30 Paintings in 30 Days: Day 15

Hi friends!

Halfway there!!!! Today's piece was started yesterday and finished today. It's large at 36x36 inches square. Another focal piece! This one is my favorite so far...I love the colors and how stylish it looks. I also embellished this one with Swarovski crystals (on the blue vase). They are SO sparkly and add another touch of glamour to the piece. This time, it's more like "Jewelry for your walls" than ever! Painting florals has been so much fun; I seem to be endlessly inspired by the different color and compositional possibilities. I've found my thing! And now, to sleep. Zzzzzzzzzz....

30 Paintings in 30 Days: Day 14

I'm really happy with today's piece. I just love the colors and the style of this one. I'm bummed the photo isn't quite as vibrant as the actual painting...It's a lot darker/deeper than it looks here.  I wanted a bit of a nautical flair, so I added the yacht stripes for some extra style. I've never been one to do much with pattern, but I'm dipping my toes in a bit.

This challenge is about half way done; thank GOD! It's so hard to complete paintings every single day and be a full-time Mom to three. I get pretty darn grouchy by the time 3:00PM rolls around! So far, I'm learning how to plan my paintings to make the most of my little bits of time. I'm also learning that I can fit a lot more in the day than I thought I could! OK. Off to bed I go!

30 Paintings in 30 Days: Day 13

Hi friends!

Today I decided to do a HUGE painting. At least, it's huge for me! It's 30 x 40 inches wide and 1.5" deep. I wanted to do a "showstopper" kind of piece...a focal point for a room. I'm thrilled with how it came out; colorful, whimsical, and energetic. Painting large is hard for me; you really have to make sure you are mixing your colors well or things get flat easily. But, it's so satisfying when the piece is complete. I'm certainly ready for bed though! It took a lot out of me! I hope you like it too!

30 Paintings in 30 Days: Day 12

Hi friends!

This post is up a day late; but I DID do the painting yesterday and posted it on my Instagram and Facebook. It got too late and I was ready for bed...I just didn't have it in me to do the blog post. Sigh. So, here's yesterday's painting...I was inspired by the florals I've been doing; but wanted to try it in a more abstract and meditative way. I'm not thrilled with it; but I learned something new in terms of what I DON'T like! It all is part of the process! :) It's 18x24 inches; watercolor on paper.

30 Paintings 30 Days: Day 11

Today's painting was done in the morning during quiet prayer time. I let the brush and my hand just do what they felt they wanted and this is what came forth. Since then I have been thinking about 9/11 and how it almost feels like yesterday; yet a lifetime ago. It's a strange feeling. Now, when I look at this piece, I can see the representation of that day despite my not trying to do so. Some say God speaks through our art when we allow it. I wonder if that's true; today it certainly seems so.

30 Paintings in 30 Days: Day 9

Hi friends! Today I decided to try and create a painting using all my favorite bright colors at once. Whew! It is colorful! It's definitely a dose of serious happy. I used a patterned cloth under the vase in this one; just to add a little more interest and style. I'm happy with it! This one took me all day long because the kids interrupted me pretty much non-stop. I got a minute or two in here and there and am finally able to post it here now before I go to bed! This one is 11x14 acrylic on canvas. Huzzah!

30 Paintings in 30 Days: Day 8

Hi friends!

Today's abstract floral painting is itsy-bitsy. The size is 5x5 inches and 1.75 inches thick acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas. It's quite cute! I think it would look cool on a shelf with a collection of other nice bits; or sitting on a vanity with perfumes and such... I love the vintage inspired color palette. I think I'll have to paint these colors on a large canvas! I'm in love with that Peacock Blue paint! I'm having so much fun painting these whimsical florals! I feel so free and relaxed when I'm making them. I'm getting into the groove of what I most like to paint now! Painting every day has been a challenge with the kiddos around. (That's why I'm doing this though...to force myself to find a way!) Today I nearly didn't get to do it, but I stole a minute here and there. I find that if I plan out the painting in my head before I start, I can usually work on it layer by layer whenever I get a free moment or two. Eventually, it gets completed! Would I love to just sit and paint in one session? Absolutely! But, necessity calls for me to be more flexible with my expectations and find new ways to approach my work. Baby steps!

30 Paintings in 30 Days: Day 7

Hi friends!

This piece is similar to yesterday's. I needed more unwinding/meditating and it's perfect for Labor Day! My 6 year old daughter, Paige, ran to me with a "bouquet" she'd made out of leaves. They were a wonderful mix of fresh green and yellow leaves combined. That is always my visual reminder for the end of summer's closing in. The green leaves start to turn yellow and then red. Her little bouquet looked so lively and fresh; I just had to paint my impression of it. I live in New England and detest winter. It's nice for the first week and then I'm over it...why the heck do I live here??? No, the seasons are quite beautiful and there's always a tinge of melancholy when one closes. But, before that happens I had to catch the last colors of summer! Like the last painting, this one would look great as a focal point in a sleek frame. ( The actual watercolor paper is white; but I think the white-balance was off on my camera for this one so it looks much more gray than it really is. )

30 Paintings in 30 Days: Day 6

Hi Friends! Today's painting is a more spiritual/meditative piece of art. I needed to unwind after a difficult week caring for the kiddos. I needed some quiet and some space...just to get out my favorite colors and watch as they worked together under my watchful gaze. It was so relaxing and therapeutic. Sometimes it is nice to be zen and watch things unfold as they might. There's a release in that; and a real surrender of control. We all need that sometimes. This painting is the tangible product of this process and it's going to look great framed and as a focal point piece.

30 Paintings in 30 Days: Day 5

Hi friends!

Welcome to Day 5 of the painting challenge! This is the same bouquet I painted in Day 2; but this time I added my own color interpretations and did a much more loose and painterly style. Much more abstract. I wanted to emphasize the fun color and positive energy I felt when I saw the bouquet. I like how it has a whimsical and vintage feel...this would be so cute paired with other small paintings, drawings, and prints. I'd love to do a painting like this but HUGE. A giant focal point in a dining room or entry-way that really gives a space a laid-back and fun happy cottage vibe. I think it would look cool paired with more serious furniture to give the room a twist of something unexpected and lighthearted. This piece has a lot of spunky personality and can have the same affect for the room it's in! Since I'm exploring my style here, I'm VERY curious to know which version of this painting is your favorite? Day 2 or Day 5?

30 Paintings in 30 Days: Day 4

 

Hi friends! Here is today's painting I created...a nautical painting for sailing fans or lovers of nautical style. I love how this is a fresh take on what could have been a more stodgy looking affair. Thanks for visiting!

30 Paintings in 30 Days: Day 3

Hi friends! Here is my daily painting! This is Nubble Light in York, Maine. I had to do another coastal scene; summer isn't over yet! I am happy with the loose strokes of color in this one; I just sort of "WENT for it!" I must admit, though, that it wasn't as "fun" for me to create as the florals were. That may be a clue toward the direction I'm going. But, I'm going to keep experimenting! 27 paintings to go! I have another floral on the horizon (this one is to be more abstract) and I've got a sailboat planned as well as a lake scene. It's nice to have an outlet for all the ideas swimming in my head! I can sort of dump them out and share them with the world. I love what I do!

3o Paintings in 30 Days: Day 2

Hi friends!

I've completed today's painting! With her permission, I used Jenna Griffin's (of Gold & Bloom) floral arrangement as inspiration. (follow her amazing  feed on instagram @goldandbloom). It's 16x20 inches, acrylic on canvas. I'm thrilled with how this one came out; I just love these colors. So soft and nostalgic. Although interestingly,it came out a lot more "tight" than I'd planned. I had originally wanted to do something more abstract, simpler strokes, and much more painterly. But, it didn't feel right to do that at the time and here's how it came out.

I think I'm going to try another version that is much more loose and see how it goes. Stay tuned! Thanks for stopping by! As with any of my paintings, please feel free to inquire at megan@megancartyart.com if you are interested in purchasing a piece!

30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge

Hi there friends! Happy September!

Oh boy; I've gone and signed up for the "30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge!" My goal is to complete 1 painting each day for 30 days; even if they are tiny and simple.  I've decided to do this project because I have 3 small children (ages 6, 3 and 7 months) and finding time to paint is VERY difficult. This will force me to use my time wisely and figure out how to create even when the kids are at my feet. I can't keep using them as an excuse not to paint! I've gotta just find a way and they need to learn to WAIT! Ha! Another reason for the project is to develop my style...I keep floundering on what I most enjoy painting and I hope to gain clarity this month! I go from New England landscapes, to nautical scenery, to abstract/impressionist florals, to abstract watercolor. You know, I just LOVE color and so many things inspire me! My goal with my work is to spread happiness and positive energy through a stylish painting and I think happy color is the way to do that. Perhaps this month I will be able to discern what I most enjoy painting; and develop my style in that area. I'm excited for the challenge! I hope you'll sign up for blog updates via the RSS feed thingie and visit hereeach day to see each new work; it should be fun to see what happens. I'll also be posting the paintings on my Instagram feed...you can follow me @meandwee. Hooray!

Today's piece is an impressionistic floral painting using  my favorite colors together. I love the gestural quality in the shapes and the bright colors.  It's a 16x20 acrylic on canvas. Phew!

Discovering my purpose with my art

Hi friends!

Why are we here? Like a lot of people, I've spent a lot of time in my life wondering what my purpose here in this world is. I've read lots of books on the topic and have explored this issue with my church clergy (we're talking years and years of exploration). Now I know that I've served a lot of different purposes for different reasons at different times. But, I always wanted to connect what I do for a career with a greater way to impact the world in a positive way. It took a long time for me to really embrace the idea that my love of creating art is a gift from God and I'm meant to use it for good in my own unique way. I don't have a drive to create for no reason; and I've spent a lot of time digging around my memory banks to connect what the reason could be. And one day, not too long ago, it clicked with me. The shade snapped up and the answer was clear!

BACKTRACK!!

I've suffered from the disease of depression since I was 16 years old (I'm almost 37 as I'm writing this). I've spent many years up and many years down as I've worked to figure out how to get the chemicals in my brain to balance correctly so I can function in a nice normal and even capacity. (Otherwise I'm an unmotivated, stressed, guilt-ridden, overwhelmed mess.)  After I had my first child (my daughter, Paige) I suffered from postpartum depression and found treatment through speaking to a therapist and taking a basic medication. I was ok for a while (sort of just "meh" if you know what I mean) and then suffered severe depression during my pregnancy with my second child (my son, Noah). I also suffered the same during my pregnancy with my third child (my son, Liam).  Long story short, I am doing great right now...thanks to the right medication and the right support from my family and my psychiatrist. This illness is difficult because not a lot of people are open about it and it's also not easy to see when someone is sick with it. You can't visibly see someone is sick with depression as if you would see someone with any other disease. It can be hard to recognize due to a lot of misconceptions about it.  All this was going on after I spent years trying to have children and we suffered 4 miscarriages before I had our daughter. It was such a sad and challenging time; but it was a time I learned a lot about myself and about how important having a positive mindset is.  I share all of this to say: I've been through my deal of hard times. I know what it is like and how it feels to be overwhelmed, grieved, stressed, unmotivated, exhausted and lost.

Now, I want to show other people like me that it's possible to manage and conquer depression. I believe we have to share and help each other out! So, how does this relate to my work? Well, I want to create work that is uplifting. It's my mission statement...my work is made to uplift you, to bring you joy, to bring you peace, to bring you comfort, to help you retrieve a happy memory. I see that in my own small and special way, I can take the love I have and share it with others. I can share what brings me joy and spread it around. THAT is my real purpose. To love others. To care for others. And I can only do that in the only way that I know how.  And YOU can too! What can YOU do today to show someone love and support in your own way? I challenge you to ask yourself this each day and it will bring so much more joy into your life.  It has worked wonders for me; so I urge you to give it a try! With every new painting I complete; please know that it was made out of love, nostalgia, positive energy, and the hope it will find a match in its owner...that it will bring them the peace, comfort, and joy it was made for.

The Top 5 Reasons I Make Art

 

Being an artist is about more than just painting and creating all day. It’s also about running a business to make money and grow…and that takes a huge chunk of time! (Much more time than simply creating the art!). As I’ve moved forward building my art business I’ve had to really sit and take stock of who I am and who I want to become and ask myself tough questions in order to gain clarity in my goals. The first important question I wanted to be clear on is “Why do I create?” What is so important about being a painter? What makes me keep going? 1. It’s a Calling.

In my particular belief system, creating art is a Calling. A Higher voice is telling me I have been given the passion, the drive, the interest, and enough talent to add beauty to the world in my own way. I feel compelled to create art and that compulsion was not put there by mistake. There is a purpose behind it. I may not know what that reason is exactly (probably not my job to know!), but I know I must answer the Call and do my best to use my gifts. I’m simply miserable when I am not creating. 2. To Serve.

Similar to reason number one, I believe my art is of service to others in some way. I may not always know HOW it has served someone, but I like to have faith that it has. Perhaps my art brings happiness to someone’s stressed world. Perhaps my art reminds someone of a happy memory or time. Perhaps my art simply looks good in someone’s room and makes them feel proud of their space. Perhaps my art is on a greeting card filled with cherished handwritten sentiments to a loved one? These are just some of the ways that my art might matter. It’s not really my job to know; but it IS my job to create. 3. Make Money.

I love to paint, but I’ve gotta buy supplies and I can’t keep every painting I make! I’ve gotta get my work out there, share it with the world, and I’ve gotta earn a living. Being an artist, for me, is a business and I want to be successful at it. I don’t believe in the “starving artist mindset.” Nobody should. I’ve spent the past 27 years honing my artistic skills and I’m not about to just give that all away to the lowest bidder! I could live in poverty or I could live in abundance and I choose abundance. That’s what business is all about, right? 4. For Enjoyment.

Number three was about business, but I also like to paint because it’s fun! I want to enjoy the way I spend my time. I’m not going to sit around painting things that don’t interest me. I’m going to spend time making things that bring me pleasure and pride with hopes that it brings someone else those same things. That energy in a handmade piece of art cannot be replicated in mass-reproduction. You can really tell when an artist created something from their heart in contrast with when they made something just because they thought it might sell or be popular. I strive to find that sweet spot of creating work I love that also sells. To do that I have to have faith that “my people” will find me and I will find “my people.” My hope is that my work will speak to someone else the same way it does to me. 5. For PEACE.

Art-making is very meditative. You are able to focus deeply on what you are making and it quiets the chatter in your mind. You have a few hours of peace and harmony before you come back to the “real world” and I wouldn’t trade that time for anything. It's more cathartic than a massage! If you are stressed about anything, I highly recommend drawing, painting, or even just coloring a picture in a coloring book. You will silence the running commentary in your brain and end up with something pretty to look at. Win-Win!

I’m sure all artists have these and other reasons they create. It’s good to stop and remember what we are doing and what it's all for, especially when we are overwhelmed with the business side of things. (what’s my next Tweet? What shall I Instagram today? How many orders to I have? What supplies to I need? Why is my printer not working? When I can get to the Post Office? Why won’t this upload to my website? Crap! I forgot to do my newsletter!) Sometimes I just need to stop, pull back the scope and remember my simple purpose and just regroup. Why do you create? What is your favorite reason/biggest reason you create? Feel free to share with me in the comments below! I love to hear the thoughts of other artists and creatives. No ONE artist is successful without other artists in their corner!