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| Recreating her mop up page |
I made it through the first week in the
new teaching position and new building but it was overwhelming! I often felt like I was air dropped into a
country where I didn’t speak the language or understand the customs. I was unaware of how different the vernacular of high school is from elementary. I often would have that
deer in the headlights look when asked for something. Communication is non existent which I have a hard time understanding. The two hurdles I found most frustrating were professionals assuming I knew things then getting angry when I looked at them with that blank
stare because I din't. And the schedule is often altered which means suddenly having kids stay in your classroom for 2 hours rather than 1.
Grrrrrrr! Elementary teaching is so far removed from teaching high
school, which is all I’ve ever done. For
whatever reason these teachers think I should have a handle on it after just one
week. News Flash:
I doubt that will happen even by the
end of the school year!
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| The carnage |
So I
needed to paint this week
but company was coming Saturday putting my painting date with Rae Missigman’s
15
MINUTES OF MIXED MEDIA© off until Sunday.
It's inevitable that "help" will arrive when wet paint is laying about. Allistair loves "helping". His favorite thing is laying on the computer inhibiting my view of the video.
When it was done I
hated it. My mind was frantically trying to figure out
what to do with this disaster. There was
no way I was going to post
this! A few days later I decided it didn't look
that bad. I had to remind myself that this is not my style of painting and it's okay to not like it. Again, it's all about the practice, showing up, getting the paint on the page, learning from it.
What I learned
- It’s not necessary for me to start by recreating
her mop up page. Often, it’s covered up
and very little is seen afterward.
- She makes mistakes while she is painting
too! In this video I watched her go
through the process of fixing several smears.
I always get frustrated when I smear what I just painted. It seemed like it never happens to her. I thought her paint simply dried faster than mine. Watching her make them then fix them helped
me let go of some of that perfectionism I place on myself.
How do you handle mistakes? Do you fix them while the paint is still wet or do you walk away and comeback to it after you have had time to let it go?
Joining Paint Party Friday
where having paint under the fingernails is the norm. What colors are under yours?
I watched the same video of Rae. I am surprised that you do them, too. Well i guess we all learn from our mistakes. Oftentimes when i let go of my mistakes i end up with better pages. I liked your end product very much. Good luck and ease with the new education year ahead. Happy PPF :)
ReplyDeleteA lovely painting and i like how lush the paint is... as for the teaching dilemmas...any new school is a nightmare, but transferring between levels like that is hard.. I taught high school art for years and then moved to an elementary setting and it was insanely different... still in art but that was about all that was the same ... it took a long time to adjust... good luck!! you have my sympathies dealing with it... it is hard!
ReplyDeleteMistakes are a nuisance, but had to admit, they're the best way to learn. I have to do a lot of mistakes, before that message gets to my brain!!
ReplyDeleteI don't try to fix my paintings while the paint is wet, it usually ends to disaster...it's better to leave the piece alone for quite a good time and miracles may happen. You can even begin to like it or then it's quite suitable for a background for something new.
I like that black on the bottom of your painting, it brings powerful effect to the romantic still life. And you help is adorable!
You used my favorite colors so to me your paintings are beautiful. I think that is what is so special about sharing our work. What we think is a mistake others see as perfect.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the new school. I was in many different elementary school positions but never changed to middle or high school. Not only are the kids different but so are the teachers. Give yourself time to figure it all out. It's great that you have your art to come home to.
I love your beautiful painting. It's exquisite.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful journal page. Happy PPF
ReplyDeleteMy daughter says there are no mistakes, Just Happy Accidents.
ReplyDeleteI love your painting...I'm sensing frustration in your he/art. The world blames kids for everything when in fact everything starts at the top. If there isn't a good foundation of communication for adults...imagine how kids feel. I can't understand why good people can't help guide a newbie with kindness and help. What a good example that would set for children/teens... I really do think adults need to take a better look at how they are perceived! So sorry the adjustments are not going well....You DESERVE better, as do most teachers!!
ReplyDeleteHugs Giggles
I really like your art journal page. I usually try to refrain from trying to fix what I think is a mistake until it dries which means walking away from it for awhile. Hence lots of other things in progress............ as for teaching.... you are brave. I don't envy you- it does seems as though you could have gotten a bit more support. I wish you well but am so glad you've got your art to come home to after teaching.
ReplyDeleteHappy PPF. Thanks for sharing your art and learning experience
ReplyDeleteMuch love...
Happy PPF. Thanks for sharing your art and learning experience
ReplyDeleteMuch love...
What a wonderful post. I love your work space and your artwork is lovely.
ReplyDeleteGreat art, pretty kitty and it will get easier at work. Hugs
ReplyDeleteNicole/Beadwright
Lovely work, Diane! Mistakes? You know what they say about mixed media art - "In mixed media there are no mistakes - only more layers" lol! It's always nice to see the experts blowing it, though, isn't it!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your visit and your lovely comment. I was thrilled to find the template for that basket on Pinterest. It's easy peasy to make really. I deliberately left in my "mistakes" so I could warn people of the pitfalls. Our neighbour was absolutely thrilled with it. I shall definitely be making this project again.
Shoshi
PS Meant to say - adorable little Allistair! Kitties DO so love to "help," don't they. Unfortunately our 2 are banned from my studio - Phoebe would be OK and settle down, but Beatrice is into everything and causes chaos, pulling things out and rummaging through all my stuff so they both have to be banned!
ReplyDeleteShoshi