Category Archives: 2014 Abstract Paintings/Stories

I Do Art Discussion No. 18 – “A State of Mind” by Karen Robinson

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INTRODUCTION

This abstract painting No. 58 titled ‘A State of Mind’ below  was the last of what I like to call, one of my major art works 2014.  It is an expression of feelings and emotions and its painting story can be found below.  I have also included within this ‘I Do Art Discussion No. 18’ – two short YouTube videos about two of my painting practices.  The first is about the use and application of builders tape which I have called blue tape; and the second video in about, the application of a coat of Matisse acrylic paint, to the canvas within the sectioned of areas of the painting.

Writing the painting story is always an important part of my art for therapy journey and this painting’s story can also be found below along with the painting’s details.

Painting No. 58 - Title 'A State of Mind' Dec 2014 - by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson NB All images are protected by copyright laws.JPG

Painting No. 58 – Title ‘A State of Mind’ Dec 2014 – by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson NB All images are protected by copyright laws.JPG

PAINTING DETAILS

  • Painting No. 58 Titled:  ‘A State of Mind’
  • Acrylic on Canvas
  • 100cms Length x 100cms Wide x 3cms Deep
  • December 2014
  • Abstract Artist – Karen Robinson

PAINTING STORY – ‘A State of Mind’

This painting was inspired by a sketch I did during an art therapy group session August 2014. During the session our art therapy facilitator asked us to sketch within 5 minutes about ‘how we feel right now’. My life, my state of mind right at that moment was best described as being more ‘cup half full’ as opposed to being half empty during earlier years.

The bright yellow colour is representative of sunny feelings; the blue and green colours representing cooler feelings and emotions; the orange and red being representative of rage and/or being upset; and lastly the black is representative of the loss of my son and the sorrowful feelings I have which will never go away.

During my art therapy session, I explained that my sketch and now in this painting, once turned upside-down, is representative of some days where it is not all sunny, they can be dark and looming such as the early years after the loss of my son; but these kind of days were few and far between now, as it had been nearly five years on since the loss of my son Ben in 2009, being that it was August 2014 at the time the sketch was done. Within the painting its self, I created scaffolding type lines in black which signifies how my daily life, months, and years can be complicated by depression and anxiety. But I am in a much better place now than I have been…my wellbeing has improved greatly with the use of art and creative writing therapy.

Written by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist 2014

 

My Movie by Karen Robinson Abstract Painting No. 58 ‘A State of Mind’ Dec 2014 – “Talk on applying blue tape to the canvas to get straight edging…”

Blue Tape Preparation and Painted Black Section of Painting Executed - Abstract Painting No. 58 'A State of Mind' Acrylic on Canvas Dec 2014 by Karen Robinson .JPG

Blue Tape Preparation and Painted Black Section of Painting Executed – Abstract Painting No. 58 ‘A State of Mind’ Acrylic on Canvas Dec 2014 by Karen Robinson .JPG

My Movie by Karen Robinson Abstract Painting No. 58 ‘A State of Mind’ Dec 2014 – “Talk on applying the acrylic paint once the blue tape has been applied…“

 

CONCLUSION

It has been an amazing journey using art, storytelling, and photo taking over the last year 2014 and I hope by sharing here within my weblog, will help you find your voice.  Happy painting, writing and photo taking and/or just plain good living for 2015….Karen

NB:  To view my Abstract Painting Gallery, please click here. Whilst you are here – please check out my home page! 

My Art Therapy Journey – A window into the soul of an Abstract Artist through art therapy and storytelling…by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist/Blogger/Writer/Photo-taker

I Do Art Discussion No. 13 – “A Celebration of Womanhood”

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0-Process used Painting No. 57 Titled 'A Celebration of Womanhood' 8 Colour Personal Mix of Matisse Acrylic Paint Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2014.JPG

0-Process used Painting No. 57 Titled ‘A Celebration of Womanhood’ 8 Colour Personal Mix of Matisse Acrylic Paint Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2014.JPG

 

INTRODUCTION

My art for therapy journey has been about being able to find meaning and purpose in my daily life. Much of my earlier art work has been about very personal feelings, emotions and thoughts.  It has also been about loss and grief. But slowly and surely, art has brought me to a place where I look for joy in each and every day!

 

PAINTING STORY

The painting featured below, which I titled ‘A Celebration of Womanhood’ has a story that will show how art also needs to be about finding your sense of humour, to have a laugh about yourself, a bit of a giggle – it can put a smile on your face and a skip in your step.  I really wasn’t sure if I was going to share this painting story but after originally promising myself, when I first started painting that I would always be open and honest about my art for therapy journey, I realised there should be no exceptions to that promise to myself. So I am hoping that by sharing what this following painting was inspired by, will give you a bit of a giggle too!

 

Painting No. 56 – Title "A Celebration of Womanhood" Aug 2014 – by Abstract Artist: Karen Robinson NB: All images are protected by copyright laws

Painting No. 56 – Title “A Celebration of Womanhood” Aug 2014 – by Abstract Artist: Karen Robinson NB: All images are protected by copyright laws

 

During a recent visit to The Royal Women’s Hospital with the Women’s Health Clinic for a Urogynaecology consultation, I experienced a pelvic floor examination. Now, to my shame, it had been many years since I had such an examination. It is not exactly what every women looks forward to having done. It can be embarrassing but I thought to myself, well I am too old now to be embarrassed and followed through with what was required of me during my examination. All was good until I saw the look on the women’s face, the face of the consultant. Well I was all ‘au naturale’ and perhaps this was just too much of a shock for her or perhaps when you get on in old age, ones private parts are just not that attractive anymore! After asking me a range of standard Urogynaecology consultant type questions, I felt in some regards relieved and in other regards, mildly disturbed.

It brought to my mind, thoughts about what women have to go through, just by being a woman. First we grow breasts and get periods, we learn about sex, then it is the incredible experience of pregnancy and the birth of children, then it is menopause and then it’s a – Urogynaecology consultation! Our poor bodies do have to go through many changes throughout our lives…

 

15-Process used Painting No. 57 Titled 'A Celebration of Womanhood' Painting drying on stand - more coats to do Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2014..JPG

15-Process used Painting No. 57 Titled ‘A Celebration of Womanhood’ Painting drying on stand – more coats to do Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2014..JPG

 

This must have been playing on my mind because on my return home that day, I decided to start another painting. I got the new white canvas out and began to draw directly onto the canvas as per usual for me. During this creative process, the lines and swirls began to form an image to me – it looked like a vagina. I thought yes – it is a vagina! I decided that I wanted to paint with all new Matisse acrylic paint colours, bright, happy, joyful and beautiful colours; colours that would celebrate women’s womanhood – this strange and interesting journey we embark on throughout the course of our lives…

 

STEP BY STEP SLIDE SHOW – Painting No. 57 Titled ‘A Celebration of Womanhood’

 

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NB:  To view my Abstract Painting Gallery, please click here

CONCLUSION

This painting now hangs proudly on my living room wall…art for therapy at its best I feel…

Whilst you are here – please check out my home page!  My Art Therapy Journey – A window into the soul of an Abstract Artist through art therapy and storytelling…by Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist/Blogger/Writer/Photo-taker

I Do Art Discussion No. 12 – “Of Golden Sands, Sun and Sea”

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No. 4 - Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland - Australia Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2011.JPG

No. 4 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2011.JPG

 

INTRODUCTION

I started painting again as an adult, at the beginning of 2008.  It was a way of dealing with deeply personal feelings, emotions and thoughts.  In November 2008 my husband was diagnosed with Lymphoma and endured chemotherapy for a period of three months.  He is now thankfully in full remission.  In November 2009, our son was killed in a single vehicle car crash just before his 26th birthday.  To say the least, this period of time in our family’s lives, was a most challenging time.  My husband and I lost a son and my daughter lost her only brother – it was tragic.  I fell into a deep depression and experienced post-traumatic stress and feelings of utter despair for a number of years onwards.

 

No. 17 - Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland - Australia Photographed by Husband of Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2014.JPG

No. 17 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Husband of Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2014.JPG

 

My art practices became a major component of my life during those years.  I found that I was using art as therapy.  It was not something that I had consciously looked to do, and it had only been during this year 2014  that I had come to understand this fully.  My full appreciation for what art can offer someone like me, has been realized during my commencement of this weblog.  It gave me a chance to review the last seven years of my life and the role that art as therapy has played within those years.

 

 

PAINTING STORY

Over recent years, I have slowly  found ways of finding joy in everyday life and my painting below was inspired by one of those joyous occasions…

Painting No. 57 – Titled “Of Golden Sands, Sun and Sea” Sept 2014, acrylic on canvas, 97 cms length x 102 cms wide x 3cms deep and as featured below was inspired by a visit to my sister’s Broadbeach home with my husband in early 2014.  Broadbeach is just south of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.  Broadbeach has beautiful surf beaches that stretch for miles in either direction of the shore line.  It faces onto the great Pacific Ocean and has a big blue sky that saws up into the heavens and beyond.  It has a subtropical climate and most of the year it favours warm temperatures and experiences a summer wet season.  All this makes it a major holiday destination.

 

Painting No. 57 – Title: “Of Golden Sands, Sun and Sea” Sept 2014 – by Abstract Artist: Karen Robinson NB: All images are protected by copyright laws

 

It was a real privilege to be able to spend days enjoying its golden sands, sun and sea.  My Sister was a great host and ensured we enjoyed our stay.  I have very fond memories of my time there with my husband and my sister.  The painting is dedicated to that memory.  In the top left and right corner you can see a representation of the sun; below is the Pacific Ocean and then its golden sands. The frangipani, the palm and other flowers and subtropical plants shown in the painting can be found in her garden.  Staying with my sister brought back some fond memories, I have as a child, growing up in Northern Queensland and the wonderful childhood adventures we had as small children in the sun, sand and sea…

 

No. 15 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2011.JPG

 

USING PHOTOGRAPHY AS A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

I don’t call myself a photographer as such but a phototaker.  My whole life I have always been interested in taken photos. Back when I was a young women, owning a camera was a luxury and having photos printed was very expensive.  In today’s world taking photos has never been easier and very affordable.  I often take photos and use them as a source of inspiration for my art work.  The following photos were the sources of inspiration for the above Painting No. 57 – Titled “Of Golden Sands, Sun & Sea” Sept 2014.

 

No. 23 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2014.JPG
No. 27 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2014.JPG
No. 26 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2014.JPG
No. 24 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2014.JPG
No. 23 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2014.JPG
No. 21 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2014.JPG
No. 19 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2014.JPG
No. 18 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2014.JPG
No. 17 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Husband of Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2014.JPG
No. 16 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2011.JPG
No. 15 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2011.JPG
No. 14 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2011.JPG
No. 13 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2011.JPG
No. 12 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2011.JPG
No. 11 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2011.JPG
No. 10 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2011.JPG
No. 9 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2011.JPG
No. 8 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2011.JPG
No. 7 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2011.JPG
No. 6 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2011.JPG
No. 5 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2011.JPG
No. 4 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2011.JPG
No. 3 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2011.JPG
No. 2 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2011.JPG
No. 1 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2011.JPG

 

CONCLUSION

Photo taking and abstract painting serves me well as a tool to express myself artistically…art for therapy at its best I feel…

No. 18 – Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland – Australia Photographed by Karen Robinson Abstract Artist 2014.JPG

 

Whilst you are here – please check out my home page!  My Art Therapy Journey – A window into the soul of an Abstract Artist through art therapy and storytelling…by Karen Robinson

Art Award – Hume City Council Arts 2014 Awards!

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hume_arts_award_2014_hp1.

In June, 2014 I was the recipient of a Hume City Council Arts Award for ‘Professional Development Grant” in the category of Established Visual Artists (Melbourne, Australia).

Hume stated that in “2014 Hume Arts Awards received a significant number of applications, signifying the breadth and quality of artistic endeavours being undertaken throughout the municipality, especially among young people.  The Awards not only provide an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the talent of local artists, but contribute to community strengthening by encouraging artists to articulate the value of their work and develop a future vision.  The Awards likewise assist in promoting the profile of the arts in Hume and supports the building of Hume’s identity and sense of place, contributing to the important development of civic pride” (Hume City Council. June, 20).

It was a proud moment for me and my family and friends.  I am very grateful to Hume City Council for this award and hope to be part of Hume community art programs to come!

Karen Robinson's Hume City Council Arts 2014 Award NB All images are protected by copyright laws!

Karen Robinson’s Hume City Council Arts 2014 Award NB All images are protected by copyright laws!

The abstract paintings below consists of the “Support Material” that I submitted with my application for a Professional Development Program grant.

Painting No. 26B – Title “Green Peace and Human Nature” Sept/Oct 2008 Acrylic on Canvas – by Abstract Artist: Karen Robinson NB: All images are protected by copyright laws!
Painting No. 26A – Title “Green Peace and Human Nature” Sept/Oct 2008 – by Abstract Artist: Karen Robinson NB: All images are protected by copyright laws!
Painting No. 31 – Title “Don’t Tread On Me” June 2009 – by Abstract Artist: Karen Robinson All images are protected by copyright laws!
Painting No. 32 – Title “On the Rails & Youthfulness” by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson – 2009 All images are protected by copyright laws!
Painting No. 37 – Title “The Dining Room Table” Aug 2009 – by Abstract Artist: Karen Robinson All images are protected by copyright laws!
Painting No. 38 – Title “A Bird of Paradise” Sept 2009 – by Abstract Artist: Karen Robinson All images are protected by copyright laws!
Painting No. 44 – Title “My Melbourne” by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson Oct 2009/June 2010 – by Abstract Artist: Karen Robinson All images are protected by copyright laws!
Painting No. 52 – Title “I’m Busy” 2011 – by Abstract Artist: Karen Robinson NB: All images are protected by copyright laws!
Painting No. 51 – Title “Valley of a Thousand Hills” June 2010/March 2011 – by Abstract Artist: Karen Robinson NB: All images are protected by copyright laws!

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