see that evil will always triumph because good is dumb."

2. Clue

Who knew a board game could be converted into such a hilarious movie?  I'd like to see Monopoly try.  Favorite quote: Colonal Mustard: "This is war, Peacock! Casualties are inevitable. You can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs, every cook will tell you that." Mrs. Peacock: "But look what happened to the cook!"

3. Groundhog Day

One of Bill Murray's best roles.  I really don't care much for Andie MacDowell, but even she can't ruin this classic for me.  Favorite quote: "People like blood sausage, too... people are morons."

4. Soapdish 

If you've never seen this early '90s movie, you have no idea what you're missing.  The all star cast includes Kevin Kline, Sally Field, Robert Downey Jr., Elizabeth Shue, and even a cameo by Carrie Fisher.  Favorite quote: "I don't think you realize how serious this operation is.  You will not have a brain when it is complete!"

5. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb

The talented Peter Sellers plays three different characters in this crazy, beautiful mess.  Just thinking about it makes me want to watch it again.  Favorite quote: "Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the War Room."

*This is no one's rating but my own.  I am interested to know what you think, so please discuss!

The Results Are In!

A couple of weeks ago I posted a poll to help me decide whether I should focus on painting, sculpting, or printmaking.  Today is the day the election ends.

Painting won!  Printmaking was never far behind, but out of the 47 people who voted, 48.9% chose painting. This means I will be pursuing painting for the majority of this year, and will hopefully produce some neat-o artwork.  Woot!

Thanks to everyone who voted.  I am always happy to leave big life decisions up to someone else, haha!

Surreal Saturday

I've been wanting to start a weekly themed post, because I've seen so many clever ones out there.  I don't know how clever this one is, but I plan to post something surreal every Saturday.  Here's today's bit of surrealism:

Thoughts?