the gritty field journal
by Lucky-Jack
Your art supplies don't have to be great to make art. Its so easy to invalidate our creativity because we feel gate-kept by better supplies or knowledge. Above: This pocket pallet is conveniently small and sure looks pretty in pictures but that's about where it ends I'm afraid. Above: A mixing chart reveals the truth, the paints are not a great selection (black and orange aren't pallet standards). These paints have different consistencies and separate out hella grainy. My next paints will be different. Probably with better blues so I can mix a wider range of greens as I mostly paint plants. Above: Ahh yes only the finest will do! This paper warps and lifts but honestly ITS FINE. I didn't even know a year ago if I was going to stick with this. I fully expected to loose this crumby field journal before I ever finished it. And considering its gone from Hawaii to Alaska and nearly every airport in between its frankly a miracle its lasted. My next notebook will likely be a moleskin landscape book now that I know this size is perfect. Embrace the short comings The very nature of art supplies is that they are temporary, meant to be used up as they serve us. How many times have we kept "the good stuff" safe under our bed or in the back of a closet to afraid to ruin it? This is the beauty of shitty supplies. Zero fear. Zero guilt. So ignore self-doubt and especially the idea that only high end materials can make it real art. Anyone who says otherwise is likely trying to sell you something. No amount or quality of supplies will give us more time, better subject matter or permission to be creative. The magic ingredient will always be you.
2 Comments
Lucky Jack
3/15/2022 07:30:12 pm
Exactly! For me it means I actually use them because I'm not afraid to take them with me on my adventures. Or it means that I can work big because Im not afraid of using them up.
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