My father was an artist, a very good one. I spent my childhood watching him work for months painting a single piece and the results were amazing. I never picked it up though, the ability to create through painting, sculpture, drawing and other mediums as he could. I grew up understanding art though, appreciating it, and enjoy it to this day.
I distinctly recall something my dad once said to me as a kid after I had criticised some artwork:
"G-dog, there is no bad art, just art."
He didn't actually call me G-dog, no one in real life does, but he said those words and they have stuck with me throughout my life as I watched my father make his living as an artist and create some of the most beautiful paintings and drawings I've seen and as I've travelled the world and observed art in some of the most renowned galleries.
Recently, I wrote a post about a monthly event initiative my girl-person and myself, together with another couple, came up with which you can read here if you would like to. It's a monthly outing that each of us has to choose individually on a rotational basis.
Recently we attended a paint your partner Picasso-style event at a gin distillery in the city as part of that event-initiative and I thought I'd do a post on it.
Pre-brushstrokes
Part of the event was some gin tastings, unsurprising considering it was hosted by a funky gin distillery.
The image above shows my three sample gins which were all good. As we were sipping we checked out our work stations, each set up with a canvas, paints and brushes and began to think about getting focused to paint something in a Picasso style.
As the rest of the group gathered, around twenty five people total, we got settled in and before long the host, a local artist, began to explain the concepts of portrait-painting Picasso-style.
Picasso is one of my least-favourite painters, it's not a judgement, just that my tastes in art lean in other ways, Claude Monet, Leonardo Da Vinci, Henri Matisse, Paul Cézanne and most Art Deco works for instance. He was incredibly talented for sure, but I don't really relate to his work and would rather look at someone else's. Having said that, the day was all about Picasso so I had it in mind to bring some of his style (if not skill) to my painting. Who knew how it would turn out? (I did...shit! I pushed on though.)
We all began painting with some following the occasional directions and suggestions of the resident artist and some going their own way; I did a little of both.
Mid-brushstrokes
I'd decided to try and indicate movement in my painting through my girl-person's hair. My original thought was for boobs to feature quite prominently, make it true to life and all, however I decided to play it straight on this occasion and pushed thoughts of boobs (almost) from my mind.
Soon, the paint was mixed on my palette and my brushes were applying it to the fresh white canvas and the portrait began to take shape. I went for hair cascading forward over her left shoulder and behind the right and some sort of blowing in the breeze. Ok, that part didn't work out, but hey, I'm not an artist right? The hair colour isn't right either, although I figured yellow would look quite striking.
I added some coloured geometric shapes in various colours including a triangular-shaped earing, and then a neck scarf as well. Don't ask me why, us non-artists don't have to justify...nothing wrong with a neck scarf though right?
As I progressed I began to add the facial features like eyes, mouth (I actually forgot to add that initially) and eyebrows. I painted her right eyebrow on an acute angle as if she's saying, what the fuck? I did that because I thought she'd probably say what the fuck when she actually saw my portrait of herself.
The further I went the worse things got and it wasn't because of the gin, I tasted all but only drank one and a half out of the three. No, things were going from bad to worse because I'm a terrible artist and I blame my dad! (Ok, not really, it was my fault for being generally shit at art.)
Post-brushstrokes
Finally the clock put me out of my artistic misery (not really misery, it was great fun) and it was time to sign my artwork and do a reveal.
I had paint all over my hands although my clothing managed to stay paint-free. Thanks apron. The brushes went back into the water and I took a moment to stretch out, a couple hours of painting takes it out of you. The four of us moved around and looked at each other's portraits and there was a bunch of laughing and a few what the bloody fuck's exchanged. #WTBF
The image below, in which we are each holding the painting of ourselves, shows the final result of our four portrait paintings, the one I painted is second from the right. There's me and my girl-person in the middle and our two friends left and right. Yeah, frightful huh? It was a great time though, a fun way to spend a couple hours and we have something to bring home to remember, although we'd probably rather forget how bad those paintings are.
The event want for a total of two hours, although I'd have liked an additional hour because it felt a little rushed, and was run well. The location was cool and the gin was tasty even though I only tried each one and never finished any - I was too busy painting. As an outing I would recommend it if you get the chance in your location. It cost $75AUD each and that included everything other than any food ordered. I think that was reasonable, don't you?
Anyway, that's it, the first time I've posted any kind of painting I've personally done on the blockchain. It's also the first time I've ever done any painting that wasn't on a house or car. I know it's not very good, that wasn't really the point of the whole thing, the point was fun. I think I better stick to painting houses not portraits though.
If you've got any comments feel free to leave them below.
Design and create your ideal life, don't live it by default; tomorrow isn't promised so be humble and kind - galenkp
[All original and proudly AI free.]
Any images in this post are my own.
Those aren't bad at all. You, are an artiste!
Some would say so...they also add the word bullshit in front of artist.
They still get paid.
This is true.
I got paid in fun at this event, it really was great...although I had to pay for the fun. It's the first time I've done something like this and I think I'll do it again.
Yeah. You paid the bullshit artist. I'm joking!
I know from experience how satisfying it is. Each time you do it, you'll learn something as well which will be included in the next one. It's rare in life to find something that offers someone the ability to actually witness or feel progress and results in real time.
One of the main reasons I got hooked on digital art though was simple. Paint and what one paints on can be both messy and expensive. Even though my hardware gets dirty and isn't free...
Satisfying indeed, the journey through doing something creative; I wound this with music as I progressed from almost fiver years old to become very proficient in my late teens. There's always more to discover and learn though.
I remember how my dad's style changed throughout the years from before I was born and throughout my life. I have that journey, the paintings, and it's amazing the differences; he revealed more each time and applied his craft, as you say.
It's almost like a calendar or a clock. If you're familiar with someone's work, can tell the date and time just by looking at it.
These also just so happen to be some of the elements one loses by using AI, but that's a story for another day.
Hey, I call you G-Dog!! I spell it G-Dawg right enough!!
Lol! They are bloody magic. I can feel the motion in the hair and the querying of the crooked #wtbf eyebrow.
Fecking genius mate. Better than I could do anyway, I tell you that!!
Surely this is the beginnings of a magnificent series... G-Dawg Paints or even Paint with G-Dawg!
Farkin hell, I can see this going down the franchising route!!! 😀
Could you imagine? A whole account dedicated to my fucken terrible painting. Glorious. Don't worry though Boomy, there'll be plenty of hair in motion and WTBFing!
Seriously though, you and Mrs. Boom need to go and do something like this; it was a lot of fun...it'll be more fun for you because I think you'd probably slam down all three drinks and be looking for more too! Get in there Boomdawg.
I think the Good Lady would be slamming them down too!
I think she would love it. I need to get looking to see if their is anything of the like in unimaginitive Glasgow. There probably will be. And the summer holidays beckon, might be able to fob the kids of on someone!
Love that hair in motion and WTBFing!!!
Here's one in Glasgowlandia: Boozy Brushes
Make sure you get some movement in the hair bro, I'd be a little miffed if you didn't.
It's amazing what you get upto:) Gin powered too, 'open your mind' as Ursula said uttered from original Total Recall - imagine the creations on a CBD drink, I already picture myself at raves in the living room with a classic track, PS your creativity knows no bounds, enjoy everyday - Ben
Hey mate, it sure is amazing what one and a half glasses of gin can do...it inspired that hair in motion aspect of my painting and...not much else to be honest. I was a great couple hours though and well worth the money.
Hello, apologies for being off the radar this last 16 months with Mum etc has been relentless, nearly through it though with a good outcome yay, and Annabelle has been striving to keep us active. I had to comeback I missed the community and massively random conversations.
I just read that as pints :| there be a pirate in the midst, that'd be Escher type creations, i like doing random things, they're massively important - like revisiting mountain biking 10 or so years later, i have black blue shins etc to prove it.
Will we see more artisticness from you in the future, ice sculpture perhaps, far better than juggling with chain saws :)
It's good that you're back and active, this place can be a little addictive so I understand. It's great things have progressed with the family issues and a good outcome is a good outcome. (Yes, I actually said that.)
Now, ice sculptures...I'm not sure but chainsaw juggling...it's a possibility. I'll have a practice, start east with only three chainsaws, and if you never hear from me again, you'll know my practice didn't go so well.
Yes it is, thank you Jimmy Two Times very Good Fellas, Casino, Pepper Pig etc - i gotta get the papers, get the papers, - everybody is mega supportive and hours just disappear on here, (i massively missed it) then i think oh dear that vid should have gone live 6 hours ago eek - however i now have new found skill in puppetry, pirateism or tree gnawing - start with chainsaw emojis and yes east is best - then maybe hedge trimmers with saftey covers and try and press the safety and trigger simultaneously for that injection of thrill.
Lolled and Jimmy Two Times.
Keep an eye out on Britain's Got Talent for the one armed chainsaw juggling wunderboy. (I say one arm, because I'm assuming I'll lose one in training. Just a flesh wound of course.)
Collateral damage, also you need a hook, and as Stan Smith says people love the disfigured, i'l be watching now the TV and the seas for talent and the SS Galenkp
You know how to show a lady a good time! A nice touch incorporating the gin tasting with an artistic moment, or a few hours. A small, intimate group makes everything a little bit more personal and fun, in my opinion. It is easier to share between the four of you than a whole room of people.
I love what you did! Actually, all of the paintings caught a touch of Picasso! I think they all came out wonderfully, it even had some of the markings of Cubism with the shapes and those Crayola colors.
Is there anything such as bad art?
Your dad would probably say you have extraordinary talent.
What a fun night!!! Wait!! Who's turn is it this month??
Hello there Swiggles.
It really was a great couple hours and a lot of fun. I have paint in places I can't even mention, but my clothes survived which is a good thing, I had on my favourite Wrangler shirt.
I reckon we all did pretty well to be honest, considering we're not artists and it was cool to see how differently they all came out. There were no prizes to be had of course, it was all in the name of fun. I think you're right though, my dad would say I was talented, he was just that sort of bloke.
So, my girl-person had to select the next event and she chose a Mongolian place. From their website below:
It's actually pretty cool to watch. Diners select their stuff and put it into a bowl then head over to the massive cooker thing and the guys cook it up really quickly then sweep it all back into the diner's bowl. Then one goes to the rice and noodle thing, adds what they want, and Bob's your uncle. We're looking forward to it; it's happening at the end of the month.
Yes!! Save that blue plaid Wrangler shirt! God forbid, right? I hope you got all the paint, you know, removed. You all did do well, I can honestly say that I wouldn't stand a chance. Definitely not artistic, although my brother, uncle, and aunts... all have that gene. I have my mom's. Nada.
Mongolian is pretty cool. I think it will be a nice experience! A variety of restaurants do the cooking like that with different menus, of course. I went to a place called The Melting Pot and I have an amazing time in the times I have been there. Only about once a year, maybe two. But I love Thurssdates. It is special. :) I am with you on the experiences. To me, I don't need things. I have all the things I need or want (until I don't!) but, I would rather have the experience of doing something. I hope to go to the dam and photograph Eagles this weekend. Paint a Picasso. Those things are more fun...
Glad you had a great time there!
It's those experiences people will look back on and remember fondly, not the iPhone 37 they once bought.
The Melting Pot looks pretty cool. Book us in for June! 😋
Eagle shooting sounds great! I actually just did some native shooting and will post the results later today as I got a reasonable photo or two.
Also, rest assured, the Wrangler shirt survived intact, and (almost) all of the paint came off my parts.
What? That was a gum tree!
Melting Pot for four, the last week in June. You won't regret it. I hope you will be cleaned up by then.
All the paint will be gone, I hope. 😁
Well actually your painting doesn't seem bad at all, don't be too severe with yourself; I really like it!
I believe if you drank all three glasses of Gin the art would have started to flow as powerfully in You as strength does in a Jedi!😉
Jedi gin! I like it. Had I know that I would have slammed all three down and asked for another. Always wanted to be a Jedi Knight.
My painting, you can see it hanging in the Uffizi Gallery, right next to 'Annunciation' by Da Vinci right?
There's always time My friend, there's always time...
As soon as they exhibit it at the Uffizi I'll be the first to go and see it... But I want you there to sign me an autograph!
OH yaeh, man I'll be there for the beg unveiling and we can then go to Rivoire for cake and coffee and...to observe the world (ladies) passing by in Piazza della Signoria from a convenient vantage point.
Really the best, what could be better than a good coffee and a good dessert in the company of a good friend sitting from an excellent observation point to enjoy the beauties of Florence?
Nothing really, in my opinion it's the best!
Florence beauties man, they have to be observed...a coffee and cake is a good accompaniment.
For all your whining yours was probably the Picassoest XD
I'm guessing they picked Picasso because Picasso is cool and also that style is probably one of the easier ones to muck around with, though maybe the same could be said with Impressionism, but can you imagine trying to chuck a Cezanne or Matisse just casually
I love her one of you too, the shirt almost matches XD
Picassoest is now a word, and the credit is yours! 😉
They do a lot of different painters, I'm keen on a Monet one coming up, will probably do it.
Oh yeah, she captured my Wrangler shirt well, if I held the painting straight it'd blend nicely. She says it was all on purpose. Let's roll with it. 😁
Impressionism is also a good one, easy to do and make look cool, tricky to do well XD
Or at least I find it tricky to do well ;-;
I don't need to do it well, I just need to do it...the rest takes care of itself. I'm ok with creating art that other people think is shit.
The making is all the fun. Other people liking it is bonus XD
Yeah...if no one likes my art I'll be ok with it...there's a few I could bribe I guess.
What an amazingly interesting experience and the concept of the event itself. I fully agree with your father that there is no good or bad art. Art is art. As one of my photography teachers said, it's all just a matter of taste. Many of us have a great desire to create something, but we are stopped by what others say that creativity is far from ideal. And as a result, they will never know what they are capable of without even trying.
It was a really great couple of hours and I'd do it again, maybe not Picasso again though. They have a Claude Monet one in a couple months and I'm thinking of booking in for another round of fun.
Everyone has an opinion these days but it's best not to be too interested in them I think.
I have read your post. I read the comments: admiration, and a little criticism, and a sober look ... And here's what I want to say:
your works and the works of all the participants of this event are very good!
I am sure that there are no people who cannot draw. Every person can do, the only question is how similar it is to reality, but there will always be people who will like it!
The artist, first of all, no matter what he says, and no matter how he positions himself, creates for himself and from himself, one might even say.
Therefore, whatever happens in the end, it's always great!
At this event, a small amount of alcohol made the task of liberation and self-expression even easier!
Great pastime!
It was a fun event, that was it's purpose and our intention; fun.
I don't think it would have mattered what the paintings turned out like as we enjoyed the whole experience rather than being focused on actually creating good artwork.
I figured people would have an opinion on the artworks, one way or the other, people always have an opinion. But the event was about the experience, not the art, and the experience was the masterpiece.
Yes, it's very cool!
Having a good time is also an art!
Life is an art, and recreation and entertainment is one of its most enjoyable incarnations))
I'm reading next to my son and suddenly I laugh, he asked me why I laugh and then I show the picture and explained to him.
I am imagining and it seems I can hear you laugh at each other while looking at the results of your painting.
I haven't tried painting like that and I don't know what would be the result of I do, for sure a lot of laugh I can do to myself lol.
But at least you really had fun.
There was much laughter when we turned the paintings around. It was a lot of fun, the process and the end result.
Doing an activity like this with friends is surely fun, lol, I am still smiling thinking about it.
I remember that as a mother who wanted to teach my son to draw a man, all I can do is to draw a stick man lol
Lol, drawing stick figures is still drawing. 😎
Oh yes it is still drawing. Drawing a stick man you can't identify if you're drawing man or woman hehehe.
Like this...
Perfect, you're an amazing artist!
What a great art event and it is true that there is no bad art, there is only art. There is art in painting, in music, in photography .... art is everywhere.
I loved these works!!!! What a pleasure to see the final results, they are great!
Congratulations!😀
The main thing of the whole event was fun and there was plenty of that. I'm told I don't laugh enough, that I'm too serious, so things like this are good for me. It was very enjoyable and the paintings...well, they are horrendous, but that's acceptable I think.
How horrible? No! Nothing like that, you enjoy the process and whatever comes out of the inspiration.
I laugh a lot hahaha
Almost good night over there, noon here!
Lunch time there, evening snack time here, almost.
I had dinner a couple hours ago, soup and crusty buttered bread, and I'll have some tea and a little snack in an hour. I'm going to read a little tonight, no music or other noise, just my book and the sounds of me sipping tea. Lol.
Have a great rest of the day.
If I have lunch and a visitor hahaha
Enjoy your tea and good reading!
Good afternoon and evening😀
It is a beautiful work...
Thank you. I'm certainly not going to win any awards for it, but I had fun at the event and would do it again.
I am about as much of a critic of art as I am of cigars and wine. That said, I think your painting isn't bad. Better than I could do. I have no artistic talent whatsoever.
I get it. Besides, some of art critic's seem to have the worst taste ever...or maybe that's a thought brought on by the fact I'm a blunt instrument. Lol.
You and me both.
Interesting post! Loved those paintings! Always fun to try different activities!
It's good to have some fun now and then, and I like trying different things. Life is too short to prioritise work over life itself. That's just my take on it anyway.
Hah - there you are! You and your girl-person plus friends. You really went for it, didn't you? Picasso-style with a heavy dose of bright pop-art colors. Not bad, not bad. You're probably right though, I'm not sure I'd hang it up but it sure is interesting to see how you all interpreted the theme differently, it's part of art. This really seems like a fun event. Did the resident artist give much instruction or inspiration before the event?
There wasn't much instruction really. It wasn't really about turning people into artists or creating masterpieces. After all, what one person thinks is good, or bad, another may think the opposite. It was a fun couple hours though.
Oh, of course. I guess you can't expect to discover an artist at a sip&paint event - though you never know, I'm sure some people find their love for painting.
So, I guess everyone had a certain knowledge or image of Picasso-style and just went for it - cool.
Wonder how the studio would look like if the event were Jackson Pollock style - LOL
I wanted to go all Jackson Pollock on them but figured the gin distillery might make me pay for the damage so I decided against it.
What?! You wussed out?! And you admitted it?
I would love to try that. Every now and then when I paint in acrylics I drip a little here and there on purpose but - to go all the way? Not enough artist and too much neat-freak (not) in me.
I'm happy to admit I have manners, decorum and respect, for sure.
Maybe you should go all the way with it sometime, see what happens from splashing paint around on a canvas, or whatever else is around.
Always a gentleman ☺️.
I don't know too much about art but In my opinion, You are not too bad also in the art as you said here.
So. I prefer to say art 😊.
Yeah, the event was more about fun than art but thanks. I'm not really all that interested at being good at art or painting things that people think is good, but fun is something I like to achieve.
They look very nice to me, I'm sure they had a good time. The one you did looks more artistic, focusing on the geometric figures. The portrait they did of you is more tender, absolute love.
I went for a more Picasso-style which was often geometric shapes. I think they all look pretty good considering none of us know how to paint, and we had a good time which was the whole aim of it.
Already know where to hang it? They were all really great.
It's leaning on the wall in my home office currently, I'm not sure I'm bold enough to actually hang it...It's rather terrible.
My goodness. To me, they look great. In all that the only thing missing then is more gin shots. You must be more of a whisky, little but sure.
I like gin and whiskey but I'm not a huge drinker and never get drunk. I like to know what's going on around me.
I'm also like that. When I feel that things change tone, that's as far as I go🤭.
I live with a lot of people who drink and I'm very critical of that, of reaching a point where you're not enjoying yourself, it's no longer you, it's the alcohol.
Oh my goodness!!! What an absolutely AWESOME way to spend time with friends!!! LOVE, love, LOVEEEEE this idea! Also, SUCH a great ending snap shot! I also think that your dad is probably chuckling right now because you ARE a creative soul, whether you choose to acknowledge that or not! I can see that from one gin driven painting... ok wait, hang on - let me re-think this, perhaps none of it was actually you, but rather all the gin! LOLZ!!!
I am just pulling your leg. :D
They are all pretty awesome to be honest!
As someone who experiments creatively all the time, I have learnt and often remind myself of exactly your fathers words... there is no wrong in art, because it is nothing more than our own visual interpretations of internal expression, and there is no "correct or incorrect" definition for that :)
Interpretation is in the eye of the beholder.
One may say, "you ain't getting any prettier," another may say, "I appreciate you because you're you."
I think the same goes for art; what one likes another may not, however that doesn't negate the fact the art exists and is of value to someone, if only the creator of it.
It takes all sorts to make the world go round :)
@galenkp
As an artist, I really admire this work. The concept fused into the work is extremely that of the grandmasters of art. I was triggered to focus on every details after reading the title.
You really got it.
Nevertheless, I’ve sketch many Hiver and since you are an artist, i will like to sketch you too. Let me check you blog through. If I’ll be lucky to see a close shot photograph😀😀
But you can still relief me stress by sharing it here.
Nice art
Thanks for your comments about my art, it was an enjoyable time painting it and that's the main thing for me I guess.
I'm not sure if you'll find a close up of me on Hive...maybe though. I tend not to put myself on the blockchain. If you scroll back far enough you might find one though.
I LOVE ya'lls paintings. Looks like you had such fun. You keep saying you are not an artist and that's ok, but these are exactly like they are supposed to be I'm thinking. I hope ya'll will give them some space in your home to hang as a pair. What a fun memory !
I really enjoyed seeing them.
Oh thanks Jace, it sure was fun!
I'm still in deliberation on whether these paintings will hang, and if so where. They came out ok, and I've had them propped up in my home office since last week...and haven't gone blind from looking at them so...leaning towards handing myself and my girl-person. Lol.
I think they would be great conversation pieces and might even make you smile again and again when you see them.
I smile a little bit, having a reason to do so a little more would be welcome. Maybe I should get t-shirts printed with my painting on them so everyone can get a laugh.
You never know what you are capable of until you try.. the paintings not bad after all
Indeed.
Yeah
a good drink and see art is priceless my friend very nice photo congratulations
Indeed, a great drink for sure.
I think the only thing that has been unleashed here is confirmation I'm not a very good artist. That's ok though, I've no real desire (or need) to be good at art. I do things for the enjoyment of it and goodness comes from that.