The craving continues...

It appears that the flood of paint that spilled across paper last weekend was merely a quick fix. I need more art... I have signed up for two new online creative courses this month - the first began on Monday - although after the long wait I couldn't devote any time to it (the day job got in the way - darn it!)

It almost feels like I have been holding out for these, as if they are going to be the medication I need to settle my soul. True they will provide direction and tribe to share the ups and downs, but equally I should by now be able to cope on my own, to trek my own path.

Perhaps instead they are simply the perfect antidote to a busy life that often leaves little time for searching for my own inspiration. Being given direction takes a little stress away and gets paintbrush to paper which is the magic first step - for is it not the case that once the art starts something else takes over and the inspiration you sought so fruitlessly suddenly arrives unbidden from the corners of memory and imagination?

And what inspiration. In our first week with Jeanne Oliver 'studying the masters' we have been given the gift of Matisse. It's a real push away from comfort zones as I venture into the world of interiors, full figures (yes, arms and legs!), nudes and still life. And PATTERN!

Normally I shy away from such complications but my teachers held my hand and gave me confidence. Here's a copy of one of his pieces - I used oil pastels to try to get as close to the original as I could without spending a week on it! I was thrilled with how it turned out. Next I'm working on my own thing inspired by his techniques - a lot harder I fear!

I've begun with a few tentative sketches playing with perspective and composition...

Sharing with the crew at Sunday Sketches.