artistchrissimpson

Artistic Discipline: A key to improvement....

2011-09-01T12:26:00.000-07:00

One of the best way's to get better at anything is obviously the good old fashioned word we all can struggle with at times: DISCIPLINE. I know, some of you might probably be thinking, not again. Seriously it can be fun and even liberating once you learn the "art," (no pun intended) of it.

We can at times tend to think of discipline as being restricting. However when you consider or find how you can have self-discipline, you will find it can be a real benefit to your success.

We all have to work at it, although I've found for some it presents more of a challenge than others.

Also our desire or continued interest has much to do with this subject of discipline.The drawing here of my hand holding a pear is an example. Holding the position in my hand as students were filling the room was a challenge indeed, hence the meaning of this blog. When you set a target goal to be determined to finish this and make it good, you will suprise yourself sometimes.We have to stick with it and realize there is a reward at the end.

It may not be what someone else would invision, but that it where true creativity begins. After all, there are so many potential artist out there who would benefit letting go of the cookie cutters.

Be different, challenge yourself, and for goodness sakes, be original. We could easily copy something for our art and at times it's good to have something to look at to find inspiration. Other times you might just want to learn a style or appreciate someones approach, in these cases then full steam ahead.

I've found you will learn and grow much more when you look inside and around yourself, then try to come to it with a freshness no one else is doing. Move on from copying. Yes I studied the pear and my hand, however as in much of my hard work, it has taken great discipline to move beyond the obvious into a personal representation meant to challenge us toward a greater vision somehow. From an artist perspective, one can hope and trust somewhere another will find value and appreciation for the laborious task.

In hopes to be understood here please let me know if this helps someone to be more creative.

It's your choice. Choose wisely and have fun.

Chris

Dealing with Rejection...

2011-08-21T13:56:00.000-07:00

There is so much I could say about this subject as I've encountered my unfair share of it and I'm sure you have as well. People feel this horrible emotion at some time or other and for artist it can be overwhelming at times. So for all us artist I have to say, we are not the only ones.Today I've come to a greater and more important realization.
Since God is above all things and He loves his creation, why should we worry about rejection or what happens? Everyone struggles and if you are one of those who just insist on not believing or trying to, this may not be for you. I hope you'll consider this and find it helpful.
He, (God), in His word, said All things work together to those who Love God, then I, you, we, don't have to carry the burden. He did and already proved so by dying a cruel death and get this, willingly! Something you or I don't have the strength or way to do.
When you realize this, then true freedom occurs and you'll witness incredible things in life and an ability to get through the hard stuff, even rejection from others.
The hardships of this life can never compare to what Jesus Christ gives to those who seek Him first and find Him. What others say in rejecting you comes to fact they are hurting but pray they find what you now have and for goodness sakes don't gloat over it because that's not good. Most important if you take away nothing else remember this, when we feel rejected by the world, try to imagine how many times we have rejected God and His Son and sometimes still do. Thank Him because He never has rejected us.

P.S For those who are so gramatically correct, yes there are many capitalized words we usually do not in my blog above.

Please keep in mind, for me atleast, the importance of God, and Jesus with any reference to Him is just like how we give importance to day's of the week, month's and personal names, ect...and capitalize them.

Glory to the one who inspires us!

Don't "diss",it's not just another ism...ha ha

2011-07-19T11:28:00.000-07:00

From the Webtsers Dictionary
ISM-1) a: act: practice: process
b: manner of action or behavior characteristic of a (specified) person or thing.
or a distinctive doctrine, cause or theory.

Just for fun thought I would write a brief bit about something I've had to deal with the unfortunate labeling of artwork over the span of my years being an artist. Some of you I'm sure understand this very quickly while some won't even take the time to try.
Oh well, sometimes we just gotta say what needs to be said.
Years ago I had someone ask me what kind of "ism" my work is, without even asking to see it as they looked down their long nose.
Let me say I'm not knocking the need in art history for having an ism now and then, it's just the fact that for all the years of hard work I've tried not to think of what category my artwork would migrate toward.
Each painting, drawing or whatever created, has to be evaluated or looked at as it's own creation for numerous reasons.
I do enjoy seeing a theme sometimes or continuity to someones art, it's just to lump things together as if it's just another one of those, impressionism's, cubism's, realism's, or whatever ism you like to name it, just does'nt get it for me. What if someone put what we care about most in just another.......ism.
I know sometimes we all do this, however let's think twice before "dissing," someone's artwork. Remember, some of them put such a risk putting themselves on the line to make it and share it.
If you read through this, thanks for hearing me out and be sure to kindly comment on what you think of this new forum I'm starting.
Artistically,
Christopher P. Simpson

Inspiration Chris get's from a Fisherman in Destin Florida, New Oil Painting

2011-06-30T10:58:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite places in the family has been Destin Florida and for years we have made the journey to this area to get away.
While there a few years ago, I saw a man fishing at the jetties and asked him if he would mind me doing some artwork of him?
He said, go right ahead, so I did a couple of sketches and photos and earlier this year finally finished the original oil painting.
Although it was closer to morning, I liked the idea of making the sky different in color and for the sake of composition leave something up to the imagination. That's why you don't see his "catch."
The water in Destin is one of my favorite's in the world. It takes on an emerald green, hence the nickname, "The Emerald Beach." The sand is as white as sugar and you'll take note of it in the distance across to the
other side of east pass. It was important not to include the bridge for to me this would be a distraction from the subject.
Hope you enjoy this first in a new possible "series" of paintings relating to fishing or fisherman.
My Grandfather loved fishing so this painting has much personal meaning as well.

We have not decided currently as to how this original will be available in print. Anyone who would like to know more contact the artist via email: christophersart@gmail.com or call 678-993-7355.
He does indicate it will be very low in number if the decision is made to have it in print format.

Doing a quick study for a painting usually helps an artist..

2011-05-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

Hi Art-lovers. I have people ask me at times how I begin a painting or what it takes to get the painting results you want.
Years ago I was commissioned to do a large painting of four by six foot in size.
Before begging the actual original art, I knew I would need something to keep me inspired throughout the creation and completion process.
I have decided to share this with those who might also be encouraged to paint or just want to know more about how this particular artist reached success.
This example you see is very small, approximately 9"x12."
Never let the size fool you in a painting. I have seen some amazing art in such a compact scale.
The point was to get in as much impact in the way of color, composition and feeling into a landscape as possible. Keeping it loose and making a basic sketch in paint is one of the goals.
I mentioned feeling. This may sound unusual for a landscape, however what I mean must be felt by the artist and attemped to communicate to the viewer something beyond "realism," yet may come across in a real way.
In my vision I try to meet with someone's request, yet not omitting the essence of the creative process. Thank goodness I've rarely had failures.
Being an artist is a constant challenge, especially these day's, but I'm a firm believer anything is possible and can be overcome.

Feel free to click on the jpeg above to get a little closer look! To see what the original looks like, go to http://www.chrissimpsonfineart.com/ home page.
Hope someone appreciates.
Chris Simpson

"You can always work on an oil painting,..."

2011-04-03T12:38:00.000-07:00

Well it's a beautiful day out and here I am inside, but for a good reason. Today I want to share with you something my Grandmothers used to say about painting when I was growing up.
The famous line is, are you ready, o.k. here it is, "you can always work on an oil painting."
Of course the other side of the coin is for the artist to know when to stop. I can just imagine all you die hard artist, (and any who have tried) out there laughing because you know exactly what I mean.
Let's go back though to the first statement, you can always work on an oil painting. For me recently this became so true because the latest painting I posted on my blog was standing in my studio and I just could not stop looking at it and thinking, "what is wrong with this picture."
In looking carefully, I decided the background was just too confusing and the painting was loosing something. Instead of adding anything I took some of it out. The man standing next to the woman and the "Bogart like" reflection in the mirror. While this was a good idea perhaps for another painting or piece of art, I knew it just did'nt feel right, so, out it went.
I also felt there needed to be something else in it but not too much to distract us from the focal point, the figure of the woman.
In searching for some more of a soulful painting, and several modifications around it such as the dress and touches to her face here and there, the idea came to me like a light bulb being fliped on.
Those who know the personal story of my "cross," I've worn for years may apprectiate this one.
I thought about how her lower hand did not have anything but her other had the stem of flowers. After considering this a while, her face seem to be in a state of deep thought so I realized she had no jewelry yet I did not want any around her head or just a ring on her finger so why not dangle a neclace with the cross?
As I painted this in there was no question, I had it.
She is complete.
So in search of a title I had two different ones, however nothing seamed right. When our friend came over who is a wonderful Christian writer/singer I had to ask her what she would name this one. She said what about, "Pondering her beliefs?"
My wife and I immediately agreed and so it was settled.
I felt I needed to maybe share this because there may be someone this may help somehow. I hope you enjoy and understand how this was such a good learning experience for me and the result is worthwhile to you as well.
I can still here my Grandmothers saying as I may have struggled with one of my early paintings, "you can always work on an oil painting." Wish they could see what I've been doing in recent years! Well that's all for now. I'll be adding more soon!!
To see what the painting looked like previously, please check out the previous blog by scrolling down from this one. Thanks!
Christopher

To see the original oil painting, "Pondering Her Beliefs," or to make a purchase of a print of it, please contact the artist. (Info below photos.)
If the painting is in a gallery, show or otherwise he will gladly let you know how else to view it.

Here are some details of the painting.

Closer view of the Cross hanging from her hand. Completely enhancing the compostion.

Closeup of the Chair. Loose brushwork create more expression or feeling.

Note the texture in the hands and flowers.

Compostition and expression have become important elements in my artwork.

Christophersart@gmail.com
http://www.chrissimpsonfineart.com/

Current status update. What Chris has been up to...

2011-03-21T13:44:00.000-07:00

To any and all fans and people who enjoy art.

Well March is here again and hope you all are enjoying it without too much "spring fever."
I have been busy teaching art as well as working diligently on many new works of art I hope to share with you soon.
Time is of the essence as you well know, so keep in touch with me and anyone interested personally may still contact me via email. (christophersart@gmail.com)
Have a great spring and be back with some visuals soon.

I will also keep you informed on how you may view original work and any shows you may be able to see my artwork firsthand.

Thanks
Christopher P. Simpson
3/21/2011

A New Finished Oil Painting by Chris Simpson

2010-05-09T23:58:00.000-07:00

This most recent artwork was just completed by Chris last Friday. The painting is inspired in part by husband and wife acting duo Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall of the 1940's, especially how they had such a rapport with one another. There was always a touch of underlying humor and mischief with the two of them and I wanted the painting to visually have these qualities as well as being a good composition.
Also the inspiration comes from the arrangement of object at the Barbara A. Wood Academy of Art where Chris teaches and produces some of his art in the Adult drawing and painting workshops.
Here Barbara A.Wood provided the set up with the wonderful chair, the female manikin dressed in one of her own outfits and great suggestions for ways to improve the painting.
We never stop growing and art is an endeavor where we should always be willing to learn more.
Hope you enjoy the painting and please feel free to contact the artist for more information.

Merry Christmas Everyone from Chris Simpson, here's one of my latest paintings revised

2009-12-23T00:15:00.000-08:00

Much thought and joy went into this oil painting as Miss Barbara had given us a great still life to create a work of art from in the adult class last year. This painting is currently showing and for sale at All Things Beautiful of Ga. with a selection of other art by Chris. 2120 Ronald Reagan Blvd. Suite 700, Cumming Georgia.
As Christmas was approaching this year, I began to think, what could I do with the painting of the doll in the chair with toy's I thought I had completed in 2008.
After some studying of it, the thought came to me, what about how this could all fit into a cozy setting with the doll and toy's at Christmas time. I don't recall doing a Christmas themed painting before and there is so much out there in this genre I almost chose not to do it as such.
However this seemed to be the perfect touch. So the tree, presents and bow on the wooden rocking horse on the right, completed the composition just in time for December 25, 2009.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holy Days. Just let's don't forget the reason we give and share especially this time of year!
With much love,
Chris Simpson

My Scottish Series and related Artworks

2009-10-20T21:30:00.000-07:00

"Ciamar a tha sibh?" Scottish Gaelic for hello or how are you.
The Artwork in this series is dedicated to all Scottish people everywhere and anyone who wishes to be or enjoys the traditions.
First of all some years back I was asked to do a large oil painting of the "Royal and Ancient," of Scotland for the Golf course Royal Lakes as a tribute to where golf all started. (Bottom Painting seen here)
With my Dad's love of Golf, I realized this is where it all started.
Little did I know at the time how my own connections were about to play out. You see, both of my major surnames are very Scottish, just one happens to be more literally connected to, but not only, the land. I had heard my Grandmother years ago say, "we are Scottish," and at the time thought nothing of it because my own interest and I was not mature enough I guess you might say.
With the past behind us, praise be to God, I have wanted to understand more where those in my family before me came from, and how this fits into me being an artist. I can still recall listening to family stories as a child visualizing what it may have been like in those days.
So the journey began to unfold. As you may see on my site and the blog here, my wife and I enjoyed our trips to Cumberland Island which became a great inspiration for my art. As I began to study the Carnegie family and the commission of the Royal and Ancient was finished, I started have more questions about my own lineage?

Intensely studying my maternal family was made somewhat easy by some family members who had compiled a book about the family.
In general, the Scottish surname dates back hundreds and possibly over a thousand years. For 5 centuries the Earls of Ross and their families lived in the Balnagown Castle you see above (top painting) that became a good subject for one of my first in the long series of Scottish oil paintings I am working on.
With my artistic license, I placed the river on this side of the Castle for the viewer to be able to see better and to have a great place for the flowers and rocks with moss.
There had to be the juniper which is a representation for the Clan Ross badge and of course what would it be without the beautiful heather along side. The bright blue sky and white clouds are symbolic for the Saltire as you will also notice flying atop the castle with the Ross tartan.
On the big tree to the right is carved on it's truck, Soli- Deo-Gloria, (to God be the Glory), which in the actual Castle is carved over one of the mantle's. Much thought, heart, and time went into creating this oil painting for all the Ross generations before and currently living and for anyone who just enjoys the beauty of Scotland and it's Castles.
The current Chief of Clan Ross is David Ross of Ross and Balnagown. He is a descendant of Ronald Ross who was a surgeon discovering the cause of Malaria, winning the Noble prize for such and also enjoyed doing some painting.
There is so much more to this "clan" and all it's connected families. That is exactly one of the points I will be making in my upcoming new book.

The Original of the Castle is currently not for sale yet to request to receive a limited canvas reproduction contact the artist directly at christophersart@gmail.com

All the Best,
Christopher Paul Simpson

Chi mi a dh'aithghearr sibh." (Scottish Gaelic for See you Soon).
Christopher Simpson

From a still life setup, The "Empress Doll Tea Party"

2009-09-17T14:59:00.000-07:00

The result was so pleasing and the reaction strong, as I completed the first Asian theme art since I was in High School.
Barbara chose such great colors for us and I took some liberties in the way of composition and moving in some different color than what was actually there.
The fabric shimmered, and the glow of the lantern was fun, but the star of the show was the Geisha Doll. As a finishing touch, we thought a fan would be the perfect addition.
The original is a must see, but if you would like a print on canvas or paper, contact me for more info. Great for restaurant, home or office for any who enjoy the theme of the far east.
Chris

2009-06-23T19:52:00.000-07:00

My Self Portrait
Christopher Simpson
(Copyright, chrissimpsonfineart)

One of my close artist friends likes to say,"to tell all is to be a bore." I must agree and in this portrait only some aspects are going to be revealed here. You may read into it what you will, just remember there is a truth in my artistic intentions and here's some insight.

In the background the Cathedral is an aged building in ruins, however for me does not mean destruction but is standing despite age and struggle. With a bold confidence rooted in deep faith, as well as many deep intangible emotions included in this painting, this has become a journey of discovery about how I have come to understand myself more though it did not begin this way.

When I began the self portrait countless hours looking into a mirror of similar size gave me no indication of what was to come. I did understand at the time I wanted to include the fact I'm an artist without overstating it, so my brushes play the part well. Notice the book in my hand. Are you able to tell what it says?

Lastly for me there is a timelessness to the painting. The flowing stream, ethereal light, and other elements makes it hard to distinguish exactly when this takes place.
After nearly two years of work, it's my hope you will not see me as thinking highly of myself and
believe me, when you spend this much time looking at yourself, it's quite humbling. Many artist have used themselves as a reference for art because of how readily available the subject is and the fact you don't have to get someone else to sit for you or rely on a photograph.

For we all find we must be true to the person looking back at us in the reflection.
So I leave you with this poem. Christopher Paul Simpson. 2009

The man in the glass
When you get what you want in your struggle for self
and the world makes you king for a day,
just go to a mirror and look at yourself and see what that man has to say.
For it isn't your father of mother or wife whose judgment upon you must pass,
the fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
is the one staring back from the glass.

Some people might think you're a straight-shooting chum
and call you a wonderful guy.
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
if you can't look him straight in the eye.

He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest
for he's with you clear to the end and you've passed the most dangerous test
if the guy in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
and get pats on the back as you pass,
but your final reward will be heartache and tears
if you've cheated the man in the glass.
-Author unknown

2009-06-03T21:16:00.000-07:00

The Importance of Sketching and Drawing is so relevant to creating a painting.

It's been a while since I've blogged.
For anyone out there who'd like to know more, I'm resuming from a much needed break.

Many of you know the need for good sketches in your art if you have been doing your art for years.
Sometimes we forget just how it does help us with our idea.

Here is one example from one of my paintings "Seaside Journey," first in my Cumberland Island series which began several years ago.
I've included the finished painting along side the drawings.
These sketches or drawings were completed on Cumberland Island.
Then I study them carefully at home to decide how I want the painting to look. You see the gulls as you look at the finished oil. It's more than just copying your graphite work into your painting. I always think, where is the best placement for what I am trying to convey or how will this work out when finished. In the bottom one, notice how I have several thumbnail sketches, even one I didn't get to do. Your working with the idea here, so keep developing it.

The composition is important as I tell my students. Always or as much as you are able, carry your sketch book with you, on trips, out to eat, to the park. Inspiration strikes and it's hard to remember by words the experience you had "seen," with your eyes.
You will notice I sometimes write on my drawings. I don't advocate this always, but at the time for me it was a way to remember more than I find time for drawing and besides, dinner was almost done, ha ha.
There's something to be said about a drawing and even a loose sketch can speak volumes to you later about what you beheld in front of you in "real life." So don't be too critical of yourself when you sketch. Allow your feeling into it.

This is why life drawing is so important to all of us artist and anyone who
enjoys the process of art.

I will continue next time on the steps in between this and the finished artwork. Also check out my other blogs like the updates to student work at the Academy and my website, www.chrissimpsonfineart.com

Thanks for your interest and
keep on keeping on,
Christopher P. Simpson

artistchrissimpson

2008-11-25T00:38:00.000-08:00