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
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.
