There is a great metaphorical story in Brené Brown’s book Daring Greatly using a Marble Jar to build trust in relationships. She tells a great story of her daughter’s teacher who kept a jar in the classroom and each time the class did something positive a marble went in the jar. Conversely, when the class veered into the land of negatives, marbles were removed. When listening to this story I thought about my art. For all Creatives, the Marble Jar can represent all of our inspiration and creative ideas. We take from this jar daily as we head to the studio. All the ideas and energy we expend on all of our wonderful paintings deplete our jar. Not to mention all of our frustrations and self-doubt that join us from time to time. We do this day after day and wonder why we are burned out and our creativity has left the building at times. Then we go on a vacation or some other inspiring adventure and come back and most of the time our creativity and zest are back. Think of our time away from the easel as time to fill our Marble Jars but don’t wait until you are burned out and need a big vacation, do this regularly. There are so many ways to fill our jar. Overall, just do things you enjoy. Take time to slow down and recharge. I typically recharge best spending time outdoors. It is amazing how much more inspired you can be when you get back to the studio. Join us in my new Facebook Group for Creatives - Angela’s Color Story and share how you are keeping your Marble Jar full!
Studio Safety in the New Year!
Hello Art Friends,
I am here today to share with you some tips that will keep you healthier while you paint. Here are my top picks to improve your work environment and health for the next decade by significantly reducing your exposure to Petroleum Products.
Chelsea Classical Studio Fine Art Supplies: I am so excited about this line of products. You can order a sampler pack to try them out in small sizes!!
No Carcinogenic Fumes
No Turpentine
No Petroleum
Need I say more. They have a line of Solvents and Mediums that are made from Lavender Oil. That’s it. Just be careful if you have allergies. Check out their website at https://www.chelseaclassicalstudio.com/
My Favorite products are:
1. Brush Cleaner
2. Lavender Spike Oil: this product can replace Turpentine but does have a strong smell. I use it for quick washes or layouts at the end of the day. It also cleans brushes well. Keep in a container with a lid for easy use and cover it up.
3. Fat and Lean Mediums: I use during the painting process just like any medium. The smell is mild and actually pleasant and not harmful.
A Few Other Tips:
Use Gamsol if Turpentine is necessary. I have been able to reduce my turps usage significantly with the above products, but if you must, Gamblin does a great job keeping products as safe as possible.
2. Res-n-gel by Weber is non-toxic alternative to heavy mediums and does speed up drying time. I use on top of thicker layers.
4. Wear Gloves!! Your skin does absorb the harmful chemicals in paints.
5. Ventilate your studio and run an air purifier that removes chemicals.
Happy Painting!!! Hope you love the Chelsea products.
Angela
My Color Story