Contemporary Abstract Landscape Painting "Pool of Light" by Intuitive Artist Joan Fullerton

   FRESH OFF THE EASEL...

Working intuitively means I never know what a painting is going to look like. You might discover in this painting, a distant home with light around it, a trickling stream and a pond. But you would not know that underneath is a forest painting. It intrigues me that multiple images, thoughts, impressions, and emotions, are layered over top of each other. Different places on the planet, different metaphors about life, are juxtaposed.

   24"x24".75" Acrylic on Cradled panel

   Click HERE for pricing.

   Visit http://www.joanfullerton.com to view more of my work.

  WHAT IF?????     Read my blog post HERE

   Want to view a portion of my creative process and see the face that lives beneath the layers?

   Watch this video: 

    https://youtu.be/GOR_6SWBpUc

    Visit http://www.joanfullertonworkshops.com to view my upcoming workshops.

    Paint with me in ITALY...click HERE to learn more.

Contemporary Abstract Landscape Painting "Meditation" by Intuitive Artist Joan Fullerton

Coming from the prairies of Wyoming I see most paintings with horizontals as landscapes, but this painting could easily be a seascape, given the many blue hues and the reflective qualities. I see a hint of a ladder in the subtle markings of the surface and there is an opening in the center which might represent a sort of doorway into the empty, quiet, mind, that can be achieved in moments of meditation.

   FRESH OFF THE EASEL...

   24"x24".75" Acrylic on Cradled panel

   Click HERE for pricing.

   Visit http://www.joanfullerton.com to view more of my work.

  WHAT IF?????     Read my blog post HERE

   Want to view a portion of my creative process and see the face that lives beneath the layers?

   Watch this video: 

    https://youtu.be/GOR_6SWBpUc

    Visit http://www.joanfullertonworkshops.com to view my upcoming workshops.

    Paint with me in ITALY...click HERE to learn more.

Abstract Tree Landscape Painting "Three Trees" by Intuitive Artist Joan Fullerton

This whimsical little watercolor has been varnished and framed in a gold leaf mat and black frame. Painting dimensions are 4x4, the framed dimensions are 13x13. This original painting makes a wall pop when hung alone or when grouped with other art.  


   FRESH OFF THE EASEL...

   13"x13"x.75" Watercolor on Paper/Framed

   Click HERE for pricing.

   Visit http://www.joanfullerton.com to view more of my work.

  WHAT IF?????     Read my blog post HERE

   Want to view a portion of my creative process and see the face that lives beneath the layers?

   Watch this video: 

    https://youtu.be/GOR_6SWBpUc

    Visit http://www.joanfullertonworkshops.com to view my upcoming workshops.

    Paint with me in ITALY...click HERE to learn more.

Evolution of a Painting

A favorite painting from the "30 Paintings in 30 Days", hosted by Leslie Saeta, I titled: Perfect Vision. Of course, perfect vision is impossible, unless you decide "imperfect is the new perfect"! 

Here is an evolution of one search for imperfect perfect.

Version 1
 Striped collage paper, images of trees,
fences, painted rain, and circle over
a line, indicating a sun on the horizon.

That we all have a biased, fuzzy, fluctuating and partial vision of life, gives us our own unique vision. I say embrace this!

My process involves: posing questions, adding, subtracting, noticing what shows up, staying curious and not hesitating to follow my curiosity.

It about persevering beyond your initial solutions...digging deeper. Sometimes I regret having covered over a previous stage, but what I learn by further investigation is priceless.

Diebenkorn suggests we attempt what is not certain; doing this certainly entertains me!

Creativity isn't about talent, it is a way of operating.

Final version
The result has greater visual depth because of
the layering, I added the house image
providing a more poetic statement,
and the copper leaf sits on top for some dazzle.

Version 2
Here I added a bird looking outward, greatly simplified
the background, created a flower in a new opening,
and I discovered a very little bird top right
of the flower.

Contemporary Mixed Media Abstract Painting "Wind" by Intuitive Artist Joan Fullerton

   FRESH OFF THE EASEL...

This is an acrylic skin collaged onto a cradled panel. I like the depth and the small marks.

  

   8"x8"x.75" Acrylic on Cradled Panel

   Click HERE for pricing.

  Visit http://www.joanfullerton.com to view more of my work.

  WHAT IF?????     Read my blog post HERE

   Want to view a portion of my creative process and see the face that lives beneath the layers?

   Watch this video: 

    https://youtu.be/GOR_6SWBpUc

    Visit http://www.joanfullertonworkshops.com to view my upcoming workshops.

    Paint with me in ITALY...click HERE to learn more.

Contemporary Mixed Media Abstract Painting "Random" by Intuitive Artist Joan Fullerton

   FRESH OFF THE EASEL...

Created with acrylic paint, art papers, and pieces of a collograph print I made, this framed painting has exuberance and many random edges and marks that embellish the rectangular composition. 

  

   24"x18" Mixed Media on Paper

   Click HERE for pricing.

  Visit http://www.joanfullerton.com to view more of my work.

  WHAT IF?????     Read my blog post HERE

   Want to view a portion of my creative process and see the face that lives beneath the layers?

   Watch this video: 

    https://youtu.be/GOR_6SWBpUc

    Visit http://www.joanfullertonworkshops.com to view my upcoming workshops.

    Paint with me in ITALY...click HERE to learn more.

Mixed Media ,Portrait ,Paper,Wood Collage "Memory" by Intuitive Artist Joan Fullerton

   FRESH OFF THE EASEL...

  This mixed media collage is in a carved wood frame.
  Image of a girl in front of an old house.

  

   21"x12" Mixed Media

   Click HERE for pricing.

  Visit http://www.joanfullerton.com to view more of my work.

  WHAT IF?????     Read my blog post HERE

   Want to view a portion of my creative process and see the face that lives beneath the layers?

   Watch this video: 

    https://youtu.be/GOR_6SWBpUc

    Visit http://www.joanfullertonworkshops.com to view my upcoming workshops.

    Paint with me in ITALY...click HERE to learn more.

"What If" you joined me for an artist's retreat in Italy?

As a mixed media intuitive artist, I put down random marks, colors and shapes, and with each action I ask myself, "what if". "What if" I add a darker, a warmer, or a larger shape? "What if" I over-lapping it? "What if" I scraped through that area, or drizzled a thick paint into that wet space?

Asking "What if" with a sense of excitement and possibility, is creative. It's very different than asking yourself "what if" with a negative, fearful attitude: "What if" I really mess this up, look stupid, or fail.

I am always teaching and reminding myself to be positive; to respond with confidence, and to realize the idea that just popped into my head is a gift.

In the book, Blink, Malcolm Gladwell describes the power of "thinking without thinking". When you have a decision to make in life or in art, getting into your head and analyzing it, opens the door to making excuses, procrastinating and coming from "control" rather than from "trust"... it inhibits expansive living. Gladwell provides proof that your gut responses to life are based on more information, more truth, and they are likely to be more satisfying. If that freaks you out and seems too impulsive...you might have a voice in your head saying "be careful...something bad might happen. However, if you learn to trust your crazy notions, fearful feelings will be transformed into "excitement". You will be saying "yes" to more of life's opportunities and you will be making art that is "alive" and more uniquely yours.

These watercolor and pencil drawings from my 1999 sabbatical in Italy are all about saying YES to "what if". "What if I went to Italy to study and paint?" "What if I juxtaposed a Giotto painting with the Grand Tetons of Wyoming, or perhaps framed a watercolor of Cortona, Italy with my drawing of a total eclipse of the moon?"

Have you ever wanted to experience Italy with a journal, sketchbook and camera? With time to savor and reflect? "What if" you said yes to joining me in Italy this May?

Don't wait to register...the deadline is March 1st. http://www.ilchiostro.com/workshops/painting-your-adventures-in-cortona-and-the-hills-of-chianti/

Contemporary Abstract Acrylic Painting 30/30 Challenge "Rebirth" by Intuitive Artist Joan Fullerton

   FRESH OFF THE EASEL....

Day 30 of Leslie Saeta's 30 Paintings in 30 Days art challenge. With all of my 30 paintings along the wall in the studio, I am pleased to have completed this challenge. I didn't always want to go into the studio, but at the end of the day I was grateful for my discipline and my many hours of creativity.

   Day 30 of Leslie Saeta's 30 Paintings in 30 Days Art Challenge.

  

   48"x36"x1.5"  Acrylic on Canvas

   Click HERE for pricing.

  Visit http://www.joanfullerton.com to view more of my work.

   REFLECTIONS ON THE PROCESS OF CREATING -Read my blog post HERE

   Want to view a portion of my creative process and see the face that lives beneath the layers?

   Watch this video: 

    https://youtu.be/GOR_6SWBpUc

    Visit http://www.joanfullertonworkshops.com to view my upcoming workshops.

    Paint with me in ITALY...click HERE to learn more.

Contemporary Abstract Painting 30/30 Challenge "Incidence" by Intuitive Artist Joan Fullerton

   FRESH OFF THE EASEL....

Day 29 of Leslie Saeta's 30 Paintings in 30 Days art challenge, had me exploring the transparent application of fluid acrylics. Pouring right from the bottle and scumbling with a rag, until the depth and variety of random marks entertained me. The title Incidence at the Edges, reflects the design concept of not having the visual entertainment at the perimeters of the design...I often heard, "Don't have incidence at the edges". This rule has gone out of favor with many, and I am one. I often prefer having a quiet meditative space in the middle of the composition.

   Day 29 of Leslie Saeta's 30 Paintings in 30 Days Art Challenge.

  

   24"x24"x.75"  Acrylic on Cradled Panel

   Click HERE for pricing.

  Visit http://www.joanfullerton.com to view more of my work.

   REFLECTIONS ON THE PROCESS OF CREATING -Read my blog post HERE

   Want to view a portion of my creative process and see the face that lives beneath the layers?

   Watch this video: 

    https://youtu.be/GOR_6SWBpUc

    Visit http://www.joanfullertonworkshops.com to view my upcoming workshops.

    Paint with me in ITALY...click HERE to learn more.

Mixed Media Assemblage Painting 30/30 Challenge "Release" by Intuitive Artist Joan Fullerton

   FRESH OFF THE EASEL....

Day 28 of Leslie Saeta's 30 Paintings in 30 Days art challenge, I finished a shadow box collage that I began months ago with my private art student. Incorporating part of a Taos Mountain watercolor, photo of a Raven, iron grill work, and found objects, the theme of "release", "letting go" emerged.

   Day 28 of Leslie Saeta's 30 Paintings in 30 Days Art Challenge.

  

   12"x12"x1.5  Mixed Media on Canvas

   Click HERE for pricing.

   Visit http://www.joanfullerton.com to view more of my work.

   REFLECTIONS ON THE PROCESS OF CREATING -Read my blog post HERE

   Want to view a portion of my creative process and see the face that lives beneath the layers?

   Watch this video: 

    https://youtu.be/GOR_6SWBpUc

    Visit http://www.joanfullertonworkshops.com to view my upcoming workshops.

    Paint with me in ITALY...click HERE to learn more.

Beneath the Surface

It has been said that many teachers and gurus teach what they need to learn. This is true for me when I teach, and also when I paint. When I teach and when paint I am always both the teacher and the student.

This small painting 10x8, titled Beneath the Surface, reminds me that I am more than the image I see in the mirror, more than the art I make, more than the thoughts I think. The unseen, larger part of me, the unconscious part; is inclusive, non-judgemental, loving and wise.

This painting is composed of a heavily textured background, upon which I glued a translucent gel skin. Putting the luminous skin over this gritty composition, totally intrigued me. The underlying marks and rough texture appear to be at the bottom of a pond.

Following your curiosity is key...you must be intrigued.

Nicholas Wilton the painter, has a great quote: "If it feels slightly like a yawn, stop immediately."

Be the whole swimming pool...both the deep end and the shallow!

JoanFullertonWorkshops.com

Contemporary Abstract Mixed Media Painting 30/30 Challenge "Sunset Poppies" by Intuitive Artist Joan Fullerton

   FRESH OFF THE EASEL....

This unfinished painting with a plaster border has been around the studio for a couple of years. Today I freshened the color, defined the shapes and simplified the background. My test as to whether it is finished, is: "Would I hang it?" My answer...was yes.

   Day 27 of Leslie Saeta's 30 Paintings in 30 Days Art Challenge.

  

   16"x16"x.75  Oil on Cradled Panel

   Click HERE for pricing.

   Visit http://www.joanfullerton.com to view more of my work.

   Want to view a portion of my creative process and see the face that lives beneath the layers?

   Watch this video: 

    https://youtu.be/GOR_6SWBpUc

    Visit http://www.joanfullertonworkshops.com to view my upcoming workshops.

    Paint with me in ITALY...click HERE to learn more.

Contemporary Abstract Mixed Media Painting 30/30 Challenge "Previous Chapter" by Intuitive Artist Joan Fullerton

   FRESH OFF THE EASEL....

I composed a collage of an old book cover, wood pieces, tree bark, and photos of an area where I used to live in Wyoming. These things had been on the work table, so I decided to put them together.

   Day 26 of Leslie Saeta's 30 Paintings in 30 Days Art Challenge.

  

   12"x16"x1.5 Mixed Media on Cradled Panel

   Click HERE for pricing.

   Visit http://www.joanfullerton.com to view more of my work.

   Want to view a portion of my creative process and see the face that lives beneath the layers?

   Watch this video: 

    https://youtu.be/GOR_6SWBpUc

    Visit http://www.joanfullertonworkshops.com to view my upcoming workshops.

    Paint with me in ITALY...click HERE to learn more.

Contemporary Abstract Mixed Media Painting 30/30 Challenge "CORTONA MEMORY" by Intuitive Artist Joan Fullerton

   FRESH OFF THE EASEL....

As I pushed the paint around with no destination in mind, I began to see images of a hill and Cyprus Trees. The emerging shapes reminded me of Cortona, Italy. (I will be teaching there this May.) The warm reddish rust color hinted of rooftops and the warm patina of the ancient city. A pattern of rectangles implied the narrow cobblestone streets, and the quiet shape on the right of the hill could easily represent Santa Margherita Church. My fondness for this Tuscan venue came to life with each brushstroke. 

When turned the photo 180 degrees....I liked it even more...it was still Cortona, but at night...the road to the top of the hill had the Cyprus Trees flanking it, the wall around the city was grey and pronounced, and the light at the bottom of the composition seemed to lift the hill higher! Want to have a life changing adventure with me in Italy? READ BELOW to lean more.

   Day 25 of Leslie Saeta's 30 Paintings in 30 Days Art Challenge.

  

   30"x40"  Acrylic on CANVAS

   Click HERE for pricing.

   Visit http://www.joanfullerton.com to view more of my work.

   Want to view a portion of my creative process and see the face that lives beneath the layers?

   Watch this video: 

    https://youtu.be/GOR_6SWBpUc

    Visit http://www.joanfullertonworkshops.com to view my upcoming workshops.

    Paint with me in ITALY...click HERE to learn more.

Contemporary Abstract Mixed Media Painting 30/30 Challenge "Fleeting" by Intuitive Artist Joan Fullerton

   FRESH OFF THE EASEL....

   Using a variety of Golden Gels I was able to diffuse the edges and create a soft depth.

   Day 24 of Leslie Saeta's 30 Paintings in 30 Days Art Challenge.

  

   12"x12"  Acrylic on CANVAS

   Click HERE for pricing.

   Visit http://www.joanfullerton.com to view more of my work.

   Want to view a portion of my creative process and see the face that lives beneath the layers?

   Watch this video: 

    https://youtu.be/GOR_6SWBpUc

    Visit http://www.joanfullertonworkshops.com to view my upcoming workshops.

    Paint with me in ITALY...click HERE to learn more.