arts

Haiku August 25, 2012 Art Medicine

/ beverlydyer / 1 Comment

Fragile ego sits

Paints for two hours, color!

Smiles, pride takes over.

Art Prescription:  I taught an Art Prescription workshop today at UNC Wellness Center. I took in a big beautiful flower arrangement for them to work from. A tall order for most people who say “I can’t even draw a stick figure.” The medicine of the Art Prescription is to help participants be in the moment, respond to the paper and paint, let go of the inner critic, and just express! I started by giving a demonstration of blocking in colors, and the second part was to do some pen and ink to give the suggestion of movement and shape.  I could see the looks of fear on their faces as I read a couple of opening poems. By the end of our two hours together everyone was on to their second painting. Amazing what adults will do if just given the permission to play!!

Haiku August 24, 2012 Opposites

/ beverlydyer / Leave a comment

Orange Cosmos spread

Stars in the night sky, random

Expressionistic.

Art Prescription:  My one tall Cosmo stalk is now covered in blossoms. My neighbor said “they look like stars.” I really like this analogy…Perhaps why they are called Cosmos.  Here’s a sketch done by laying down a colored background and then drawing with white ink. Playing with opposite colors, light on dark.

Haiku August 21, 2012 Plant a Seed

/ beverlydyer / Leave a comment

From seed leaflets grow

Stalk rises up, new leaves sprout

A sunflower blooms!

Art Prescription:  The birds and squirrels share sunflower seeds in my garden. Fun to watch a new sprout grow about four feet tall and bloom a bright yellow sunflower. True to their name they do seem to be reaching for the sun. The real flowers are actually the tiny bits in the middle, and the yellow “petals,” are called rays. I did this plein air sketch in my garden. I’ve been taking an online class with Val Webb on watercolor lettering. A new tool for me is white ink!! So playing around I added some design in the background of my sketch. Try this in your sketchbook!

Haiku August 7, 2012 Life Paths

/ beverlydyer / Leave a comment

Life is a long path

Times the woods are dark and deep

Times sun lights the way.

Art Prescription:  The long hot summer may be getting to me a bit. I miss being able to spend extended hours outside sketching. Between the heat and the mosquitoes, I feel a little isolated inside. I’d rather be outside in nature than anywhere!! My studio is nice and air-conditioned, but sketching from life gives me a sense of renewal and vigor. I’m looking forward to three upcoming Art Prescription workshops. The first one is August 25 at the UNC Wellness Center where we will play with pen and ink and expressive painting!! Next October 20 at the NC Botanical Gardens – Expressive painting fall trees. Hope you can make one!! Call me or email if you have any questions 919 608-0247 You don’t have to be a member at the Wellness Center to participate.

July 30, 2012 Purpose

/ beverlydyer / 1 Comment

Path, purpose, life force

Resilience, forward track

Find the it right now.

Art Prescription:  Picked my “Backyard Bouquet” painting up today from the framer. Makes me so happy!! Everything in life needs a frame!

Haiku July 16, 2012 Spontaneity

/ beverlydyer / Leave a comment

Change of scenery

A cure for the listless soul

Explore a new town.

Art Prescription:  Perhaps the heat is getting to me…day after day of endless sweat. Or maybe I need a change of scenery. I’ve been thinking a lot about boat scenes. I love a harbor in the evening. There is a town called Newbern in NC that is right on the river. Bike trails take you around town and river-front. Sounds like a day trip…let’s see: sketch books, watercolor pencils, ink, an adventurous spirit.

 

Haiku July 15, 2012 Ponderous

/ beverlydyer / Leave a comment

Oppressive still heat

Deep thoughts about life, living

Dragonfly flickers.

Art Prescription:  Life is like a river, swirling water changes constantly. All making its way to the sea, where there are high tides and low tides. What to do when you are feeling a bit like a bauble floating along? Walk…think (too much)…accept where you are right now. One of my favorite artists, Jeanne Carbonetti, says there is always a void before a great idea.