I Do Art Discussion No. 22 – “Two Women Talking” by Karen Robinson

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INTRODUCTION

It has taken some time for me to complete these two Abstract Paintings Nos. 62A and 62B titled ‘Two Women Talking’.  They were inspired by a lunch that I had with my sister earlier this year where I found myself engaging in a conversation that revealed some truths that had not been shared before.  My sister and I often these days now – catch up and have lunch and a chat.  Below is an image of both paintings, one representing my sister and one representing myself.  The gold band of colour I gave to my sister because she likes wearing gold jewellery and I gave myself the silver band of colour because I like wearing silver jewellery! Something that sisters know about each other! Other colour choices were based on our individual favourites that I could remember about each of us and/or some personality trait that I felt could be symbolized with colour.

 

No.39-45 Abstract Painting Nos. 62A & 62B Titled 'Two Women Talking' by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson Aug 2015 Images copyright protected.JPG

No.39-45 Abstract Painting Nos. 62A and 62B Titled ‘Two Women Talking’ by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson Aug 2015 Images copyright protected.JPG

 

 

PAINTING DETAILS

 

Abstract Painting No. 62A Titled 'Two Women Talking' Acrylic on Canvas 55cmsx55cmsx3cms by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson Aug 2015 Images Copyright.JPG

Abstract Painting No. 62A Titled ‘Two Women Talking’ Acrylic on Canvas 55cmsx55cmsx3cms by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson Aug 2015 Images Copyright.JPG

 

  • Painting No. 62A Titled:  ‘Two Women Talking’
  • Acrylic on Canvas
  • 55cms Length x 55cms Wide x 3cms Deep
  • August 2015
  • Abstract Artist – Karen Robinson

 

Abstract Painting No. 62B Titled 'Two Women Talking' Acrylic on Canvas 55cmsx55cmsx3cms by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson Aug 2015 Images Copyright.JPG

Abstract Painting No. 62B Titled ‘Two Women Talking’ Acrylic on Canvas 55cmsx55cmsx3cms by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson Aug 2015 Images Copyright.JPG

 

  • Painting No. 62B Titled:  ‘Two Women Talking’
  • Acrylic on Canvas
  • 55cms Length x 55cms Wide x 3cms Deep
  • August 2015
  • Abstract Artist – Karen Robinson

 

PAINTING STORY – ‘Two Women Talking’

Writing the painting story is always an important part of my art for therapy journey.  Here below is what I wrote about these particular paintings:-

These two paintings are about the times my sister and I set aside to talk, to catch up, to listen, to speak, to share, to reflect, to consider each other’s words that are representative of our thoughts and feelings. As sisters these conversations can be deeply personal as we often talk about matters that are troubling us as individuals. There is always a moment during our talks to share good news which ensures we leave feeling hopeful. Listening plays a major part in these catch ups and sometimes our conversations require carefully considered responses. We have not always enjoyed having this kind of relationship and there was a period of time in our lives where we hadn’t talked for many years. We shared a very troubled childhood which has left us both struggling with childhood wounds that can make dealing with day-to-day living, difficult at times. These catch ups have become an important part of our sister relationship, especially now as we grow older, where our time will pass and the memories of us as people, will be left behind with our children. I hope that my sister’s daughter and my daughter will in their lives as they grow older, take up the opportunity to enrich their lives with catch up times with each other – perhaps they will talk about us – their mothers – I hope they will think and speak kindly of us…

© Karen Robinson, October 2015

 

 

PAINTING PROCESS – From sketch to finished paintings!

My painting process starts with a conception, an inspiration as described above.  With this concept, I pencil sketch onto my canvas, the outline.  Then I paint, one colour at a time on the canvas, allowing each colour to dry throughly, before starting with another colour.  Once the entire sketch on the canvas has been painted, with a single layer of Matisse acrylic paint, I repeat the process another two times, to obtain a richness of each colour.  I also turn my painting over and put all the relevant details on the back of the canvas.  I then spray varnish it three times which gives it a nice shine.  In order to keep track of my art work, I photograph the painting/s, write the painting story, print it off and put a hard copy in my art portfolio folder and then wrote this blog.  Quiet a process!  Below is a slide-show showing some of these stages for the above featured paintings.

 

No.9-45 Abstract Painting Nos. 62A & 62B Titled 'Two Women Talking' by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson Aug 2015 Images copyright protected.JPG

No.9-45 Abstract Painting Nos. 62A and 62B Titled ‘Two Women Talking’ by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson Aug 2015 Images copyright protected.JPG

 

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TWO WOMEN TALKING – FACE TO FACE POSITIVE VIEW!

 

These two paintings can be hang either facing each other or back to back.  For me when they are facing each other it means there is a direct line of communication between the two women talking.  It means they are listening to each other, they are interacting in a positive manner.

 

TWO WOMEN TALKING – BACK TO BACK NEGATIVE VIEW!

 

When these two paintings are hang facing back to back it means whilst they may be still in each other’s company – they are not listening to each other, they are ineffectively communicating which ultimately results in a negative outcome for both women talking.

 

CONCLUSION

It has been an amazing journey using art, storytelling, and photo taking over recent years and blogging has added a new dimension to my art for therapy processes. I hope by sharing here within my weblog, will help you find your voice.  Happy painting, story-telling and photo-taking and/or just plain good living for 2015….Karen

© Karen Robinson, October 2015

 

No.21-45 Abstract Painting Nos. 62A and 62B Titled 'Two Women Talking' by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson Aug 2015 Images copyright protected.JPG

No.21-45 Abstract Painting Nos. 62A and 62B Titled ‘Two Women Talking’ by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson Aug 2015 Images copyright protected.JPG

 

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

My Art Therapy JourneyA window into the soul of an Abstract Artist through art therapy and storytellingby Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist/Blogger/Story-teller/Photo-taker

Artist Talks

Artist Talks

New Membership – Regional Arts Victoria ‘Just become a member!’ by Karen Robinson

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I have just become a member of Regional Arts Victoria.  They “inspire art across the state of Victoria through creative facilitation, touring, education, specialised resources, artistic projects and advocacy.  They develop and sustain creative communities and artistic practice” all over Victoria, Australia (Regional Arts Victoria 2015).

Regional Arts Victoria are an “independent, not-for-profit, membership-based organisation working in long-term partnerships with every level of government, fostering contemporary and innovative regional cultural practice across five decades.  They advise and impact on decision-making across multiple portfolios and levels of government.  The organisation is the peak body for regional artists and arts organisations, and the leading organisation for regional creative practice in Victoria, Australia” (Regional Arts Victoria 2015).

This is exciting for me and I am hoping that I will have lots to share through my blogging as I become more familiar with this organisation.

 

My Art Therapy JourneyA window into the soul of an Abstract Artist through art therapy and storytellingby Karen Robinson – Abstract Artist/Blogger/Story-teller/Photo-taker

Art Therapy Group Session 7 of 7 – “Our journey is at an end!”

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My Art Therapy Group Sessions have now come to an end.  Part of me was sadden by this, as I was going to miss the meeting up each week, with a group of women whom I have gotten to know and appreciate.  Over a period of seven weeks, we have all shared deeply personal thoughts, emotions and feelings with an honesty and frankness that is generally very rare with people whom you barely know.  The art therapist herself proved to be an intrinsic part of the success of this Art Therapy Group set of workshops.  We left with the knowledge that art for therapy, has a place in our lives that will give us a voice to express ourselves seriously and sometimes just for the fun of it!

It was at this last Art Therapy Session, the Art Therapist had us start with an exercise that would involve each of us contributing to one another’s art work.  We were asked to gather up, art materials and a piece of butcher paper and commence producing an art work. The theme was around, what we found we had gained from attending the Art Therapy Sessions overall; and what we had gained also from each other.  We were given a short period of time to do this and then we were required to passed onto the group member next to us to contribute their part. This process preceded via each group member until each had contributed on each and every art work.

Featured above is mine and I commenced with a circle of green, squiggly lines and in the middle of that, I wrote the words ‘BEING’.  Then I wrote the words: ‘exploring self’; ‘understanding others’; ‘appreciation’; ‘new connections’; and ‘new artistic ideas’.  The rest of the art work were the contributions of the other group members.

We were then asked to make a set of little cards that would be representative of each group member. Each card needed to be about what we had learned about that group member. I firstly chose a colour that, for me, reflected their personality and then used symbols to tell my story as requested.  I add a common element of the silver pieces which was a symbolic representation of finding the ‘silver lining’ in life.  I also used gold and silver paint to be symbolic of the best I found in them all over the course of the 7 sessions.  Once this task was completed, we shared with each other our cards and their stories about that group member.

NB:  Below are my set of cards – each representing a group member and the bright green card is the one I made for myself.

3. ArtTherapy Group Session 7 'Our journey is at an end!' Painting by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson Sept 2014 NB All images are protected by copyright laws.JPG

3. ArtTherapy Group Session 7 ‘Our journey is at an end!’ Painting by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson Sept 2014 NB All images are protected by copyright laws.JPG

To finish up our last session, we had lunch together.  It was a warm and friendly atmosphere with lots of laughs and good conversation and a blossoming of new friendships.  Art Therapy at its best I feel…

Thank you for joining me on this Art Therapy Group Session Journey! Please click on the below links to view Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 Art Therapy Group Sessions:

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

Art Therapy Group Session 6 of 7 – “Blessings, Ideas and Inspiration!”

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Art Therapy can be a surprising process within a group session.  It is an incredible way of learning about one’s self and about others, in a safe and supportive environment. It can reveal pain, sorrow, joy and laughter…

This week’s Art Therapy Group Session revolved around selecting one to two cards, from a set of cards called ‘Healing with the Angels Oracle Cards’ by Doreen Virtue Ph.D.  The pack consists of 44 oracle cards with unique Victorian-style or Old Master-style angel pictures on one side. They convey a simple statement on the front side of the card and on the reverse is the full meaning of the ‘angel readings’.  During this session, these cards were used just as a means to creating another meaningful piece of art within this art therapy session.

After we had all thoughtfully considered which ‘Angel Card/s’ and it’s statement had appealed to us most, we were asked to collect them and assemble as a group at the table.  The Art Therapist asked each of us to explain our reasons for selecting our specific cards.  When it came to myself to explain, I suddenly found myself very emotional and began to cry.  It was a shock to me and I didn’t think I would be able to continue but with a breath of time, I was alright to do so.  My choice of the ‘Blessings Card’ was related to the fact that after my son had been killed in a single vehicle crash, I found it very hard to find joy and meaning in my life.  It took so much inner strength to look at my life in a different way and it was very hard to look forward without my son but I worked hard at looking at what blessings I had, which eventually lead me to a better place in my life.  The second card for me ‘Ideas & Inspirations‘ was all about finding that new path, rebuilding myself and finding joy in everyday life – it took a lot of ideas and inspirations to do – but I am there and grateful to be able to enjoy life again.

Once we had all talked about our reasons for choosing our particular cards, we then received instructions about our next art therapy project.  We were to make little ‘candle holder covers’ from assorted provided materials.  These covers once completed were then stuck to the outside of a glass jar and a little tea candle placed within it and lite.

I decided to base my glass candle cover around people; people in my life.  Here below you can see how I have strung them together and when placed around the glass jar, they complete a full circle.  Different colours represent different types of people, and the different heights represent the different ages of these people.

 

The image below I particular like as it shows one large purple person looking down at the small yellow person in a caring way – the green person is part of this group and at the same time is reaching, stretching out to connect with another within the circle of people.

Once we had all finished our glass candle holders with their new covers around the outside, we lite the tea candles. Each group member’s art work was reflective of the ‘angel cards’ statements. We then had the opportunity to share our thoughts and emotions we experienced during this art therapy process.  Whilst these art works will not mean much to others, they are little treasures to the group members…art therapy at it’s best I feel…

 

 

 

NB:  Please click on the below links to view Nos. 1, 2 & 3 Art Therapy Group Sessions:

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

Art Therapy Group Session 5 of 7 – “Finding a safe place within!”

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This week’s Art Therapy Group Session consisted of a well attended group of 5, plus the Art Therapist and the assisting facilitator.  We commenced our session with a light physical stretching set of exercises for approximately 10 minutes.  Just to get us loosened up.  We were then asked to sit down and close our eyes and concentrate on our breathing, clearing our minds of other thoughts, relaxing our body and bringing ourselves right into the present.  From here we were asked to think of a space we felt safe in; it could be a real space or it could be an imaginary space.  We were asked to image ourselves walking through this ‘safe space’ and to think about what it was that made us feel safe.  It was a very relaxing process where I could feel my mind and body totally washing away other thoughts and emotions and truly being in the moment.

From here we were asked to open our eyes, take up our desired art materials and commence an art work that represents our ‘safe space’.  I gathered up a sheet of butcher paper, paint brushes of varying sizes, some acrylic paint, soft oil pastels and some ink paint and got started…

After completing our paintings, we were asked to place them in a line across the floor.  Each of us in turn talked about what our painting said in relation to painting about our ‘safe space’.  It was interesting to see and hear what others had painted and said about their ‘safe space’.  A number of the group had ‘imagery safe spaces’ and others had ‘real safe spaces’.

My painting was based on a ‘real safe space’.  It was my home garden which my husband has worked on for over 13 years to create from bare soil.  Every room in our home has a view of our garden.  The garden its self is full of well established bushes and trees where wild life flock to rest, feed, drink water and go about the daily lives.  Over the seasons, the leaves on the trees go golden brown, yellow, orange and drop; in spring they flower and in summer they provide us with must needed shade to protect us from the strong Australian sun.  In my painting about my ‘safe space’ the golden-yellow represents the soft warmth of the sun in spring, when it warms my cheers and reminds me of the summer to come.  The blues remind me of our beautiful clear bright blue sky, we as so fortunate to have here in Australia.  The planting represents a plant my husband has used to line each side of our garden leading from the road to our front door.

Our garden has been a treasure over many years, offering both my husband and myself a form of refuge during difficult times in our lives.  My ‘safe space’ is my garden where nature kindly cares for my soul…

NB:  Please click on the below links to view Nos. 1, 2 & 3 Art Therapy Group Sessions:

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

Art Therapy Group Session 4 of 7 – “Using Music To Inspire The Artist Within!”

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The scene was set for our Art Therapy Group Session 4 with a back drop of beautiful music.  We were first asked to sit quietly and just listen to the music, then close our eyes and visualise the music in images and colours to help inspire us to create an individual piece of art. We were then instructed to open our eyes and gather up our art materials and commence…

So with a small sheet of butcher paper, acrylic paints and a charcoal stick, off I went!  My art piece was inspired by the rhythm and joyfulness of the music and how it made me feel.  I decided to use a small roller to apply the paint to the surface as I had never used a roller before and really enjoy the freedom it gave me to push around the paint; in motion with the music.  The colours I chose were favourites of mine; brilliant orange, bright sky blue, metallic gold, silver and then black for some definition. Then I took to using the charcoal stick to edge some of the rolled lines; it was another art item that I had never used before.  It was easy to emerse myself into the music and the art – gave me a great sense of being in another world, a world without any other thoughts, emotions other than what was at hand – the music and the art.  This process, I found very calming and enjoyable; most of the other group members seemed to have enjoyed the experience as well.

After finishing off our individual art works, we layed then on the floor in front of us.  Each one of us in turn, talked about our painting results; what it meant to us and how did the music impact us during this process. It was interesting to note that all members of the group had mostly happy stories to recall and it was clear that this particular ‘Art Therapy Session – using music to inspire the artist within’ was a joyful experience and perhaps unlike some of the others where deeply personal and sometimes sad emotions had surfaced during a session.

We were then asked to participate in a group effort to produce one single piece of art work. The art therapist layed out a single stretch of butcher paper along a number of tables so that we could all have the opportunity to walk around the entire circumference of it.  Without words and with the beautiful music playing in the background, we went about creating a group painting.  Quietly and studiously, each of use went about creating our part of the painting.  At the end of the time frame given to complete our group effort, we were asked to share what we experienced throughout the process.  For me, I found it more fun than what I thought it would be!  Whilst at first, I was a little apprehensive to paint over another’s efforts, I found it liberating once I had decided to let go and just do!  I didn’t think that I would enjoy this process because, it would mean it would require of me to share with others an art expression; but it was strangely liberating and fun.

This ‘Art Therapy Group Session’ 4 was different from the other three for me because it was not as confronting.  Not confronting in the sense that I was not having to challenge some deeply embedded thoughts and emotions.  It felt like a little Siesta midway though our Art Therapy Group Sessions, which was greatly appreciated by me and very much enjoyed by most of the group members.  In summary I would say that the inclusion of delightful music with the process of making art, offers a reprieve and aids improving one’s sense of well-being – this is what I found on this day…

NB:  Please click on the below links to view Nos. 1, 2 & 3 Art Therapy Group Sessions:

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

I Do Art Discussion No. 9 – “My Melbourne”

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Painting No. 44 – Title “My Melbourne” Story:   This Painting was inspired by a series of photos I had taken in June 2009 consisting of different buildings/locations within the city of Melbourne (Australia). I was so inspired by the colour and architectural contrasts Melbourne shows off! After living in Melbourne now for over 40 years, the development of Melbourne has been amazing. Melbourne – Australia has so much to offer and very easy to get around to see. Each time I go into the city of Melbourne I find it has something new to share!

Below is a photo showing how I used blue tape to assist with my arts practise.  It takes many months to complete one abstract painting such as this painting.  Each colour I leave to dry thoroughly before commencing on with the next.  I apply three layers of acrylic paint to give the colour a rich look!

Use of Scotch-Blue Painters tape to define lines within Painting No. 44 Titled "My Melbourne" by Abstract Artist: Karen Robinson NB: All images are protected by copyright laws!

Use of Scotch-Blue Painters tape to define lines within Painting No. 44 Titled “My Melbourne” by Abstract Artist: Karen Robinson NB: All images are protected by copyright laws!

Below are the set of photos I had taken and used as a source of inspiration for this particular painting.  NB: Please hover over the photo to view details of the image!

 

I guess this painting really was/is about the love I have for Melbourne – my home, where I fell in love with a dear and great human being, married that person and now my husband for over 30 plus years; had two children, one daughter whom we cherish and my son, who so sadly was killed in a single vehicle crash in 2009.  His loss broke our hearts.  Melbourne holds many, many memories that are dear to me and this painting is a tribute to the joys I have experienced whilst living here…

Whilst you are here – please check out my home page!  My Art Therapy JourneyA window into the soul of an Abstract Artist through art therapy and storytellingby 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.

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I Do Art Discussion No. 5 – “Lady in Striking Pink Feathery”

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Painting No. 35 – Title “On the Rails & The Business End of Celebrating Melbourne’s Racing Festival Season” Painted Jan/Feb 2009

A good part of my art therapy journey has involved taking photos, which are part of my visual diary process that I use for inspiration, to create my abstract paintings and abstract digital photo paintings.  During a of Melbourne – Australia’s  famous racing seasons, I had the good fortune to be able to attend my sister’s Derby Day marquee function at Flemington Race Course 2008.  Victoria Derby is a thoroughbred race and is the oldest classic race in Australia, it ran first in 1855 (Derby Day. 2014).  Melbourne, once again, turned on a beautiful day with a clear blue sky!  During this day, I took many photos of interesting people, in great outfits!

I took this photo below, of a lady enjoying herself in her work’s marquee which was located on “The Rails”. On “The Rails” is located right next to Flemington’s Race Track and is adjacent the finishing line where, if you are lucky enough to be there, you can see the horses close up and their jockeys in colourful silks.  This lady’s striking hat and pose made for a good photo. Her hat was a particular inspiration for me. It had been designed by one of Melbourne’s most famous hat designers – Peter Jago!

Lady in striking Peter Jago Hat Derby Day Flemington Racecourse 2008, Melbourne, Australia. Photo taken by Karen Robinson-Abstract Artist NB All images are protected by copyright laws!

Lady in striking Peter Jago Hat Derby Day Flemington Racecourse 2008, Melbourne, Australia. Photo taken by Karen Robinson-Abstract Artist NB All images are protected by copyright laws!

Below is the portrait abstract painting I did from the photo inspirations of that day.  It is one of four that I painted for the 2008 Melbourne Racing Carnival.  They consisted of this Painting No. 35 featured below and Paintings Nos. 32, 33, & 34 – please click here to view!

Painting No. 35 - Title "On the Rails & The Business End of Celebrating Melbourne's Racing Festival Season" by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson - 2009 All images are protected by copyright laws!

Painting No. 35 – Title “On the Rails & The Business End of Celebrating Melbourne’s Racing Festival Season” Jan/Feb 2009 Acrylic on Canvas – 60cms Length x 60cms Wide x 3cms Deep
– by Abstract Artist: Karen Robinson NB:  All images are protected by copyright laws!

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Short & Sweet Post! – “Colour My World”

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A colouring book and a set of colouring pencils as a child, I found very therapeutic. Any parent that has children would probably know that on a rainy day, they come in very handy to help occupy restless children. When I was a child, some time ago now, my most prized possession was a box of Derwent Pencils.  They were/are the “finest pencil in the world” (Derwent. 2014).

Derwent Colour Pencils in a tin box!

Derwent Colour Pencils in a tin box! (Derwent 2014)

Derwent has been inspiring artists worldwide for many years (Derwent. 2014) and as a child I just loved them!  I usually owned a tin box of colours and with a limited number of colour pencils, but dreamed about having the large range of colours! I loved colour as a child and this has not changed over the years which can be clearly illustrated now in my abstract paintings and abstract digital photo paintings.

It is just amazing where technology has taken us!  In today’s world children and adults’ find their time being consumed in the use of electronic devices. So getting a child to look at pencils and a colouring book, as I did as a child, might seem a little arcade to them.  But we now have a Pen that can draw every single colour in the world (Bratskeir. 2014).  For me, this is just so exciting that we can create any colour in the world, with a tip of a pen and will never be limited to what’s in a box of colour pencils!

Then, after the pen analyzed the specific orange of this paricular orange, you could take the tint to paper (Scribble. 2014)

Then, after the pen analyzed the specific orange of this particular orange, you could take the tint to paper (Scribble. 2014)

“The device is called “Scribble” and it “is the first coloring device of its kind that can take the world of colour around you and transfer it directly to either paper or your favourite mobile device.  The Scribble pen and stylus pairs with Scribble+ mobile app to instantly sync every colour you scan directly onto your iPhone, iPad or Android mobile device. Colors become more useful when they are organized, tagged, searchable and converted to various colour models” (Scribble. 2014).

Both the ink pen and the stylus are a little more than six inches, rely on bluetooth wireless technology and have a rechargeable battery (Scribble. 2014)

Both the ink pen and the stylus are a little more than six inches, rely on bluetooth wireless technology and have a rechargeable battery (Scribble. 2014)

So…this could replace the box of colour pencils, perhaps?!  It could get children to engage in creative endeavours, I think so!  Doing art is very therapeutic – no matter what age you are.  Think I might get me one of these pens!!!  Looks like fun…

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

Ref:  Bratskeir. K. (2014 May, 6). Huffpost Arts & Culture. This Pen Can Draw Every Single Color In The World. Retrieved June 6, 2014 from

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/05/scribble-pen-so-many-colorz_n_5452287.html?utm_hp_ref=arts&ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000027

Ref:  Derwent. (n.d.). Products. Inspiring artists worldwide. Retrieved June 6, 2014 from

http://www.pencils.co.uk/product.aspx

Ref: Scribble. (2014). Meticulously Designed. Retrieved June 6, 2014 from

http://www.getscribblepen.com/

Art as Therapy – Does it make you better?

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It is interesting to dwell on what is ‘art therapy’ or putting it differently, can we use ‘art as therapy’.  Meaning, we don’t need to produce it ourselves alone, to gain a therapeutic benefit but we can be a viewer of someone else’s art work and come away with a different prospective, we can be enlightened, and we can be enriched from such an experience with art.  In being able to do this, we need more help with being able to understand the meaning of the art work!  The meaning intended by the artist firstly and most importantly, I feel…

Painting No. 45F - Title "A Fractured Life" by Abstract Artist Karen Robinson - 2012 NB: All images are protection by copyright laws!

Painting No. 45F – Title “A Fractured Life” Feb/Oct 2012
– by Abstract Artist: Karen Robinson NB: All images are protection by copyright laws!

NB:  To view the above painting and it’s painting story, please click on here

Alain de Botton of The School of Life, in his video ‘Art as Therapy’ talks about how we should make a start to use art to “elevate our sorrows, bring us hope, give us courage” and use art as “a resource, a living resource, that is there for our hearts and not an academic or historical exercise” (Alain de Botton. December 3, 2013). He argues that art can be used to help us with our inner most problems of the soul (Alain de Botton. 2013). From my own experience, this has been the case and can be well appreciated within my abstract painting stories.

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