Blues Series - King of the Delta Blues
So besides trying to learn how to fly a plane and also learning to paint, I also wanted to learn to play the guitar. Year and a half ago, I started taking up lessons with Adam Levine at Divine Appointment Guitars and have been learning to play Jazz and the Blues.
I love Jazz - Big Band & Swing. My desire to paint was a direct result of Jazz music. So much energy and emotion, I wanted to capture it on a canvas. After finishing up my Jazz series of art (Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus, Cassandra Wilson, Charlie Parker, and Wes Montgomery - currently displayed at Cafe Vio in Paso Robles.), I wanted to capture the Blues. I have chosen Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, B.B.King and the King of Delta Blues - Robert Johnson as my subjects. Adam suggested I also listen to Big Bill Broonzy - Chicago Blues!!. Great tunes!!!
I was finishing up the oil of Muddy Waters (which have been sitting on my easel for weeks now) but I was feeling a bit "lost" and wasn't inspired to finish it. So I started a pastel drawing of John Lee Hooker this weekend but half way into it, I lost motivation, again. ARRGH!!! But tonight, while listening to "Rambling on My Mind", I was seized with inspiration, got out my Le Carte Pastel board and five hours later - Mr. Robert Johnson was staring back at me. Although he did not live long enough (died at 27) to become as popular as musician during his time, he's influenced so many musicians, Eric Clapton, to name one. It was pretty much his voice -- hauntingly edging me on. I actually got goosebumps tonight.
I can't help but be disappointed sometimes, that unless I am inspired in some way, I am unable to paint. I don't think I am cut out to be a "professional artist". I would not be able to paint on demand or paint for commission and since I have such an emotional attachment to my work, I will be unable to part from them. Is this a normal "novice" feeling?
I love Jazz - Big Band & Swing. My desire to paint was a direct result of Jazz music. So much energy and emotion, I wanted to capture it on a canvas. After finishing up my Jazz series of art (Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus, Cassandra Wilson, Charlie Parker, and Wes Montgomery - currently displayed at Cafe Vio in Paso Robles.), I wanted to capture the Blues. I have chosen Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, B.B.King and the King of Delta Blues - Robert Johnson as my subjects. Adam suggested I also listen to Big Bill Broonzy - Chicago Blues!!. Great tunes!!!
I was finishing up the oil of Muddy Waters (which have been sitting on my easel for weeks now) but I was feeling a bit "lost" and wasn't inspired to finish it. So I started a pastel drawing of John Lee Hooker this weekend but half way into it, I lost motivation, again. ARRGH!!! But tonight, while listening to "Rambling on My Mind", I was seized with inspiration, got out my Le Carte Pastel board and five hours later - Mr. Robert Johnson was staring back at me. Although he did not live long enough (died at 27) to become as popular as musician during his time, he's influenced so many musicians, Eric Clapton, to name one. It was pretty much his voice -- hauntingly edging me on. I actually got goosebumps tonight. I got ramblin, I've got ramblin on my mind
I got ramblin, I've got ramblin all on my mind
Hate to leave my baby, but she treats me so unkind
I got mean things, I've got mean things all on my mind
Little girl little girl, I got mean things all on my mind
Hate to leave you here baby, but you treat me so unkind
I can't help but be disappointed sometimes, that unless I am inspired in some way, I am unable to paint. I don't think I am cut out to be a "professional artist". I would not be able to paint on demand or paint for commission and since I have such an emotional attachment to my work, I will be unable to part from them. Is this a normal "novice" feeling?
posted at
12:26 AM
6 Comments:
Unfortunately, I cannot help you with your last question, as I cannot even draw a straight line. But, I guess in terms of writing, I can somewhat understand. I'll start something and if it doesn't quite gel, then I just stop. Sometimes it comes back, though.
Do you paint these from pics via freehand? What you posted looks great!
at 2:39 AM
Aymiee, don't ever limit yourself that way. You can do what ever you want. Honest. Your painting is terrific! Artists in every media have periods without inspiratiion. When i have no ideas, I keep writingand playing anyway. Even if I turn out useless crap, I'm exercising that music/writing muscle. something willeventually come.
Interesting that if you break down those old blues guys into elements, there is nothing exrtraordinary about the lyrics. There are flashes of very cool playing but it's the performance that holds court with me. I think anybody can write a blues tune. Some guys get good enough to play the hell out of it, but way fewer people learn to sing it like a Robert Johnson and the guys you mention.I don't have the licks so I tend to avoid it.
How's that singing through a pane of glass project coming? You want to release it and my lyrics at the same time?
at 4:27 AM
Thanks Becky, this was done with pastel. I don't have a scanner, so I usually take picture of it with my digital camera. I haven't mastered the used of the mouse to draw with (Freehand or Illustrator). I need to take up MissDaze advice and get a Wacom tablet. Yes, I've been in a painting drought for weeks. Just no inspiration.
Bud, yes, gotta keep that in mind -- keep churning even if it is crap..haha. What do you mean, you don't have the licks? From what I've been reading, I would think otherwise. Putting words together to depict a feeling is quite challenging. That is what I like about your lyrics. Esp. the one about the pane of glass. So many emotions and ideas were conjured up. Let me know when you are finish with it and I think releasing it together would be my honor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (I will email you the painting to see if you like it)
at 9:54 AM
I think you could easily be a pro!!
Your stuff is great Aymiee!
at 10:52 AM
Your an Artist. Your prone to such feelings, and the best part of the gig is that the *best* work typically surfaces when your at your *worst*.
Nice job A.
at 7:51 PM
Sharron & Curator.. thanks -- you guys are always there to cheer me on. Now, if I paint anything bad, you guys would let me know, right? I think I need to fix the lips and nose a little more... more changes now that I have time to step back for several hours. I see new fixin's.
at 8:04 PM
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