THE ‘X’ FACTOR ELIMINATIONS…..

Sunday, November 13, 2011

THE ‘X’ FACTOR ELIMINATIONS…..

…..were held here at the Pasadena Convention Center but we weren’t there for that. Time for the ‘LEARNING AND PRODUCT EXPO’. I’ve taught each year since it’s inception back when the name was ‘Art Methods and Materials’. It’s been great fun over the years as people travel from all over the country to take classes. In the ‘90’s my class sizes were at least 30 students and I taught for four days. The economy has changed that somewhat but the show is still fun and exciting.

O.K., here’s the brush, here’s the paper…

That’s right, tear the paper…

Now to begin…..

Time to demo painting a Moon Bamboo!

Done!

What great students!!!

I’m now a conductor!

Painting a butterfly.

The next class was the Iris. Christine left early to head on back to Chula Vista. What a talented, fun group.

A special shout out to Gail Fishback who along with Irene Gruen does an amazing job of running this huge undertaking. Gail has been so kind to me over the years, making sure that I have everything that I need and that the logistics are as easy as can be. THANK YOU GAIL!!!

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Introduction

There is no avoiding the pull of the internet, the blogs, the YouTube imaginings. It's as if we're all 'On the Road' with Jack Kerouac each in our own world of meanderings. When we tell someone to 'get a life' it might be a bit difficult when you're dragged into other people's 24/7.

I've come to realize two foundational principals, there are no accidents and everyone has a purpose. More and more I'm desiring everyone to come into a full realization of their purpose as we all find our way on this little jewel of a planet.

For me, as a professional 'Western style artist', I stumbled into Chinese Brush Painting after a trip in 1980 to Monet's home/garden. Seeing all of his collection of Japanese woodblock prints was an ahh haa moment for me and when I returned to the States I started painting in the Chinese manner and never looked back. The first year was extremely painful for me as I felt that I should be able to master the technique since I was a 'trained' artist. Not a chance ... that just gets in your way.

Now, after teaching close to 3,000 students and having my book 'The Ch'i of the Brush' published by Watson Guptill, I can say that every one of my students does better their first day than I did my first year! Why? Because I insist that they leave their critical parent outside and just enjoy the journey, respecting the work that they do. I never let anyone throw anything away because that just ingrains frustration and defeat.

We really only begin to learn when we stop and figure out how to 'save' a painting. It works every time.I am so proud of my students, their receptivity and eagerness to express themselves is a continuing blessing for me.So, back to finding your purpose. Perhaps it starts with realizing 'it's not about me'. It so easy to want our needs met and to filter everything thru this attitude. When we realize that we're here to be of benefit to every life that we touch the universe really provides the ways and means.

The best part is that it's really exciting to not have yourself on your mind all the time!I'm re-reading a wonderful book about authenticity and in my next meandering I'll tell you about it. In the meantime I'd love to hear about your journey and am here to answer any and all questions about Chinese Brush Painting.