Let the Picture Lead the Way!

Harlequin by Lisa L. Cyr 7 inches x 4.25 inches on illustration board Private Collection

In my artistic process, I try to create abstract color fields and environments that come from the intuitive side of me. I just let go and let the work come through. In my painting entitled Harlequin, I worked with various painting knives, sticks and scraper tools to create a very layered, tactile environment.

When I am working intuitively, I paint without thinking too much. Staying in a state of being open, responding to the surface, is very important. In order to make sure you are keeping up with what is coming through, you need to move. If you start to think too much, you shift to a left brain mode and that is when things get stiff. When my energy levels drop or the signals that I am receiving stop, slow down or fade, I put the piece aside and look at it on another day.

With the piece featured above (Harlequin), I did an intial throw down of paint and let it dry, having no idea what would revel itself. After seeing it in the studio for a bit of time, I just felt it needed black to add a graphic element to the highly color-infused background. I began by adding palette knife marks onto the surface in black. I instinctly wiped out areas at the top with one of my silicon scraper tools. It looked and felt like a mask. So, I went with it. When you build up color and then remove it in areas, interesting things begin to happen.

Then, I started responding to what was coming through by adding and subtracting from the surface to bring out the subject that was emerging. I have so many alternative, non-traditional tools that I use to create. I have written several articles on Muddy Colors about my tools and approaches to painting. If this approach is of interest to you, you should check them out!

Currently, I am working on an entire video on Painting Brushes and Tools (June/July 2023) for Muddy Colors. It is part of a three-part series. The first one entitled Painting Surface and Grounds released on the Muddy Colors patreon page in March and will be available to the public soon. The last one in the series is called Painting: Pigments, Mediums and Varnishes.(Sept/Oct 2023) I also have another video called Igniting the Creative Process: Backgrounds, Borders and Beyond also available through Muddy Colors!

One of the last things I do when I am painting is to pull out the details of a subject. I begin by adding mostly shadow shapes for the features. This allows me to see the figure grapically. I need to see where the features work with the abstact surrounding marks that build the facial structure. Trying to put an existing face (photo of a model) exactly on a more imagined one will kill the dynamic quality. Instead, I think of the features as separate and let them work with the design.

“Where mythology meets mystery and intrigue, the harlequin can be found. A performer in the theatre, the often wry comedic trickster reveals hidden truths that lie beneath the surface.”

The legendary ilustrator, painter and teacher Harvey Dunn once said, “Let the picture lead the way.” What does that mean exactly? Is the picture going to suddenly start marching off the page, leading you somewhere? Does a big hand come out, pointing the way? Is there an app that will translate this for us? Of course not. So, what is the artist really telling us?

Dunn, like many artists from every generation and art movement, is talking about the intuitive process of listening that comes from building a long-term relationship with our art. This relationship is something that evolves over time and it is very much like the relationships we build with our pets. Even though we don’t share the same language, we understand what our pets are telling us. If you ask any pet owner, they will swear that they know exactly what their pet is thinking and wants. And I agree with them.

For us to speak as well as understand the language of our work and process, we need to go through a getting-to-know period that builds trust and a positive mindset. I would like to share with you some insights that I have learned from being an artist as well as an author who has profiled creative beings from almost every discipline on a global scale.

Last year, I created a podcast entitled Rediscovering Your Creative Self. The audio series focuses on developing a relationship with the creative spirit that resides within and making daily lifestyle changes that enhance creativity to build a more creative and playful mindset.

Throughout the weekly audio program, I explore topics such as battling the inner critic, handling creative block, working through anxiety and self-doubt and interrupting the patterns that bind. I also cover managing fears, seeing mistakes as rites of passage, knowing when to open and close doors, riding the wave of triumphs and tribulations, avoiding distractions, coping with naysayers that keep one from seeing the light that resides within and so much more!

The audio series is part of the my NAVIGATING THE LABYRINTH OF THE CREATIVE MIND endeavor. The project uniquely intermixes self-reflection and personal storytelling with exploratory mixed-media techniques and expressive approaches to artmaking, elevating the creative consciousness and guiding each person on his or her path to discovering that creative spark.

Art and creative expression are powerful vehicles to combat the toxic environment that penetrates the global consciousness. From political, social and economic upheaval to global warming and the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic, stress and anxiety are at an all-time high. The culture is looking for an outlet to release the tension that is building exponentially. Scientific studies have shown that artmaking and creativity can significantly decrease cortisol levels, aiding those who suffer from anxiety, depression and mental trauma. As an art community, we need to lead by example, showing others outside the discipline, the power of art!

Let me share with you a Rediscovering Your Creative Self podcast episode that I did recently called My Cat Says Hello. In this episode, I talk all about developing a relationship with your work. Check it out!

If you are interested in learning more about working in relief on the painted surface or working in experimental mixed-media techniques, check out my Masterclass on patreon!

https://www.patreon.com/lisalcyr

A Unique Approach:

Masterclass is a unique approach to learning, where each artist works on their own projects, whether that be standalone works or works in a series. Unlike a workshop or an assignment-driven class, this online atelier supports each individual artist’s intent on creating works that they really want to pursue.

There are approximately SEVEN Live Events every month. The Masterclass Saturday sessions (usually held on the first Saturday of the month) are from 11:00am to 1:00pm EST and the In the Studio sessions are from 2:00pm to 3:00pm on the same day. In addition, there is a monthly Paint, Draw + Create Together event (once a month) on Tuesday from 11:00am to 1:00pm EST and the weekly Sketchbook Meditation + Exploration Social events (3 to 4 times a month) are on Tuesday from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

Patron Art Feedback sessions for Masterclass are conducted four times a year, giving each artist time to create their works. Artists that cannot attend live can submit up to 3 pieces for a live session review. Each review is recorded.

Experimental + Traditional Techniques:

The Masterclass online atelier covers a variety of topics from studio best practices to a vast array of experimental and traditional painting as well as expressive drawing techniques. The instructor provides monthly assistance and guidance through live demonstrations, lectures and group chats. If you miss a class, you can watch the recording at a later date.

Painted Passages: This series of posts and videos on how to employ freeform painting techniques to create magical backgrounds and environments in mixed media.

Collage Techniques: This series of posts and videos on using collage techniques in mixed-media works of art.

Working in Relief: This series of posts and videos focuses on working in relief in mixed media, exploring self-expression through texture-building and bas-relief techniques onto the painted surface.

Studio Basics: This series of posts and videos on artistic best practices for the studio artist, from working surfaces, grounds, painting mediums, varnishes, drawing and painting media to brushes, tools and equipment.

Expressive Drawing Series: This series of posts and videos explores alternative mark-making using drawing materials to create expressive works of art.

Conceptual Development: This series of posts and videos focuses on developing concepts for visually expressive works of art.

Masks, Props + Costuming: This series of posts and videos focuses on how I create unique masks, props and costumes for my figurative subjects.

Insights from the Natural World: This series of posts and videos explores using nature as an inspirational muse for creating artistic works

Just Imagine: This series of posts and videos explore working in a sketchbook as well as creating custom made books. Tactile surfaces, unique designs and engaging presentations stimulate brain activity, allowing artists to drift back to a playful state of mind.

Paint Pictures with Words Writing Club: This series of posts and videos explore writing about our works, creating poetry and prose and using the power of words to assist in the creative process!

Mixed Media Artist Series: This series of posts and videos includes insightful and thought-provoking profiles of leading artists, working in unique techniques and innovative approaches in art.

The Art of Promotion: This series of posts and videos cover artistic promotional strategies and practices.

Check out the complete Collection of Content already on the Navigating the Labyrinth of the Creative Mind site!

Behind-the-Scenes Access:

The artist brings you into her studio through live behind-the-scenes access and weekly posts and videos to current projects and creative endeavors.

In addition, you have early access to the artist’s upcoming Shows and Exhibitions.

Creative Enrichment:

Discussions regarding artistic growth and development, nurturing the creative spirit, developing personal content, embracing a multidisciplinary mindset and creating message-driven art are also explored as ways to assist artists on their own creative path.

Throughout this online workshop experience, artists discover a multitude of ways to ignite creativity, opening the door for the artistic spirit to shine! Check out the testimonials above from artists around the globe!

Get weekly access to the Rediscovering Your Creative Self weekly podcast which focuses on developing a relationship with the creative spirit that resides within and making daily lifestyle changes that enhance creativity, building a more creative and playful mindset.

Throughout the audio program, topics such as battling the inner critic, handling creative block, working through anxiety and self-doubt and interrupting the patterns that bind are explored. Managing fears, seeing mistakes as rites of passage, knowing when to open and close doors, riding the wave of triumphs and tribulations, avoiding distractions and coping with naysayers that keep one from seeing the light that resides within are covered.

Every month on the Navigating the Labyrinth of the Creative Mind site, there is new Sketchbook Challenge prompt and directive, allowing artists to discover alternative ways in which to practice art that is more personal. Art created from this endeavor is shared on the private Community Chat with other artists.

Sketchbook Meditation + Exploration Weekly Social

Every Tuesday night from 7:00pm to 8:30pm EST, you can attend an open sketchbook night social event called Sketchbook Meditation + Exploration. We discuss the Rediscovering Your Creative Self podcast episode of the week, setting an intention for our work and making daily lifestyle changes that enhance creativity.

Artists use the Sketchbook Meditation + Exploration weekly get-together as a time to commit to working in their sketchbook, experimenting and discussing with other artists topics that will help in developing a relationship with the creative spirit that resides within. Recordings are available for Masterclass artists if they miss a session!

Build a Community:

Be a part of a creative tribe, interacting with artists and enthusiasts from all around the world who have shared interests in art. This is an opportunity to create a robust artistic community, broadening your horizons as a creative person.

Your membership also includes private access to the Community Group, where patrons share art and works-in-progress, post the monthly Sketchbook Challenges as well as the weekly Sketchbook Meditation + Exploration Social art and work from the Paint Pictures with Words Writing Club. They also share inspiration, discuss new artistic tools, products and equipment as well as interesting and informative books on art and so much more!

Join Us:

The Navigating the Labyrinth of the Creative Mind Online Atelier has weekly posts and videos as well as several LIVE events each month.

Join month-to-month for $25/mo US or save 5% if you join yearly!

Join NOW!

And, by the way, my cat Mickey says hello!