A summer filled with painting

I've done a lot of painting this summer, more than usual, and I  think its important to keep it going while I can.     Any creative person knows that you go through dry spells, blocks where you just don't have the time or energy or for whatever reason your heart just isn't in it.

I paint what I feel like painting, whether its tropical scenes of Exuma, local scenes outside if the weather is nice in Steveston, or abstract paintings just to take a break from the realism.

I like the challenge of commissioned work, it forces me to push myself a little harder knowing someone else has expectations of what they want the finished piece to look like.  

Its expensive to paint though, tubes of watercolour paint for each painting may be 50 dollars, more or less depending on the size of the piece.     Brushes if you look after them really well, can last for years, but eventually they do wear out and the bristles dwindle away.

I am running out of room for my drying paintings though and my next purchase will be a drying rack, where I can let the pieces dry without damage.    I guess most Artists dream of that perfect studio, where they can leave paper, canvas, and brushes set up and ready to go at any time.     But I think most Artists aren't that lucky and find there own spots at home, where they hope no one will move or touch anything in progress.    

A recent abstract painting of a dancer, dancing away from someone, something.

Joanne

Early morning walks at Hoopers Bay Beach

My morning walks along Hoopers Bay Beach was one of my favorite things to do on my latest visit to Exuma.    It was the perfect way to start the day, the endless blues giving me the creative energy to paint with a free and open mind.

Free of clutter, free of the unwanted little things that get in the way of happiness.

I think thats one of the benefits of being able to paint or spend hours doing anything creative or physical.    Taking any negativity going on in or around and turn it all into something worth feeling, listening too or viewing.    Staying healthy inside and out :)

Joanne

A hot and sunny June in Exuma

Beauty, freedom, peaceful and intimate, words that come to mind as I sit on the beaches of Exuma, painting.

Looking around I am in awe of the serenity, the quiet colours coming to life in the movement of the waves, the wind blowing the palm leaves and the clouds slowly changing shape with the breeze.

For me, the experience is a private one connecting with the feelings that inspire me to paint the scene with my watercolours on paper.

Before I start though, I set up my bottles of water, my paint tray, my brushes, the colours I will need for the scene and ipod music.

I am shy to show my work as a lot of artists are.   I have the experience and confidence in my skills, but painting outside leaves the finished piece  rougher as I have dealt with the outside elements of nature while painting.

I love it though, its an experience that I find so rewarding, so relaxing.   Besides, the water breaks include a swim in the ocean, a stretch to the sun to relieve sore muscles of sitting and concentrating for a couple of hours.     I usually do one painting a day on the beach and save energy for the days to come and new areas to visit and paint.    

This trip has also given me new beaches to explore while staying at a different place for my 2 weeks.
I have enjoyed walking the area daily early in the morning, walking along the rough gravel roads leading to the beaches of Hoopers Bay Exuma.     

Tomorrow I head to Chat N Chill to paint, my supplies already packed in my beach bag.
Stay tuned for new photos in a couple of weeks in my gallery.
Also, if you are a facebook user please check out and like Joanne Rienstra's Paintings, my facebook page.

Joanne

Spring Painting

Painting in the spring with the warmth of the sun on my shoulders gives me creative energy.    Its been a busy winter and I haven't had the time or energy to really do a good painting from start to finish, but finally had a few days to do that.   Pictures to be posted soon!

I just finished a couple of abstracts and a painting of one of my favorite walking spots in Exuma.    It's fun to be able to sit for hours and create, to express my thoughts with the movement of line and colour.     The only reason for stopping is to sleep.    I love it when I can't wait to get up in the morning and continue on where I left off, along with a fresh perspective on how the piece is coming along.    Sometimes the painting looks better than I expected after an intense few hours of closely working on it the night before.

Soon I will be able to paint outside again, at one of Stevestons local beaches and boardwalk areas.    I will get up early in the morning and start before it gets busy and by the time I finish the locals will have started their walks around the beach areas.    But it is still a bit cool and damp and other work is taking up my morning hours so I have to be patient.

I find it is a bit more expensive painting outside, I use more paint straight from the tube out of convenience and I have to make sure every stroke counts just a bit more.

I also have to conserve for a painting trip coming up to the Bahamas.    I am hoping to explore a few new areas this time, get some new subject matter with a different viewpoint.    But always the same gentle shades of blue and green with the bright colour of flowers to add some interest.    I can't wait!

Joanne