Denise Landis Blog

Judy 10 x 10" 325.00

Nothing bothers me more than when I get a phone call or someone yells my name when I’m painting.   I have to stop everything, take care of my brush and paint, and then respond.  Frequently it’s someone I care about, so,  I  “throw in the towel” and give them my time.   It takes a while to get back into “my process”.   But painting is always worth any aggravations.

You’re very fortunate if you have a private studio and can lock the door, turn off the phone and computer and just do what you do best.  I’ve learned that it’s crucial to turn off myself to everything but being creative.  I just twist my lips (as with a key), put on some rhythmic music and Don’t say a word!

When teaching pointillism,  this is one of my most important lessons.  No talking unless you’re asking a question about painting.  No chatting about what happened last night or why you’re angry at someone.  No singing words to songs.   That takes memory and focus away from the painting.  However, chanting is doable as long as you don’t have to think about it.    Any thinking  removes the emotional reaction to the various colors and design.  Just be quiet.  This is very difficult in today’s society but it is doable.  Pointillism is meditative.  If you don’t get into the action of the dabbing and color placement, it’s an extremely boring process.  Thinking about anything but the action will remove you from the calm and peace that pointillism provides.

Could Judy Garland have been a Pointillist?