Rules or No Rules?

I've just completed my nine-week Portrait Drawing class. And, for the last two weeks, I have been very busy doing abstract creations in my Art Journal.

My heart is much happier after I finish a piece in my Art Journal that it has ever been after one of my drawing classes. So...

I think what this is telling me is that:

1) Knowing how to draw is important, and you have to practice to really ever "get there"...unless, of course, it comes naturally to you.
2) Following the "rules" of drawing (or, of my drawing instructor) irritate me.
3) Having "no rules" in the process of making abstract art makes my heart so happy!

So, I'm not going to take any more drawing classes. But I'll keep drawing because I understand what I've learned is important, and it would be a waste to lose that. I've figured out my "style" and enjoy it.
BUT, I'm going to keep doing abstract art until there isn't any left inside of me. It is so much fun to just sit down, grab a medium out of the blue, and "see what happens!" No rules, baby. That's my style.

Here is some of what I've been working on lately.

Super 8

I have not seen a new-release film in its first few days in a long time. Tonight, we went to see "Super 8" and I am here to tell you - "DON'T MISS IT!"

I am not a fan of horror films. But I did love "Stand By Me."

"Super 8" is a combo of "Stand By Me" and SciFi Horror. Somehow, magically, this movie ties it all together in a soft, meaningful way. Afterwards, you will discover all the ways they make fun of directors and Hollywood and horror. But while you're watching it, you will be tied to your seat, eyes wide open.

Jonathan was "all over me" by the end of the film, he was so frightened. But when we were driving home, Warren mentioned how it all came together for him when the guy in the row behind us yelled (towards the end), "LET GO OF THE GUN!" We all laughed out loud, and that's when the horror became entertainment.

Go see this movie! It's worth it. It could not have worked better with a famous cast. It's beautiful and touching and stupid and scary all rolled into one. It's also PG-13. Do not take your young children. There was a couple in front of us with their grandchild who must not have been ten years old. I found myself looking over at him several times...to see (and you'll understand why if you see the movie) if he was vomiting. Really, it's fun! Go see it. Tell me, PLEASE, if you do.

I can't believe I sat through it and loved it!

Jumping With June Joy

I've been a member of Coach Creative Space for almost four years, and this month CCS is celebrating its fourth birthday. Members were asked to share, in our "favorite form" what we have gained from the myriad of people and discussions which make up this community. Here is what I submitted:

I have grown so much - especially with my artistic expression - from being part of this group. The friendships that have come with it are just icing on the cake...and they are genuine, good friends. We all come and go, but we all keep being there for each other and encouraging one another to keep after what makes our hearts happy. So, to "Dan the Man" and all my special friends at CCS, "Happy  Birthday and Thank You!" from me.

Check it out if you need a place to share your creative mind and spirit with the world! http://coachcreativespace.ning.com/