ISSUE 7 ◦ by Heidi Horchler

Art Exploration| 2.14.20 ❤️

Do you visit art fairs or museums? If you’re at a restaurant and see a painting on the wall, do you walk over and take a closer look? If you’re in a school with student art displayed in the hallway, do you stop to appreciate their work?

Before I studied art, I looked at art and was amazed by the execution of it, but I had no clue how any of it could be accomplished. Beyond drawing with a pencil I was basically like, well that’s a miracle. Now that I have some understanding of art history and different artistic processes, I pretty much have the same thought.

But now, I look deeper. I search for the layers, marks, brushstrokes, texture - anything that gives away a tiny little secret of how the artist formed the work. Sometimes I can come up with some sort of story behind the process. Sometimes it’s plain and simple, sometimes I have no clue and just stare in awe.

I often wonder what non-artists think when observing artwork. Maybe they get lost in the image or sculpture, and let their minds wander. Maybe, like me, they wonder at the creation of it. Maybe they’re just flummoxed by the whole thing. They might also wonder at how the artist even came up with the idea to begin with, which is personally one of my favorite things about making art — ideation.

One of the best sources of ideas for making art is — surprise — other art! By looking at another painting, drawing, or sculpture, it sparks an idea in the viewer which propels them toward their own creative work. It can be as simple as noticing a curve, or as complex as color combinations.

My challenge to you this month is to take a closer look. Next time you see a piece of art — whether it be a child’s masterpiece magneted to the refrigerator, a mass-produced Target special hanging in the Doctor’s office, or an original in a gallery or museum — don’t just walk by. Stop, lean in, and look for something that resonates with you. You might not even know why it speaks to you, but that’s ok. Take a moment to absorb it. Make a mental note of the artist’s name. A person created this. A person just like you.

Find something in a piece of art that inspires you. You don’t even have to make something. But what does it make you think about? Or remember? Or remind you of?

This is the power of art: human connection.

Artists that have inspired me this month:

Just for fun

This month’s project:

4 easy watercolor Valentines

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xo,

Heidi

P.S. As always, feel free to ask questions. Reach out through any of the social links on my website (below) or email me at heidhorch@gmail.com.