PLEASE NOTE: THIS COURSE HAS BEEN UPGRADED AND IS NOW PART OF THE HAPPY ARTIST STUDIO. FIND OUT MOREĀ >>HERE<<
Have you ever thought about your way of painting as a language?
I’ve found this to be a very useful metaphor, because it instantly clarifies that
a} it’s something in which you can become ever more fluent, and
b} just as with your handwriting, you do also have a painting style that’s unique to you in all the world.
Since you’re here on this website,Ā chances are you’re not 100% clear on your personal painting language yet. You might even doubt you have one.
You might be where I was a few years ago, trying everything, taking a million classes, learning from teachers whose work I loved, enjoying it all…Ā and ending up as confused as ever.
Over time, that changed for me, but it was quite aĀ longĀ time, because I couldn’t find anyone to teach me how to paintĀ like me, and I hadn’t yet fully understood that it was much deeper and more nuanced than that. And of course, no one outside of us can truly teach us that.
In fact, one of the most exciting and rewarding things about painting is that path of discovery.
The one that leads us home to ourselves as artists and humans, expressing the truth of who we are and what has meaning for each of us.
But that doesn’t mean we can’t have help!
Perhaps you do have some idea of your personal painting language. You may already be making repeated marks and shapes, or using a colour palette or exploring a subject that looks and feels ‘like you’. But perhaps you’ve got stuck in a rut, or you know there’s more but are not sure how to uncoverĀ it. Perhaps you want to expand your language beyond its first few basic words.
That’s whatĀ AbstractifyĀ is for. While in the end it is down to each of us to put in the time and focused action to develop our art, this course has already helped many people really start to get to grips with what’s unique about their art in a way they hadn’t before.
As Elizabeth Winters, a pastĀ student of the course, said about the experience:
“Through all the Abstractify lessons, we were never told HOW to paint or draw. It was all about inspiration, encouragement, possibilities, and many very well-chosen demonstrations and videos;Ā and I for oneĀ have painted and completed more in this past month than I have ever before. And it was MY work, not a copy of someone elseās.”
The free course
However, this is not about corralling you into taking Abstractify if you’re not ready or it’s simply not for you. To explore this idea of having your own painting language further, and to help you decide either way, I have created aĀ freeĀ 8 day email course called Discover Your Painting Language, to give you a taster of what’s possible for you, as well as the kind of things we explore in Abstractify, should you wish to join us for that afterwards.
If you’d like to receive the free mini course emails without obligation, pop your details in the box at the bottom of this post. {If you’re already signed up to the Abstractify waiting list you don’t need to do anything; you’ll receive them automatically.}
How it works
Once you’re signed up, starting July 24th 2018 for 8 days, you’ll receive a daily email containing a little lesson to play around with. Each lesson will focus on an aspect of painting that relates to your unique language as an artist. There will be a concept to think about and an action to take, as well as tips and extra resources.
Rooted in practicality, the aim is to help you become more familiar with what’s ‘you’ about your art. It’s also an opportunityĀ to revive those abandoned and stalled paintings lounging around the studio {I know you have some ;)}, or simply start fresh new ones.
If you’d like to do it in company, there’s no specific hashtag but please feel free to use the #happyartistmovement hashtag on Instagram. There’s also an option to do it alongside artist friends in my private Facebook group for subscribers and course participants. You can sign up for access to that here. Or you may prefer to do it on your own and take it at your leisure.
However you approach it, the intention is, as always, to get you focused within yourself and continue to strengthen your relationship with your art. Don’t forget to sign up below if you’d like to receive the emails! Any questions, hit me up in the comments below.
Thanks for offering this. I currently just try to copy pretty photographs to make pretty paintings I definitely need pointing in a more meaningful path.
Totally valid but I do understand the desire for something more. š
Samo samo I do paintings pretty close to photos, trying to loosen up. I have responded to the free course on day of start though am in Singapore and without my art making gear for 10 days. Still don’t want to miss this opportunity
Tomorrow will find what I can to join in this adventure
The principles in it can be used any time, so whenever you’re ready it’ll still ‘work’. š
Iād love to do the Discover your painting language course x
You’ll be most welcome Tracey!
Is it too lave to get the free COURCE about making a serie of 7days?
We start Tuesday 24th. š
Please sign me up. I was just discussing this topic with a fellow artist friend. And your email course begins on my birthday. Finding this feels like a gift. So, Thank you!
You can sign up using the box at the end of the post Lanell! And happy birthday!
Well, I already have Abstractify in my toolbox, but always enjoy getting emails from you! š
š
I look forward to learning. I am an amateur artist… not having learnt from any class. This will be great for me. Half the times when u guys discuss using certain art materials, I dont even get it. Also may be not much is available by way of art material as I live in a small city of India. Thank you very much.
You can use whatever you have Pratima – there’s no materials list. š
Ive experimented with lots of different styles. I get easily influenced by Painters I see. Iād like to develop a more consistent ME style so your 7 day free mini course sounds very interesting and Iād like to sign up for it. I throughly enjoy your emails that come through and they help in all sorts of ways so thank you for that.
So glad to hear that Josette!
I’m a middle school art teacher in Mississippi and hope this is something I can use in my classroom!
I’d be curious as to whether it was!
Not sure if I am still on your list for Abstractify this summer so am signing up anyway. I do have a sense of my artistic language but there are other conflicts as I feel I have several and that’s confusing! Curious to see if these courses help me clarify this.
If you are still on it it should let you know! I agree you definitely have a growing language, but there’s always room for more exploring/playing. š
Please sign me up for the free course.
The sign up box is at the bottom of the post Beverley. š
I am 73.I am like an addict buying art materials!!!!! But I can,t bring myself to USE them. I don,t think I have a talent but I absolutely YEARN to use paint,colour,marks whatever. will this help.
Art materials are quite addictive aren’t they! Occupational hazard. š If you have the longing, which you clearly do, talent is irrelevant, in my humble opinion. š You wouldn’t have that longing if it wasn’t already in you as something that wants expression. Also, very few of us start right out of the gate as masters, and we all have things we’re stronger at. The trick is to dive in irrespective of what the voices are saying – not always easy but always worth it!
How I empathize. Have just moved to another country, survived months of changing accommodation while hard-to-find tradesmen eventually completed the house we ourchased. Have a better work space than before. But my mind is too busy to start anything. Hope I find the time to complete the course. Are the modules available for longer than 24 hours?
It’s amazing how disruptive it is to the subtle inner processes! But then it makes sense too I think. I think it takes time to settle in a space even if you haven’t just renovated it – we just have to be super kind to ourselves! The free course comes by email so you’ll always have them. Abstractify is on an online teaching platform to which you’ll have lifetime access.
Super. Thank you, Tara.
I sure need this little push and a focus. Iāve got a lovely studio and a hoard os all sorts of art supplies and reference pix, but find many excuses for not finding time to jump in and create art or fear of messing up a blank canvass or paper.
Yay! You’re not alone Carol! The thing about never starting is you can never improve…. š
I’m not able to take the abstractify course at this time, but am taking loosen up! Kind of stalled there. Hope to find my painting language through your mini course!
Possibly one at a time is wise. š
Hi Tara. Your email arrived bed at a very opportune moment for me. Like you I moved house a couple of years ago; although I now have a ‘tiny’ art studio I really feel as if it be lost my artistic voice. I’ve been doing some online courses, but they feel like a huge step backwards compared to my work pre-move. I think your mini course will help – and I signed up for Abstractify a couple of years s ago – I think it’s time to finally complete it (I only did the first couple of lessons) and get my mojo going again! Thanks for all your artnotes – always refreshing and SENSIBLE! Jo x
Sometimes it’s not WHAT you’re doing, I’ve found, it’s THAT you’re doing something. So even if a course’s lessons aren’t all for you, or the work you’re producing doesn’t feel or look the way you’d hoped, it’s actually the act of creating that begins to generate its own momentum and ideas. And thank you for the kind words – glad you enjoy the Artnotes! š
Over the past month or so, I too have been working out in my art journal the similarities between learning a language and developing an artistic style… seems like your email is very timely! Looking forward to your wonderful insight and words of wisdom (as usual!)
Yay! It’s such a useful metaphor isn’t it!
Tara, I’m so impressed with your “language” in writing. I’m stuck in finding MY artist language…I’m only confident in copying other artists, even to the last detail! I yearn to make something original, but have no confidence.
Ah thanks Mary! I hear that a lot so you’re definitely not alone. Baby steps. š
Would like to explore my art language
looking forward to both of them tara
Just finishing your āLoosen Upā course ā actually on a roll! So very happy to have this opportunity to continue opening new doors in my brain. I have a long way to go to truly break out of my tendency for āprecious-ness,ā but my journey is definitely underway thanks to āLoosen Up,ā and the encouragement I received from the other artists there, and of course, from you, Tara.
Woohoo! So happy to hear you’re on a roll Mary! And that Loosen Up helped you. Fab.
I,too, would like to work with the 8 day Discover course. I am not sure if I signed up for it by signing up in the Abstractify waiting list box above.
Yes, that’s how you sign up! Welcome along!
I don’t have any formal art training but I love to paint! I would love to learn just what my style is.
Hi Tara. I would like to sign up for your free 8 day email course. I guess we do it through this comment section, since there are no indications of any other way of doing it. š Looking forward to doing the lessons and seeing where it takes my art!
Is there not a box showing up for you at the bottom of the post? It may not show up if you’re on a mobile phone – unfortunately that happens sometimes. It’d be helpful to know, however I’ve added you to the list manually.
There is only the comment box. I am working from my laptop, not a mobile phone, but it still doesn’t show up on there.
Thanks for adding me!
That’s very odd and annoying! Thanks for getting back to me. I’ll look into it.
I am divided in my personal painting language as I really feel happy and “me” when painting abstracts. However, the gallery I am with only chooses to have semi-abstract landscapes and I find that I have to go back to painting them in order to sell. It would be nice to be able to combine the two styles more? So I’ll see if this 8 day challenge helps me clarify things.
Yes can totally see how awkward that must be! The eternal dilemma! Will be interested to hear if it sheds any light on things for you. š
This is the only box at the bottom to sign up for the free 8 day mini course…..????
So please add me to the list.
Cheers
How odd! Am thinking it must not be showing up on devices, annoyingly! Have added you manually. š
I having a hard time scheduling a time to paint. I don’t feel I am good enough comparing myself to other students always, Hard time with
what color to use and how to use the paint brushes Tara. I really need help but when you paint at home always something more important than painting this is my biggest problem.
Thank you
Oh I hear that! Painting at home can be hard when there’s ‘suddenly’ washing up and laundry and lots of other ‘essential’ tasks that must be done first. š
I’m looking forward to this! Sounds like a great idea!
Eager to get in the grove & start painting. I am so much happier when I paint! Letās go!
Yes! Love it! š
People say I’m an artist, but I’m just really good at copying and I would like to find me in my art. I think this free class will help me to know where and how to begin. I don’t see where to sign up, will you sign me up please?
Is the mini-course sign up the same as the waiting list for Abstractify? That’s the only box that shows up for me. I would like to do the mini course. Thanks.
Yes it is!
Please sign me up for the free class.
Done. š
I’m leaving town today and will be back tomorrow evening. Please sign me up for the free class.
Hi Tara
Please sign me up for the free 8 day mini course. I love receiving āartnotesā In my inbox, you give such sound advice and I can really relate to all those āinner struggles, niggly voices that lower confidence etc etcā most of us have them, but you put them out there and make me feel this is just a normal process to accept and work through to the end goal. Iām also moving in 2 weeks (to Norfolk) so have appreciated your thoughts on that ājourneyā also. Thank you so much.
Done. š Wishing you a smooth move!
Hi Tara – can’t find the button either, so please sign me up for the free course. Thank you so much for this wonderful gift. Going through what you are right now – just “nothing there” for the past month, so maybe this will help get it back. Important to do as many artful things as possible while waiting for our groove to come back!! xo
Done! Can’t think why it’s not showing up for people. Anyway – here’s to our collective creative forward movement! š
Hi Tara, yes please sign me up for the eight day mini course, I could really do with that right now!!! Many thanks, Judi
Thanks in advance for the free mini course, which I am sure will be full of insight and inspiration.
Thanks for doing this mini course, Tara. so many of the above comments apply to me. I’m a beginning painter and haven’t done much since your 7 day challenge in the spring. I thoroughly enjoyed that and the motivation it provided, so I’m looking forward to the next 8 days.
Hi Tara, I hope it is not to late to sign up for the mini course … I think it will really help me in loosen up my art. I love painting, but always get stuck in ‘not trusting myself’, ending up in ‘copying’ from others. I would really appriciate š All the best and many thanks, Wiebke
Iād like to try the 8 day course please.
I just signed up for the free email course starting today Tara, although I thought in the Artnotes you said I didn’t need to sign up that it would come automatically.
I hope you’re getting settled in your new home.
Happy painting, Sally Summa
Is it too late to subscribe to your course “Discover Your Painting Language”?
No you can still join Barb! The first two emails have already gone out though so if you’d like those email me at tara@taraleaver.com after you’ve signed up and I’ll make sure you receive them.
Tara, it is 7/26 & I just signed up. Hoping it is not too late to join in? Thought cause I am away from my studio it made no sense to sign up, but after spending 4 hours waiting for DH having cataract surgery on 7/24, am wishing for at least the mental exercise w/ 2nd surgery next week! Thank you!
Hi Karen – have signed you up and sent you the ones you’ve missed so far. š
Thanks so much Tara!
well, apparently catching up on my emails is required more often than once every two weeks! I signed up before I read about the start day which is almost a week ago. don’t suppose you’d like to send a bunch of emails while you’re waiting for your muse to return….?
PS i have this conundrum almost every time i step away from my art practice lately, even though i haven’t been at it very long. i know it’s just because I’m still developing my skills, but still….
Sent you days 1-5. š
thank you!
Can I still sign up or am I too late? Would love to do the course.
Hi Lois – the 8 day course is over now, although I’m thinking about a way to continue to offer it. Registration is still open for Abstractify. š
I signed up but must have missed the confirmation email…so I didn’t get any of the email course š
I’m a bit disappointed as I’m already signed up for your newsletter etc
Hi Deb – sorry they didn’t reach you – not sure what happened there as you are subscribed. Have just sent them over to you!
Hi Tara just returned from hols eagerly looking for your emails re Discovering Your Painting Language, to work through but they are not in my inbox; I get your artnotes, and signed up for freebie, so Iām a bit puzzled….any ideas? Thanks lovey xx
Hi Melanie – that course was part of the run up to Abstractify – there was a separate list for which I provided a link to sign up to receive them. Sorry you missed it this time! The beta period of Discover Your Painting Language is now over, and it’s available as a low priced paid course here: http://www.taraleaver.com/art-studio.
Thank you so much for clarifying and apologies for the confusion…..I will ask my son for it for my birthday ???? ???? Thank you again ????
May I still get this course?
Hi Kellee, you can find the course here. š
I look forward to seeing the program. Thanks for offering it.