Wednesday, September 8, 2010

My camera is my "comfort zone"...

..and I am trying...trying..to get out of my comfort zone..life's too short to be comfortable..all. the. time.

Don't get me wrong..I like to be 'comfortable'..as in..comfy-ugly shoes..comfy-biggie-clothes..comfy-LazyBoy recliner...

however..when we decided to go camping..I wanted to try to sketch ...I was getting too comfortable with a camera..and, being inspired by Jo from http://joreimer.blogspot.com/, I made a sketch book to take with us and sort of fashioned a "traveling-camping-hiking-sitting-by-the-lake-pretending-to-actually-fish-water coloring-kit"..

I made this  from one of those tote-bag-thingies from Barnes & Noble..I loved the look but never really used it, sooo..

Because of the plastic, I figured it would be sort of water proof {which is kinda weird because I am using water colors..hmmm }

So..one water-proof-water-color journal..


...oh, and I found this GiNorMous red button - I will make an elastic thingy to close the book with..added some water color paper pages..

Put it all in this great backpack my Mom-in-law let me use..


..and I had enough supplies{and a sun hat to shade my eyes} to try to..
..to attempt..to break through that zone..

And I painted.  I didn't listen to that nagging voice that said ..

"Seriously? You wanna paint? You kiddin' me? You can't paint.."

..and I painted.


..and I sketched..

and while they are not "museum" quality..
I remind myself that if that nagging voice was around when I was learning to walk..if I gave up because I fell down..
..or because I looked stupid with my diaper-waddle..
or if I tripped on the stairs then just "gave up"..said "Oh well..obviously I'm not very good at this...might as well throw myself down the rest of the stairs because I didn't do it right the first time..."

Well, you can see where I'd be..

So, be brave.  If you want to paint...paint.. If you want to sketch..sketch..

and tell that nagging voice to get lost..

and kick that comfort zone to the curb..
-me

17 comments:

Manndi said...

beautiful artwork Colleen! Those voices telling you not to paint obviously don't know what they are talking about :)

Robin said...

You did a fantastic job in your journal.....thanks for the inspiration and words of encouragement Colleen!

Unknown said...

So true Colleen, if we don't try things, we never learn anything new... and practice makes perfect. Love that you did this and hope you continue with your sketching and painting.

just call me jo said...

No wonder you make beautiful things--you're artistic. I'm impressed. Such a good idea.

wendy said...

Love your post! Your pictures are great! Maybe I need to get my water colors out and give them another try. Have a great week!

RoeH said...

Grandma Moses didn't think her painting were 'museum quality' but look what happened. You have so much talent and I just love the way you paint. I want one for my bedroom wall before the price goes up. Deal?

Art by Darla Kay said...

FABULOUS COLLEEN! I love your journal and I love your post! Great advice! Beautiful sketches/paintings!

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Super-cool of you, that you actually did sketching and water colors!!!! I am so *jealous* of your initiative.

No excuse, I know! If I want to do it, do it.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmm....

Where do I go for a dose of initiative?

,-)

Vee said...

Yes, any gal who took 435 pictures of her camping trip is very comfortable with her camera. Your sketchbook is wonderful. I've never felt the call to paint or sketch, but I'm glad that you were because it's way cool.

Emmy said...

"Not museum quality"?? I think that these are amazing! And I could see your artwork in a museum someday! Keep it up, Mrs. B! :D

Jillian said...

What an inspiration you are! That's it... Kicking it to the curb right now ;)

Evelyn said...

Love your watercolor paintings. Your talents seem to go on and on! That's a good thing. Mil

A Wild Thing said...

Sometimes you just gotta do it...I have projects calling my name...soon...love your work, nothing like watercolors out in the high country, getting into the moment...ahhhh, the fresh air!!!

I heart camping too, back in the high country, hiking in where you don't see another human being, brook trout and biscuits off a wood fired griddle and a hot cut of tea to warm the spirit...I wanna go!!!

Glad you made it home safe with wonderful pictures and a journal of beauty...that's what it's all about!!!
s

Lola Skw said...

Your pictures are absolutely beautiful! Thank you for posting them - you are an encouragement for all of us. Hugs, Lola

diane b said...

What a great idea and how good are you! It is a great little journal. I'm afraid I will have to stick to my camera but I'm still not comfortable with it because i have so much more to learn.

Pearl said...

Your so Brave Colleen! Love this post.

Pearl said...

And your pictures are dam good!!

Wanna see what I've been up to ??

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