City on the Hill/ Painting by Quakertown Artist

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid.

A city on a big mountain or hill is viewable for everyone around to see. The city can’t hide whether it is a pleasant sight to see or an eyesore.

Your life and person-hood is the same way…people all around are viewing your actions. How you make them feel. Whether we like it or not, people are watching our lives. Our actions and how we treat people are crucial.

This painting was inspired by this concept. I hope it encourages us to stop and ask ourselves:

How do I portray myself to the people around me? My partner? My children? My co-workers?

Do I bring light and encouragement? Or people feel discouraged around me?

Do people of all lifestyles feel safe around me? Or do they feel condemned or judged?

These are important things to consider because these are the things that matter in life.

Bobbi Shaw Arts

This past weekend, I went on my weekly hike. I decided to explore the Columbia trail in High Bridge, New Jersey. It was so cool because many locals made many set ups of mini houses and gnomes. This particular set up caught me eye because it reminded of this very painting. I love how the church was included.

I also included a mini church in my painting. It is to represent what the church is SUPPOSED to be: a light of the world. Although, sadly, I feel like the American Church has lost that vision, hopefully we as a people can be that light as Jesus originally called us to be.

The 2nd Light by Quakertown Artist

This painting, called 2nd Light, was inspired from a photo that I have taken on one of my weekly hiking trips. This particular photo was taken on Mount Penn Preserve near Reading, Pa. I have always been inspired and fascinated by light – it has such deep spiritual meaning for me.

I really liked the perspective of this photo but it was kind of gloomy. I wanted to add light but instead of a sun, I decided to choose a moon with sunset colors.

Often times, we forget the moon is also a light – it is the guiding night at night. Our 2nd light.

2nd Light is now available as well as prints and other merchandise that you can find here: https://bobbishaw.wordpress.com/paintings-for-sale-2/

Rock Balance Art in NY

I was hiking on the IBM Glen trail in NY and came across these gems. They were SO cool and of course I had to make one for myself.

I find this art fascinating – it is so pure and organic. And not only that, there is something about the connection you feel to the earth when you make one. You have to concentrate and be gentle to get that perfect balance.

I’m thinking of finding more near home (or making my own) and painting the images on canvas. I think these little sculptures or 3D art would be a great inspiration for abstract art on canvas.

Anyway, enjoy!

Comparing your art to others/ Quakertown Artist

Do you compare your art to others?

Guilty as charged ✋. I think we all do it from time to time as artists. Especially when you create something and you are so proud until you see someone else’s work. I REALLY struggled with this while I was in art school.

Comparing your arty always isn’t a bad thing but it can be.

In fact, tonight I am getting together with my fellow art friends on zoom and we are doing an art critique on what we are currently working on. I value other peoples opinions and perspectives and it sometimes it helps me get “unstuck.”  This is the piece that I will be “bringing” tonight for the critique.

 

So, when it is good or bad to compare your work to others?

When it is a good thing:

• You learn something
• It inspires you to do art
• It encourages you
• It gives you another perspective 

 

When it is a bad thing:   

• It discourages you
• You “wish” you can do art like the other artist
• You stop appreciating you and your talents
• It creates jealously and doesn’t help you grow as an artist.

To grow as an artist, it is imperative you get out there in the art world and keep learning. It is crucial to expose yourself to other artists. But be careful that your are using that as positive energy rather than negative.

Keep being creative,

Bobbi 

 

 

How to get into the Art Zone/Bucks county Artist

Many people may just think professional artists always does good work or is always (as we call it) “in the zone”. Ha! I am here to tell you that is not the case! I posted this on social media a few days ago and it really speaks truth in volumes:

Credit: Cristiana Voinea aka Blacksmiley

So you are not alone. Here are some tips for when you aren’t in the zone or how to get into the Art Zone.

1. Don’t be so hard on yourself  Really. Take a chill pill. You aren’t going to have productive days all the time. And that is ok. Be grateful of the productive days and give grace to yourself on days when the art isn’t flowing.
2.  Work on something else. I used to be stubborn and not go on to another art project until what I am working on is finished. What a fool I was. It killed my creativity at times. Even if I have a deadline, I may take a break and work on something else for a bit and come back refreshed. See this? I still haven’t finished this and it has been a few months. And you know what? It is ok. I will get back to it.

How to get into the art zone- Bobbi Shaw Arts

3.  Play  Do something artsy that you don’t have to accomplish at all! Take some clay out, even crayons and get play like a child. You be surprised how that can get you in the zone.

4. Listen to music and look at some art. Get some inspiration from others. Browse some art online. Go to a museum if it helps. Sometimes just music can put me in the zone

5. Get out your sketchbook. If you use a sketchbook right, it can be a wonderful tool. A sketchbook is a place of ideas without judgement. Think of it as a personal journal, but for art 😊

6. Take a break. Sometimes the simplest answer is the most effective. We feel sometimes taking a break is wasting time, but that is not true. I have at times not take a break and things took me 10x longer. A break can refresh your mind and you can come back recharged.

What do you do that gets you into the zone. I would love to hear it in the comments.

Keep being creative,

Bobbi

 

TIPS FOR PAINTING EN PLEIN AIR/ Bucks County Artist

What is en plein air painting?

Painting en plain air is the practice of painting outdoors, capturing people, landscapes and scenes in natural light – rather than painting indoors from reference sketches, photographs, life models and so on.

1. Dress accordingly and travel light

First, prepare to take or wear layers of clothing to avoid colder-than-expected or steaming hot conditions.  Second, think minimalism when packing your art supplies. Do I need 20 brushes or can I bring just 3? Can I work with a limited palette instead of bringing 30 tubes of paint? Do I need an easel or can I make one with the supplies at hand?

2. Keep the process simple 

Limited palettes rule when it comes to travelling light. You will just have to plan ahead. Visualize want kind of painting and colors you want to do before heading out. You don’t have to make it complicated. Relax and have a fun attitude.

3. Plan and schedule your time

Are you planning to make finished paintings while you’re out? Or loose sketches? Or something in between, something that’s more than a sketch but that still requires work back at the studio?

Most people are so busy nowadays that they can’t find three or four hours “out of nowhere” unless they consciously pencil those hours into their schedule. It is important to make time for you! This is one of my biggest tips when it comes to art : I need to schedule in my “me” time and so should you!

 

4. Plan how to transport

I personally use a backpack because I am already used to hiking. A good Pochade box can be really useful, not only for packing your items but also to act as a small easel.  You need to decide what works best for you.

5. Plan on wildlife

In that way, painting outdoors is a little like camping.  Bug bites, wildlife, unexpected weather conditions, or a dog walking without a leash at a park. Plan for ticks (use repellent), pack sunscreen and the like.  Clean up after yourself and carry everything out. Leave no trace behind.

6. Don’t be hard on yourself

You will have to deal with your natural self-consciousness. You may have people walk by, stop and look and ask questions. You also can’t be a perfectionist and be hard on yourself. En plein air is an experience. It is a time for learning and discovering things. And most of all, a time of relaxing and fun!

 

Keep being Creative!

Bobbi Shaw

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I work better under a schedule-Quakertown artist

Things have been very quiet in my studio since the shutdown in mid March. I had ALL this time to work on my projects but I couldn’t get motivated.

I usually have a very busy schedule and for YEARS I have said: “If only my life slowed down. I’d get more done….” well life DID slow down. A LOT. And I am getting less done that I had previously!

Then I got a message asking for a commission. Requests came in. A spark started. I got my fire back! I didn’t realize that the structure I complained about, I needed all along.

Don’t get me wrong: I properly needed the rest. I am grateful for life slowing down. But it also made me grateful for my busy life.

Portrait commission, Work in Progress, Quakertown Artist

It also started to get me excited to promote myself again. I felt bad promoting art during a pandemic. But you know what? That is what I should have been doing. It took some requests to get me to realize that.

 

I guess maybe I felt life was on hold for a while. But life never stops. It may chamge but never stop.

I found during these crazy times, I am learning a lot about myself.

What have you learned during this time?

 

Keep on being creative,

 

Bobbi

Making sense of the new normal-Quakertown Artist

Life with Covid-19 outbreak: when things seem uncertain

It has been a rough couple of weeks for all of us. I hope you are all healthy and taking care of yourself.

Most of all: I hope you are being KIND to yourself.

Like me, you probably are seeing many social media posts of all the things your friends are doing during the shut down. They are painting the house, fixing the garden and catching up with projects. And if you have artistic friends: they are doing “art” everyday.

Well, don’t feel bad. Give yourself some grace if you aren’t getting things “done.” I FINALLY this week starting getting stuff done. I finally started to embrace the “new normal”.

For a few weeks, I didn’t get any art done. I didn’t get my house cleaned. I didn’t read or even watch much Netflix. I’m not sure what I did except : process everything.

I need time to process everything. I work well on a schedule. When my schedule gets out a whack, I am useless!

I finally made a “new schedule” in the new situation. It only took me over 2 weeks! So, be kind to yourself! Everyone will process this differently.

I finally got out and worked on a my new project last night: McCooles while watching The Tiger King. (I mean, what else are we going to watch?)

And fortunately for me, I got my first puppy days before this all hit. So, again that through off my schedule too! He is a nice distraction in all of this.

So literally for almost 2 weeks, I snuggled with a puppy and enjoyed my family. That is it. I didn’t do anything. I didn’t get to any projects. And that is ok, because that is what I needed.

So be kind to yourself doing this time. Don’t feel guilty or compare yourself to others.

Stay healthy and take care of you,

 

Bobbi

Drawing Advice from Famous Artists- Bucks County Artist

These are some quotes from famous  artists. I hope  this  encourages  you! Notice the struggle some of the artist had revealed in the quotes.

 

• One must always draw, draw with the eyes, when one cannot draw with a pencil.” Balthus
• Photography is an immediate reaction, drawing is a meditation.” Henri Cartier-Bresson
• Drawing is putting a line (a)round an idea.” Henri Matisse
• You can’t do sketches enough. Sketch everything and keep your curiosity fresh.” John Singer Sargent
• In spite of everything I shall rise again: I will take up my pencil, which I have forsaken in my great discouragement, and I will go on with my drawing. Vincent Van Gogh
• Have no fear of perfection, you will never reach it Salvador Dali
• How you draw is a reflection of how you feel about the world. You’re not capturing it, you’re interpreting it.” –Juliette Aristides
• In drawing, one must look for or suspect that there is more than is casually seen.” –George Bridgman
• Drawing is not what one sees but what one can make others see.” Edgar Degas

 

 

 

What are you favorite drawing quotes? Keep on creating!

 

Bobbi

 

 

Don’t let critics get to you-Quakertown Artist

Did you ever hear of the artist Pierre Brassau?

In February 1964, four paintings by a previously unknown avant-garde French artist named Pierre Brassau were exhibited at an art show in Göteborg, Sweden. The French artist attracted the most attention.

Little did they know, this “french artist” was a chimpanzee. 

Meet Pierre Brassau:

Source: http://www.hoaxes.org

Pierre Brassau was the invention of Åke “Dacke” Axelsson, a journalist at the Göteborgs-Tidningen, one of Goteborg’s daily papers. He came up with the idea of exhibiting the work of a monkey in an art show as a way of putting critics to the test — would they be able to tell the difference between modern art and monkey art? Apparently this hoax proved that most art critics could not tell the difference between a professional’s artist work and an ape!

People are going to criticize you. It is life. Many times, if you are onto something or trying something new, critics come out of the woodwork.

Don’t let people’s criticism bother you. Don’t let critics get to you. This goes for anything in life! Does that mean to be a fool and ignore everyone’s advice?

Of course not! Our goal is to always better ourselves. We are only in competition with ourselves. And taking constructive criticism and advice is very beneficial!

But don’t let it DEFINE you. People are going to give you their opinions whether you want it or not.  Learn to embrace constructive advice or opinions. Don’t let what other people think get in the way of your goals.

If critics can’t tell the difference of a monkey’s art or modern art, is popular opinion worth it? I bet if you could ask Pierre Brassau, he wouldn’t care. And neither should you! Just keep creating!!

Bobbi