 My entire life I've surrounded myself with books on seemingly opposite sides of the scale: Interior Design & Spirituality. Today I see the connection.  This retreat will SELL OUT! If you feel the call to join us, now is the time. Only 3 SPOTS LEFT for my upcoming Fearless Abstract Painting Retreat in Costa Rica. Join us November 14 - 19, 2021 at Imiloa Institute. A 6-day immersive retreat to explore painting as a genuine path to self-discovery, spiritual awakening and transformation. Play, experiment, have fun! Embody spontaneous creation with the emphasis on "no rules" in luxury accommodations in a jungle setting. For more information & to register: https://imiloainstitute.com/retreat/fearless-abstract-painting/  We did it! We survived the rare Blue Moon. Personally, I haven't slept well in 3 days. How was it for you? The Blue Moon brings strong emotions to the surface, feels otherworldly, and makes us ponder what's important to us in life. During this magical celestial moment, it's a beautiful time to follow your heart and desires.  Working with this "silver fox" at the studio today. Unable to attend one of da Silva's workshops? Prefer learning one-on-one? Private Art Instruction is available in-person at da Silva's Salt Lake City Studio or on-line. Lessons can be customized to suit your individual needs. A 2-hour session minimum is required for first time students. For more information & to register: https://www.samanthadasilva.com/private-art-instruction.html  The more rules you seek, the more rules you'll find. But be warned: Don't steep yourself so deep in learning the rules that you become stuck and paralyzed to approach the blank canvas. Keep in mind that when it comes to art, there are no right or wrong answers, only different results. Feel free to make your own rules. I encourage you to make good use of time and practice. After 13 years of painting professionally, composition feels like "background music" - I know it's there, but it's not something I have at the forefront of my mind. Getting to this stage came as a result of painting nearly one thousand canvases in the life span of my career. Throughout the years, I've abstained from writing about composition because I don't want to add to the fear. However, Composition Basics is something we cover in my workshops, so it is my sincere hope that you find the following principles useful in your creative process.  Making art can feel a bit like poking a wasp’s nest with a short stick. We tell ourselves we’re better off leaving things as they are rather than to stir things up. This becomes an excellent recipe for remaining stuck.  How do I make paintings that deeply align with my values? How do I express myself at my highest good and for the good of others? How can I go beyond thinking “We are one” to knowing this is true deep down in my soul? The answers to questions like these lie in having awareness. Knowing you have the choice to create a peaceful life for yourself—and the world. Painting As Prayer, Layers of Intention: New work inspired by the pursuit of an evolved self and hopes for a more enlightened humanity. |
