Blog

It's past the middle of January and I'm still wishing others a "Happy New Year"! With the New Year just beginning it's a time that most (whether you're an artist or not) choose to plan out their resolutions or goals for the year. If you are an artist you may plot out trips of places to visit that you can paint. Or you may choose to plan out your artwork based on the seasons of the year.

Often artists can run out of fuel to get their creativity flowing. Is that even possible you ask? Why, yes it is. Some might say that they need inspiration to create a really good painting or other art piece. If that's the case, how does the inspiration translate into beautiful art - my answer: PASSION. IF something inspires you it will stir your creativity. Creativity is an engine of passion. And inspiration is the fuel.

What if nothing inspires you? Start with something out of the ordinary. If you are use to sketching people, or painting flowers - try a different subject. Ask a friend what they want you to paint or draw. Why not illustrate something as simple as a lettering? What about trying to create art from a different type of medium. Whatever gets you out of the arena of familiarity will get that passion stirred.

Go ahead try something new - experiment and see yourself be inspired.

~M

Matting & framing art adds value to your artwork. Particular to watercolors, matting is imperative in drawing attention to your subject matter and completing its visual effect to the viewer. Color scheme is very important when selecting matting. You'll want to decide whether you want single or double mat. Double matt provides more depth and dimension. Typically the inner mat is a complimenting color from the art. I suggest a color that you used in your painting as an accent to complete the picture. The second mat which goes on top typically is best if it is white or different shades of white. This gives the painting a clean slate and clear view for the viewer, essentially it will allow the painting to "pop".

Selecting a frame can really change the entire tone of the art. Do you want the art to extend to the frame so that it has the same look and feel of the painting or do you want a stark contrast? Again, select a color that is not dominant in your art. By selecting an accent color this will round out the whole feeling of your art.

While I've focused on matting and framing your watercolor art - this can be applied to any photo or any painting you are looking to display.

Happy matting, happy framing!

~M

The beauty of art is that everyone appreciates different work and you really can't tell someone that a work is good or bad. Sure, there are general rules and guidelines one can practice, however, really how an artist's work is appreciated is all in the "eye of the beholder".

I've included an image with this blog of one of my most recent paintings that has sold. The painting is called "Through a Window" and it's of a certain view I had sitting at a restaurant in Oceanside harbor staring out at the lighthouse. The purchaser liked the painting because he said it would remind him of the time that he lived in Oceanside, California. He is relocating out of state and decided to select my work as something he'll hang in his new house.

People like what they are attracted to, and what they are attracted to usually triggers good memories. What type of artwork are you attracted to? What does your favorite painting or photo remind you of? Remember often times the artist will paint what creates positive memories or trigger emotions for them personally.

Next time you are in a museum, gallery or coffee shop stop for a second, intentionally ask yourself why do I like or dislike this artist's work? Does it remind me of something? You'll find that in fact there is always an emotional connection and appreciating that artist's work some how connects you to them.

~M

Welcome to Originals by M Carlen

I recently have launched this site to share my art with as many as find it inspirational and all who find a personal connection to my work. I find it ironic that it's now FALL HARVEST season and as a result of about two years of hard work I'm able to now share my work in this forum.

Passion is what drives to me to paint and everywhere I look I see a potential painting. Sometimes the creative side can get stuck, but around every corner there is opportunity for something new.

The Fall season provides colorful seasons, unique produce, changing leaves and just a different feel in the air.

I hope you enjoy this harvest season.

~ M