Stalled Out Student Seeks to Bloom! Part 2 of 2

Stalled Out Student Seeks to Bloom! Part 2 of 2

Aug 2, 2024 | Art, Essay, Reflections, Self Improvement, watercolor

Watercolor painting of two zinnia blooms

This post is the conclusion of the previous post.  If you missed it, you can read that post here https://www.sparrowshinedesigns.com/stalled-out-student-seeks-to-bloom-part-1-of-2/.

“Hello, my name is Renee and I am an ‘online-learning addict.’  It’s been seven(+) days since my last confession.  In those seven days I have paid my monthly dues to the three Patreon accounts I follow, renewed my annual Skillshare account,  have dipped into classes on at least three other learning platforms, and have continued to ease myself into slumberland each evening with online art ASMR.”

During my last post, I mentioned that I discovered yet another You Tube creator with wisdom and skills to share, so I quickly pressed the “Subscribe” button. (Yes, using the same itchy finger that likes to play on the checkout page!)  Within two weeks of subscribing to her channel, Jackie Hernandez popped into my email with the subject “How to Quit Tutorials and Why You Should”.

Oooooh, she’s been in my head!  I cannot count the times I have chastised myself for relying too heavily on tutorials.  As a former teacher, Bloom’s Taxonomy is emblazoned on my very core.  Bloom’s Taxonomy succinctly describes the path to mastery.  At its base sits “Remembering”- the least masterful of all the levels, but necessary just the same.  At the top of the hierarchy of learning is “Creating”.

  1. Remembering
  2. Understanding
  3. Applying
  4. Analyzing
  5. Evaluating
  6. Creating

“Watching tutorials” can’t be described as a form of learning using Bloom’s T, which is why I referred to it as art ASMR.  “Following tutorials” can be a great way to learn, utilizing as many as five of Bloom’s levels of learning. But how many tutorials?  How many tutorials will teach me all the techniques I need to create my masterpiece?  How many tutorials will it take to grasp the nuance of mesmerizing composition?

And just as I think I will give up all tutorials, Guilt and Shame rear their ugly voices.  “Think of how much money you have wasted if you don’t complete the tutorials!”  “You can’t replicate the demonstration lesson! What makes you think you should create something on your own?”  And I cue up the next tutorial.

During a recent tutorial session, I became very discouraged. I didn’t like my painting.  The colors appeared ‘off’.  The pigments did not blend as they should. The pencil lines confused me. My painting simply did not look like the one on the screen.  This happens frequently.  Sometimes I push through.  Sometimes I quit.  This time, I stopped the tutorial, threw caution to the wind, and kept painting.

Guilt, Shame, and Overwhelm had shackled me to the screen and its endless supply of tutorials.  But I could free myself, putting all those lessons to good use and overcoming the overwhelm by blending all that I remembered into my own expression.  An “ugly” painting gave me permission to let go of the expectation of beauty and embrace the experience of experimentation. 

That painting sat out on my desk for several days, and every time I passed it, I smiled.  I liked it.  It did not look like the instructor’s.  Instead it looked like a medley of the many instructors I like to follow.  And I believe THAT is worthy of Bloom!

In the Studio

Caterpillar with pipe on mushroom watercolor illustration.

“Ironically (or coincidentally), I have been painting blooms, zinnia blooms like last week’s post.  But today I am sharing the fish painting with you that inspired this post.  The original tutorial is from Anna Buccarelli- you can find her on You Tube if  you are interested.

I am also committing more time to my ink and brush.  Leon Russell has been a work in progress for some time.  I loved my Leon #1 as a black and white image. (The image at the top of this post.) But I had hoped to colorize it.  When I did, it fell flat.  So, I went back to the drawing board to see if I could address what I disliked.  I have made some minor compositional changes and I am nearly ready to test it with color.  

And this month our dog turned 1!  He is the inspiration for the image above which I used as an excuse to play with ink in yet another direction.  The art is about 9″x12, but I will use it to create a new Sparrowshine Birthday card.

Until next time,…

Remember, you can find me in person at Hummingbird Fine Craft on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month from 12-4.  Happy August!

What I’m Reading

 

  • How to ADHD by Jessica McCabe   – The title says it all!
  • Everything I Never Told You – Celeste Ng

 

This post has been written by Renee Griffin, a human being.  The art has been created by Renee Griffin, the aforementioned human.  No AI has been used in the creation of my art or writing.

Stalled Out Student Seeks to Bloom! Part 1 of 2

Stalled Out Student Seeks to Bloom! Part 1 of 2

Jul 18, 2024 | Art, Essay, Reflections, watercolor

Watercolor painting of two zinnia blooms

I’m a consummate learner (when the subject suits me).  I’m not sure of the origins of the word “consummate”, but it is suspiciously similar to “consumer”-and that also describes me fairly accurately.  As a student and consumer, I embody the perfect audience for the hordes of “experts” on social media hawking their knowledge and skills.  Experts who have mastered the art of multi-stream income with commercial licensing, etsy shops and online sales, pay-wall communities, and of course digital instruction.

Whenever I see the next “perfect” class, my index finger begins twitching, flexing, readying itself for the race to the checkout page.  Sometimes these purchases snowball, because now I need new tools!  Such tools include PLASTIC ballpoint pens which can only be purchased in Europe, a corzetti stamp (hand-carved wooden pasta stamp), bias-tape maker, and of course the occasional tube of watercolor to add to my growing collection.

My “online learning” addiction occasionally threatens to drain my bank account and even more frequently, it drains my ability to create. When too many techniques, styles, and disciplines clamor for my attention simultaneously, I have no idea which one to pursue and my creative engine stalls. Instead of honing my craft, I hide behind the screen with my AirPods in watching OTHER PEOPLE paint/sew/cook for hours.

Recently, during one such You-Tube-filled-evening, I came across a watercolorist whose content seemed truly intent on teaching applicable practices rather than paint-along episodes.  I did what all good online learners do- I hit “subscribe”. 

I will leave you hanging at this point.  I know you have You Tube videos waiting for you, social media messages buzzing at you, TikTok and Instagram reels to like and share.  But, next week, I am going to pick up right where I left off.  With the discovery of this new social media influencer and my reaction.

One more thing before I give you a glimpse into the studio:  I looked into the work “consummate”.  If you don’t care to know, skip the next paragraph.  But if curiosity is eating you alive, read on.

While writing this blog post, I paused to use the OED (Oxford English Dictionary) when I began to ponder the word “consummate”.  Fun fact-  the OED is a relic of my college years.  It was a large tome housed in the library.  The whole idea that I could access a digital version of it on the computer sent thrills through my nerdy-word-loving-self, until I hit the paywall.  So- using the “free” version, it appears that “consummate” and “consumer” are NOT related.  That said…. there are seven listed definitions, four of which are obsolete.  But without forking over the greenbacks, I will never know what they are.  Damn, learning gets pricey.

In the Studio

Caterpillar with pipe on mushroom watercolor illustration.

I am continuing to enjoy adding delicate lines of ink to my watercolor paintings.  At this point, I have more projects started or percolating than I am ready to show. (Didn’t I mention the “overwhelm” earlier.)  So, today I am showing off an older painting, a painting which has gone on to a permanent home!  But next week, I will have something newer to show!  

Be sure to check back next week for the conclusion of today’s post.  See you then!

What I’m Reading

 

  • A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles   – I enjoyed getting to know Count Alexander I. Rostov.  Stripped of his artistocracy and reduced to the life of prisoner/common worker, he finds quiet comfort and even pleasure in the camaraderie of his peers and a sense of purpose.  I know they made a series of this book.  I haven’t watched it.  If you have, let me know if its worth the view.

 

This post has been written by Renee Griffin, a human being.  The art has been created by Renee Griffin, the aforementioned human.  No AI has been used in the creation of my art or writing.

Reflections of a Serial Hobbyist

Reflections of a Serial Hobbyist

May 29, 2024 | Art, Essay, Watercolor, watercolor

Every parent has heard the dreaded whine of a child, “I’m bored.”  I’m certain I was guilty of such a complaint in my early years.   But in all truth, I don’t remember  being bored as a child. I had siblings to play with and a neighborhood full of my peers.  Like the other children on the block, we ran out the door in the morning and returned home for supper. We spent our afternoons slipping in and out of each other’s homes to see what snacks might be waiting for us in the kitchen and what games lay waiting in closets and cabinets.

With such an abundance of playmates to occupy my carefree childhood hours, one would expect to grow into an adult who also needs others to fill the open spaces of our days.  Nope.  I entertain myself, thank you.  In fact, I do it so well that each day begins with a list of things I would LIKE to do that is exponentially longer than the day itself.  Lately, my newest obsession is sewing.  Well, learning to be a beginner sewer, AGAIN.

That’s not to say I’ve put down any other obsessions like cooking, baking, playing in dirt, or painting, I’ve simply added another activity to absorb my time, energy and mental focus.  So, this week a ratatouille ravioli in parsley pasta, the finishing details of a skirt, a painting that’s 70% complete, and about 300 more pages in my book club’s monthly reading selection all await me.  I know it’s ridiculous to expect to do it all.  So, I am learning to forgive myself for overreaching.  The great thing about overreaching though, is that I accomplish so much more than I would have if I had simply “been reasonable”.  Some wise and eloquent person once penned this sage advice:  “Shoot for the moon.  If you miss, you will land among stars.”  I’m sure I have bungled that up a bit, but you get my drift.

One more thing I will be doing this week-  Golden Days of Summer in the MGD (Meadow Gold District).  Look for me on Saturday under the Meadow Gold Pavilion.  I will be there with paintings, cards, shirts, towels, and more.  Maybe even that 70% complete painting will find its way to my booth wall!  In the meantime, you can see some of my other recent art exploits below.

In the Studio

Caterpillar with pipe on mushroom watercolor illustration.

I have enjoyed re-discovering the joy of “what-if” in my art studio.  I have tried leaning into the “what-if’s” that occur to me as I am creating.  Like, what if I allow myself to keep the ink outline?  What if I use walnut ink, even though it is not water-proof?  What if I make the party hats after the fact and collage them on?  What if I re-paint the rabbit I loved so much?

All those tiny deviations from “the rules” and the permission to make mistakes ignites the passion that keeps me climbing the stairs to my studio- turning my back on laundry, and dusting, and the mundane chores.

Here is the second version of the “March Hare”, appropriately named, “April Hare”.   The Bassett Hound and Bumble Bee at the top of this post is a new 9×9 watercolor that is available, as well as a greeting card version.  “April Hare” is now available, as a print or the original painting which is slightly larger than the print.  “March Hare” prits are also available. (You can see “March Hare in my previous post.)

The Puffer Fish and Turtle is a birthday card I have been working on.  I hoped to have it ready for Saturday, but time will tell!

What I’m Reading

  • Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett   It’s been so long since I have posted that I have already read this one, for the third time.  I was thrilled it was chosen by my book club members, becuse it is one of my favorites! 
  • A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles   In the interest of brevity today, I will simply say I am enjoying the read, but I’ve a long way to go!

This post has been written by Renee Griffin, a human being.  The art has been created by Renee Griffin, the aforementioned human.  No AI has been used in the creation of my art or writing.

Falling Down a Rabbit Hole

Falling Down a Rabbit Hole

Apr 2, 2024 | Art, Essay, watercolor

“March Hare” March 2024, watercolor, ink, acrylic gouache, 7.5″x10″ 

It’s Easter Sunday and I just popped two orange pills that promise to alleviate my headache, my fever, my cough, and my congestion.  After 18 hours of mouth-breathing, I would settle for just being able to breathe through my nostrils the way nature intended.  But Jefferson Airplane is running through my head, and I know the “ones that mother gives you don’t do anything at all…”.  Just like the little white ones I tried last night that assured me they would cure my congestion and sinus pain.  Over the counter pharmaceuticals are no match for the common cold, severe allergies, flu, sinus aggravation…. actually, the only thing over the counter pharmaceuticals seem to eradicate is the money in my checking account.

It’s purely coincidental that it’s the day we celebrate a magical rabbit who hops from house to house delivering baskets of sweets and toys and Grace Slick’s  “White Rabbit” is the soundtrack in my head, which feels as though hundreds of fluffy cottontails have crammed in for the holiday weekend.

But it is no secret that rabbits frequently appear in my art!  Without thinking too much about it, they have appeared countless times.  Sometimes it is a nod to Alice and Wonderland and the fascination I have always had with that story and its rich visual universe.  Other times it is an intentional nostalgia for the bunnies that populated my late adolescent days. 

As I worked on the latest rabbit watercolor painting, March Hare, I rejected the cute fluffy silhouette in exchange for the lean elongated shape of the desert hare.  I wasn’t consciously examining the reason behind this choice- but as I write this, I think I made the choice because the rabbit holds so much significance to the human collective story.  My unconscious mind recognizes the rabbit as the trickster, as in the southern tales of Brer Rabbit, and as the lazy boastful hare who races the tortoise. The image of a mischievous bunny in a little blue jacket snacking in the garden and the taller grouchier version shooing crows from the garden flicker through my mind like the illustrations in the thumbed pages of a children’s story.    Brer Rabbit, Peter Cotton Tail, the Velveteen Rabbit, the White Rabbit, Winnie the Pooh, the Fox and the Hare, the Tortoise and the Hare, these infamous rabbits and their stories instructed my childhood and imprinted themselves on my understanding of the world. (Bugs Bunny shouldn’t be omitted- but we will leave the celluloid universe for another day.)   Countless cultures have stories that utilize the rabbit in its folklore.  My share of man’s collective story around the rabbit is merely a phrase, if you will-  a smudge of ink on a very long page.

I have included some images of the rabbits that have hopped from my mental Wonderland onto the page.  A few of these are available as original watercolors images, some are available as digital prints.  I know there will be more rabbits to come, and I can’t wait to see them materialize and ask them…”Who are you?”

I hope your Easter weekend was filled with bunnies of the chocolate variety! With candy-colored eggs, good times with friends and family, and the joy that comes from the re-emergence of Nature’s beauty.

I will be at Carney Fest in some form in April and at Cohlmia’s in May.  Check out the Events tab at the top of this site for information.    https://www.sparrowshinedesigns.com/events/ 

In the Studio

Caterpillar with pipe on mushroom watercolor illustration.

The two most recent watercolors I have painted have some connection to Alice in Wonderland, as I have been thinking about the things that inspired me early.  The illustration of the caterpillar requires no explanation.  March Hare is an amalgamation of so many inspirations!  Art I have admired, my love for the rabbit, my fascination with Alice and Wonderland and Mother Nature.  Among the motifs in this piece, you will discover the playing card suits as a nod to Alice.  Dandelion seed heads embody innocence and whimsy.  The use of materials such as ink and metallic watercolors fulfills my desire to play with the things that bring me joy.

 

This rabbit has been purchased, and I hope Judy finds as much joy in March Hare as I put into it.  I decided to paint a slightly smaller version of this rabbit again.  Its penciled form lies waiting for me on the drafting table, waiting to be tattooed with ink and watercolor.  I am excited to see how number two (and perhaps #3) evolve.

Watercolor and metallic watercolor. 6×6 watercolor.  Available.

Watercolor, ink, and metallic watercolor.  6×6 watercolor.  Available.

Digital art.  California White rabbit with hops wreath, hops bubbles, and “carbonation” bubbles. 10×10. Prints available.

What I’m Reading

  • Eve by Cat Bohannon-  My book club chose this one for our February gathering. It has been a FASCINATING look at the evolution of the human species from the FEMALE perspective!  At times challenging, this book has been a joy to read.  I have learned much about the paleontological evolution of the female body, but also about the pervasiveness about the male bias in all things science.  YES…still reading.  I’ve been such the SLACKER!

This post has been written by Renee Griffin, a human being.  The art has been created by Renee Griffin, the aforementioned human.  No AI has been used in the creation of my art or writing.

Watching Watercolor Dry – An ASMR Activity

Watching Watercolor Dry – An ASMR Activity

Feb 18, 2024 | Art, Essay, Humor, Ink, Nature Journaling, Reflections, Sketchbook, watercolor

Gouache painting of Kiki, my daughter’s cat.  

“Leap” as a word doesn’t get the love it should.  “Jump”, “leap’s” dynamic cousin, has gotten top billing for as long as I can recall.  “Jump” reached the top of the Billboard with Van Halen.  It has been splashed across screens, big and small, in titles like “21 Jump Street” and “White Men Can’t Jump.”  Speaking of jumping, why is it that athletes JUMP rather than leap to make a basket or catch the ball?  And if I want to purchase a one-piece-does-it-all addition to my wardrobe, it’s a “jumper”.  (We will leave romper for another day!)

“Jump” is a downer.  “Leap” is an upper.  Say the words aloud, you will hear what I mean.  Is that why “jump” is used more frequently and “leap” is shunned?  It’s always a little (or a lot) uncool to be TOO happy.  “Leap” sounds light and frivolous.

Well, I am choosing to leap into Spring!  I am leaping from the doldrums of winter.  I spent the winter months hibernating, taking solace in countless hours of You Tube, Patreon, and Skillshare.  Watching watercolor dry is a form of ASMR.

But the dark hours are shrinking, and Punxsutawney Phil has predicted an early spring.  Even February has added an extra day!  To celebrate, I will set up at Wildflower Cafe Art Market on Leap Day, February 29th from 5pm-8pm.   Stop by the cafe to see what local vendors have to offer.  The cafe offers a unique shopping experience with artists and artisans showcasing their wares on the cafe tables.  It’s a cozy experience!

As Spring approaches, I would like to invite you to leave  a comment on this post about your favorite experiment on this post.  What art do you hope to see me create this year?  And what is your favorite way to display art?  Do you like housewares or cards or prints …?   You get the idea.

In the Studio

I will keep it short today- maybe just a few pictures.  The winter months make me a little gloomy and tired, so I retreated to the realm of experimentation, education, and reflection.  I am curious to see how it all plays out this year.

A two page spread from my watercolor sketchbook.

Sea Dragon with flowers… ink and watercolor 9×9.

Exploring my beachy wishes… watercolor and ink.

What I’m Reading

  • Eve by Cat Bohannon-  My book club chose this one for our February gathering. It has been a FASCINATING look at the evolution of the human species from the FEMALE perspective!  At times challenging, this book has been a joy to read.  I have learned much about the paleontological evolution of the female body, but also about the pervasiveness about the male bias in all things science.  

This post has been written by Renee Griffin, a human being.  The art has been created by Renee Griffin, the aforementioned human.  No AI has been used in the creation of my art or writing.

Falling into the coming season

Falling into the coming season

Oct 22, 2023 | Art, Essay, Nature Journaling, Reflections, Uncategorized, watercolor

barn owl

It’s happened- the weather has changed.  Mornings are dark and quiet.  The hummingbirds and butterflies have left and the morning orchestra has hushed for the oncoming season.  I sat with my coffee this morning in my favorite viewing spot and looked out at the empty bird feeders.

This was my best summer of birdwatching.  I can say that with confidence because I suffer from a TERRIBLE memory!  And so everyday is the best day because I don’t remember otherwise.  It’s a little/lot like Groundhog Day.  But seriously- it was a GREAT season of birdwatching.  I had more hummingbirds than ever.  I had a Downy woodpecker who became one of my “best customers” at the hummingbird feeder!  I had owls, Carolina wrens, house sparrows, catbirds, and a myriad of Cardinals, chickadees, sparrows, and Blue Jays.  Just two weeks ago I heard the frantic call of a young wren.  I opened the patio door to see him standing on an outdoor pillow “hollering” for Mom (?).  He was definitely a juvenile because he hadn’t grown in his tail feathers!  But I watched him for a little bit and once I saw him successfully fly to a branch, I stopped worrying.  As I write this, I am watching my silly little blue parrotlet play in his bathwater!

My schedule has recently changed to include monthly time at Hummingbird Fine Craft.  Hummingbird Fine Craft is an art co-op on 3rd and Trenton.  I have had a spot there for nearly two years!  From now through Christmas, Hummingbird will be open on Sundays from noon-4.  I will be there nearly every one of those Sundays.  I would love to visit with you- so stop by on a Sunday and let’s chat.

Where will I be?   Saturday Oct. 28th Wildflower Cafe Art Market 10-3  This is  the last of the season!  Come enjoy the fall weather and take advantage of my show special- 6 greeting cards for 25$.  I do not have plans to participate in any more events this year.  

October through Jan. 1 I will be at Hummingbird Fine Craft from 12-4.  Of course my booth will be there Tuesday – Sunday, but I will be “IN THE HOUSE” as they say from 12-4 on Sundays, October through Christmas.  I hope to visit with some of you then and meet lots of new folks.

In the Studio

In the Studio-  It’s been a quiet month in the studio.  I have spent extra time with my family this month after my mother had a hard fall.  She is doing well, but she has been my grandmother’s caregiver for a long time.  With her out of commission, I am spending more time filling her shoes.  But I am looking forward to getting back to painting soon. Christmas is around the corner, and I am hoping to uncover my holiday spirit when I clean off the clutter in my studio.

What I’m Reading

  • Fragile Things by Neil Gaiman –  This is the perfect collection of stories to read in October.  Neil Gaiman began this collection with a beautiful introduction.  And I love reading how each story came to be. Like all collections, some resonate more than others.  I still have quite a few stories to go- but “A Study in Emerald” has definitely been a favorite.  If you like Conan Doyle, you will appreciate it.  
  • Food for Life by Tim Spector  Technically, I am no longer reading this one.  But I haven’t finished the final chapters which function more as a reference book.  I have begun listening to the Zoe podcast on occasion and it inspires me to treat my body better.
  • TheTriumph of the Moon by Ronald Hutton  This one is going to be a true marathon!  It’s a look at the history of paganism/witchcraft (specifically in Britain).  I have made it through Chapter 4.  The chapter that examined the history of secret clubs- ie the Freemasons and their ilk was FASCINATING!  

This post has been written by Renee Griffin, a human being.  The art has been created by Renee Griffin, the aforementioned human.  No AI has been used in the creation of my art or writing.

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