The Fearless Artiste, my two-year-old
This weekend my daughter and I had some fun on canvas. I started off simply wanting to experiment with different brushes and finding my technique again, but she really made me want to just let loose! She took the brush and immediately started telling me which color she wanted, which she didn’t, back to that color, change brushes, rotate the canvas, more water, when she wasn’t “finished, mommy” and…oh my, I was so impressed with her absolute confidence in what she was doing! Don’t you wish it was that easy for adults to get past their hesitations and fears in art, and just go for it?
I call this our “Studies in Pink and Orange” series…LOL. All kidding aside, I do love how much personality is in her paintings, just like her!
This is her bossing me around…I had to snap a pic for my own giggles. Heh heh.
I’ve been missing Hawaii a lot lately, so my first piece ending up being my take on a “Waikiki Sunset.” But I also wanted to play with the idea of a lot negative space, so the second one is more of a “Sunset Strip” — ha ha.
I am certainly still searching for my own style. So alas, the painting of the 48×60 canvas for our living room has not begun just yet. But, this was SO much fun and I highly recommend you going out today and buying yourself a canvas (actually, buy many!) plus a few brushes and acrylic paint tubes, and get painting. Remember, if a two-year-old can do it, so can you!
Great post! LOVE your artwork. Love L’s as well! The Brechtel ladies are so talented. xo
It was fun little project and I hope we get to do lots more together!
I’m feeling the urge to run over to Aaron Bros down the street for some canvas and paint. Love this.
Do it! All canvases are 50% now, and 40% off at Michael’s. I think each of these 16×20’s ended up being $4.
OMG love this post – we just started painting with my daughter (2yr) and she LOVES it – we got the easel and everything and she asks to paint every day . . . she is also very choosy with what color she uses and where she paints and where i can paint ha ha ha — they are too funny at this age — Bossy is the exact word! …….i totally agree with you — i love childrens reckless abandonment of all rules and boundaries — it is so liberating
xoxox
E
How interesting that she’s the same way! Good idea, I’m going to get her an easel!
Your daughter is a cutie pie and both your paintings are heavenly! I have canvases sitting in my garage, but no inspiration whatsoever. In fact, I’m thinking of just painting them one color (blue or purple) and hanging them in the dining room to add some much needed color.
Love that idea! Do it! They’ll be so pretty. Please post pics.
I love those! There is nothing more adorable than that first shot over your daughter in that polka dot top. So cute! I can’t wait to see your huge piece when you figure it out…
E (modern24seven.blogspot.com)
Had a very different idea yesterday that the husband likes. More graphic than abstract. I just don’t know which way I want to go!
I envy children and their artistic freedom. No boundaries! My son is the same way. To have that loose of a hand. To not think twice about what you put on the paper/canvas. Jealous! Your daughter is so cute!
We could probably say that our own fears hold us back from a lot of things in life!
This post gave me a huge grin on my face…your daughter is lovely and super talented as well (let us know when she’s famous). I am blown away by your work too! I have had a large roll of canvas (about 54″ wide) in my closet for the past several years. My dad gave it to me and I have yet to do anything with it…still mustering up the courage to paint the first stroke. Thinking about painting a large abstract mural type painting to hang on my bedroom wall that my bed rests against…still deciding. Today you inspired me to give it a try, though. Canvas. Here I come!!
Do it! If it helps, remember that you can most likely paint over it if you don’t like it. And, you can purchase a canvas for a relatively cheap price so you won’t be breaking the bank. Not that I don’t have total faith in you of course! Just thinking it might be liberating to not worry about it and just go for it! ;o)
I love this! Claire and I paint canvases all the time. Right now she is really into painting stick figures but I think that is an age 5 thing. Regardless its so fun and its something to do on a rainy weekend!
I really love yours and Leighton’s. I hope you hang them somewhere!
I’m trying to do a gallery wall in my office. It’s getting there!
So cute. This could also be titled “Are you more talented than a 2 year old?” and in my case I think the answer is no! Seriously, I love what you said about no hesitations.
When working on big pieces, how do you cover up? Do you work in your living area, office, special canvas zone? I’m always worried about making a big mess in my rental.
I am home sick from work today and of course, browsing blogs! I found your site today via LDV and have been reading every.single.post for over an hour!!! I had to let you know I love your style, sensibility, and eye for home decor! Your daughter is absolutely adorable and quite talented:) Your pieces are fantastic too- inspiring me to go get some canvases and paint! Have a great day!