Sometimes I feel like I am auto writing, auto meaning automatically my hand has a life of it's own. I hope it's being guided by my instinct. The years I've had of looking at art, that's got to do something to you don't you think? Years of learning composition, etc. to try and ultimately look spontaneous and fresh.
I have students that write me all the time. I love hearing from them, they are so energetic about their art.
I had one boy say to me that he didn't want to do the basics, he thought it was a waste of time. Who needs to learn composition? Who needs color theory? He wanted to dive right in, I applaud him. I applaud his spontaneity.
But,what happens down the road when he needs to solve a problem? When he needs to mix a certain color? When he is stumped looking at that same piece of art for weeks, maybe months and it not working....WHY?
There is something to be said for having a great base to work from. You know how to solve issues, you know how to look at your piece, and pull it apart, rip it to shreds if need be. You know about balance, it's been ingrained into your psyche thru years of study, years of trial and error....Hey it's what gives you the freedom in the first place. Then hopefully you can depend on your instincts as an artist. Your instincts are your balance.
I see it clearly....You start out with an incredible thirst to create, you feed it, nurture it through tiny steps of educating yourself, and then come full circle again to be able to create something that works as a piece of art. A line you saw in the street or in an ad, now belongs to you. You take it, use it. Something with balance, even though you were frenzied while in that moment you were painting, your gut told you where to put that splash of yellow, etc.
It's a dance, an orchestration of sorts, just like making a great apple pie.
Let's dance!