44: Irises

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Elisa Choi

“Irises” watercolor on paper

After painting in acrylics for quite a few days,
I forgot how watercolor should be treated.
Today this versatile medium reminded me that freedom is its name.
I let go knowing that I will be guided by my intuition– the child in me at play.
Boy, was it fun!

***
I need some advice from you–
Have you tried selling paintings (acrylics or watercolor) in watercolor paper?
If so do you spray fixative or sealants on your final work?
Do you put the painting on mount, frame or no frame before shipping?
What is your pricing strategy especially if you are just a beginner in selling?
Any tips on painting for selling?

I appreciate any information you share. Thank you so much!

Paint Party Friday Rocks!

43: What I Live For

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Elisa Choi

“What I Live For” Mixed Media on Sketchbook

The thing that haunts me everyday is to create something.
Paint, draw and design.
I know I am not the best in the world at what I do.
Like you I also feel the negative vibes.
Sometimes I stay paralyzed believing in the “truth” that I am not good and that nobody cares.

But I still fight. I still do what I do.
Because to be an Artist is what I live for.

This is my calling.

Everyday I woke up to the sound of birds singing and the reflection of sunlight,
And I think to myself I want to paint that. I need to draw that.
To a photographer that might mean capturing the day’s beauty in a photograph.
To me it’s imagining the colors mixing together to create that beautiful rich sunlight,
Or sketching that raw shadow cast off by the bird.

Drawing my life has been a very enriching experience.
This calling to be an Artist is a blessing.
To be able to touch other people’s lives,
Inspire and move them…
And in turn uplift me as well.
Life has a way to do that.

____

Today I’m taking part in ‘What I Live For’, an online event organised by author Satya Robyn. People like me all over the world will be sharing what gives their lives meaning. In Satya Robyn’s novel ‘Thaw’, Ruth gives herself three months to decide whether she can find a reason to carry on living. There’s 75% off the kindle version today (99p / $1.49) – read more here: http://www.satyarobyn.com/?page_id=56

42: In the Moment

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Elisa Choi

“In the Moment” pen and watercolor on sketchbook

Getting back to the groove of life means to start somewhere.
Anywhere. Anything.
This week had been full of just that.
I pour myself on art.
I pour myself on being a beginner again.
I learn and I had fun.
It doesn’t have to be a chore.
It doesn’t have to be perfect.

When I say pour I use time wisely.
No distractions of any kind.
Just me and my art.

I wouldn’t have done all that without the grace of God.
(2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV) But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Thank you to all of you PPF artists for your wonderful support. I learned a lot from your words of wisdom last time.

41: Countryside

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Elisa Choi

“Countryside” acrylics on sketchbook

My creativity has been running low these days.
I need concepts to appear in a snap of my brain.
But to my dismay it gives me none.
Also I find it daunting to learn new things associated with what I love to do (art, design).
I wonder aloud to myself why so?
I love art but why am I feeling negatively tired and low spirited instead of positively excited and eager to explore?

Sometimes I do not understand myself.

But during those tough times I walk away from my table.
I breathe. Slowly and gently.
Thinking aloud and whispering to myself that this is just a phase that I need to embrace.
Maybe my heart is filled and choked with pressures, fears and worries.
It’s okay to walk away from the needed work.
Instead pour out those feelings unto paint and paper.
Ignoring rules and procedures.
Quick sketches.
Slap the paint.
Layer the colors.
Brush away.

The result is the painting above. Surrendered to God. Do what I can for the moment.

I need to know, what do you Artists do when face with such a conflict? Have you? Please do share in the comments below. I love to hear your words.

Painting Day 39

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Elisa Choi

“Stumbling Ride” watercolor on sketchbook

I haven’t painted for almost a week.
So today I pick up the brush and did a quick painting inspired by a prayer card.
Keeping in mind that the important thing is in the DOING.
If you have experienced failure or made a lot of mistakes,
It’s perfectly okay.
That means you are working on your dreams.
That means you are progressing.
That means you are learning even more.
It’s okay to mourn for your loss, failure and mistakes.
Because it’s guaranteed that you will get up stronger, refreshed and more determined.

It’s true because I’ve been there this week.
And I thank God for allowing me to experience the pain of hurt and failure.
In the pain there is joy.
In the failure there is triumph.

No one is going to be stuck in the rut forever.
Unless you want to.

Painting Day 38

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Elisa Choi

“Posso Farle” acrylic and watercolor on paper

Posso Farle means I can do it in Italian.
I tell myself everyday that I can do it.
I can do anything through Christ who strengthens me.
No matter how far the journey is,
Baby steps my dear.
No matter if the progress is slow.
Just paint.
Just design.
Just never give up.
Whenever negative thoughts start paralyzing me,
Draw, expel the negative energy through creativity.
Lastly if I don’t know what to do anymore…
Pause, breathe, cry, pray… pray.
Go outside.
The beautiful nature heals.
Thank you Lord.

Do what you love. Love what you do.

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