Not so cute

I have been a little 'owly' lately.  Is that still an understood phrase?  lol

The weather is obviously affecting us and if not, then the mosquitoes are actually driving us to distraction.

We are making serious changes to our diet.  Thank you, Mr. Rooster for your support.  ;~)  I am gluten intolerant and I push the limits far too much. I misunderstood the meaning of intolerant; it is not sorta okay!   I am agreeing with recent reads that our diets affect us in all kinds of ways, moods being just one way. 

Then I decided my lengthening hair needed tweaking.  For the first time since I was about four years old, I have bangs!  The first tentative try was way too short so I went further back and cut the hair longer.  It takes some getting used to says she as she brushes them aside AGAIN! 

I need new glasses.  A preliminary try when I made the appointment begs several questions.  Do I want coloured and cute?  Do I want neutral and classic?   Google has all kinds of tips on choosing frames. Who knew???   I will not be making my usual quick decision as the helpful staff gives all sorts of advice, customers line up at the counter and the optometrist waits to mark the exact centre of the eye while his client settles impatiently into the chair. :O  I didn't know the pupil should sit in the centre especially if one has progressive lenses.  This is particularly important for computer or hand work.  duh!  So I shall go the week before with my check list and set aside a couple of possibles.  Stay tuned for a new profile picture!  lol 

But all this brings me to style.  I learned some things during the sketchbook classes.  I am learning lots as I pursue the monthly quilted wall hangings.  And I am starting to recognize some patterns in my journal pages. I'm kinda moving forward but I need a bit more illumination because unlike an owl, I don't work so good in the dark.

There are three distinct types of art. 

Representational Art
"Representational artwork aims to represent actual objects or subjects from reality. Subcategories under representational art include Realism, Impressionism, Idealism, and Stylization. All of these forms of representationalism represent actual subjects from reality. Although some of these forms are taking steps toward abstraction, they still fall under the category of representation.  Representational art is perhaps the oldest of the three types of art. It can be traced back to the Paleolithic figurine, The Venus of Willendorf.  It is also the easiest to digest from a viewer's perspective."  To my mind I think of carved idols, cave/wall drawings, botanical sketches, sea and land scapes, portraits, etc.

Abstract Art
"The often misunderstood type of art known as abstraction aims to take subjects from reality but present them in way that is different from the way they are viewed in our reality. This
may take the form of emphasizing lines, shapes, or colors that transform the subject. Abstract art includes the subcategories of Minimalism, Cubism, and Precisionism. Abstraction can also happen when the artist decides to view the subjects in a non- traditional manner.  Abstraction is relatively new to the art world, having it's earliest roots in the deviations from reality taken by the Impressionists.  It began to gain popularity in various forms around the world at the end of the 19th century.  Artists began to take a more intellectual approach to painting."  I see the sixties geometrics, one-eyed full face portraits, ink blots, and sharp edged layering as examples.

Non -objective Art
"The third type of art is often mistaken for Abstract art although it is entirely different from it. Non-Objective art takes nothing from reality. It is created purely for aesthetic reasons. The intent of Non-objective art is to use the elements and principles of art in a way that results in a visually stimulating work. It is purely that simple."  The way I see this is just the texture of the background  and no real focal point.

But notice the subtitles.  I hadn't.  Representationalism for example, has sub titles- Realism, Impressionism, Idealism, and Stylization.  :O 

So far I have been starting with representational.  I think abstract may even be in my future.  And I've learned never to say never so who knows about non-objective!   I've identified that my owl will be somewhere between a kindergarten drawing and a photograph.  I need to decide if it will be a 'regular' owl or one from fantasy.  I must consider the whole point of why I will make an owl and how I'll tell its story because that'll help settle on which representation works best for my voice.  hoo hoo, sorry couldn't resist!    I will likely be veering away from traditional as the overall setting.  Ah, I now have a wee candle burning in my art/sewing room.

I can't quite say "You've come a long way, baby!" but I'm getting closer.  I'm not doing too much navel gazing but I am beginning to 'hone in' on the specifics of my style.

                     One thing I do know,  it is not going to be 'cute'!  ;~)