I’ll give a brief synopsis for any not familiar with what “Acrylic April” is. Cinnamon Cooney, whom I discovered through my kids, is a YouTube Acrylic Art Phenom! (It was with her online tutorials I rediscovered my love and need to emote through painting.) “The Art Sherpa,” as she is known, teaches acrylic painting techniques for beginners and more recently, advanced artists. It was her 18+ Online Facebook Challenge that encouraged my art business. (You can refer to previous blog posts for more details.) Her mother, Ginger Cook, is an esteemed pioneer of acrylic techniques. Ginger’s paintings would have you believe she uses oil, they are amazing. (think ‘old dead guys and gals’ good!) Combining information from both of them has helped me develop my own style of painting and I LOVE IT!!! Last year, Cinnamon offered a painting a day during April with instruction; introducing more people to the wonderful world of acrylic painting and how daily painting is beneficial for more than developing skill, but our mental health, as well. She has since copyrighted the term “Acrylic April” and evolved the event by creating tools and collateral for those wishing to participate. Her mission, teaching skills and spirit are beautiful. As an acrylic painter, I will participate in this annually to inspire creativity within myself and improve my own skills.
Now that you’re up to speed, you can see I’m off to a great start one week in. Who would’ve thought that a pandemic’s timing could actually be in line with what I am doing. I’m thanking my lucky stars I can use this time to create. The images I’ve chosen are aligned with what we are experiencing. April has 30 days, 30 opportunities to grow, show and reflect my life into images.
A word prompt is available to all who participate. Week one consisted of the following in order from left to right and top to bottom in the photo above: “Glow,” Unexpected Journey,” “Fire and Ash,” Innocent,” “Lighter than Air,” “The Art of Zen,” and “The Spirit of Hospitality.” I take time to reflect and think about each phrase and how I can relay a relevant message. (Skills I often use when doing commission work. It’s important to know and understand your subject work in order to create pieces that are successful.)
Emotions have been running a muck as of late. Up, down, up down, sad, mad, happy, unsure and on and on. Of the emotions, optimism has been a difficult one to grasp. I’ve turned off unnecessary news and media updates of the negative aspects of our world, yet they seem to make there way into our social media sources. I prefer to see and share messages of love and support rather than doom and gloom. Thank goodness most of the people I follow are of the same mindset.
My body is emotionally tired, I know that sounds strange, but emotion manifests itself in our bodies in physical ways and this week it is breaking me. My response currently to our new “normal” would be to go outside and scream at the top of my lungs and release the anger, then I’d like to paint ferociously on a couple large canvases. Then I can focus on how to keep bills paid and build this little art business into something more that can offer an outlet for others who are feeling the pressures as much as me!
Feel free to share your paintings, if you are also doing “Acrylic April” with me. Share how you are approaching this new “normal”, and how you take time for yourself in spite all of this. Stay safe and well.
Big Art Hugs to all you Be-you-tiful peeps! ~ Tammy
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