Patterns and repetition
How Music Influences Painting Styles and Color choices.
Understanding new connections/avenues on the Guitar and working on the development of a new Painting/Drawing:
Either of these actions is something I could explore, endlessly really. I recall days in my 20’s and 30’s, months and years, where I would get obsessed with acheivng guitar sounds. This was a lot more external combined with internal it seemed. At times, the guilt feeling of being particular about such a seemingly selfish endeavor, would interject.. Trying this compressor, that delay or chorus etc, these strings compared to those, etc. Not being to loud and pissing off the neighbor, to obsessed to stop though. Trying to acheive peaceful greatness and pleasure or a connction with some electric spirits. Solidifying a mirage of noise into a finality, that would soon need to evolve to improve.
When I do a drawing ( pastels they call pastel painting ) I get in this same type of : – do an action – or a few actions – assess the process – then either change it, some of it or add to it. This process will take place many times in a session of work. Then to step away for the remainder of a day or even longer if needed sometimes.
Assessment
This is a cool part of it and then to come back and see or hear what I had done. Was it crap or cool ? Is what I’m seeing or hearing even something I can count on for the long term.? I’ve heard veterans tell me “you gotta have a producer.”
I think sharing projects and ideas with more random people or friends, is a way to check myself or get that breakout, from my tunnel. Having hesitation about someone else showing me or guiding me, as to how to play or create art. . I guess that is the business side and also may not be what I question. Not sure I would know coming out on the other side.
Self Produced Music and Art
How Music Influences Painting Styles and Color Choices: There was a drummer I knew back in the late 1990’s,. He was playing drums for a few people at the time, Chris duarte was one of them. It was when I first moved to Austin. Being able to hangout with him and learn about concepts I had never heard of ( only heard in music but didnt understand ) was excellent. He gave me a metronome I remember and I’d practice with it often. It showed me areas where I needed work.
The last time I saw him prob 20 years ago, we were talking between one of his sets. Something about being aware of what you’re playing but flowing at the same time. He said something to the affect of “yeah isn’t that what your going for? Like to listen to yourself at the same time as your playing.?” Basically simultaneously. . not play listen, play listen. This is along the lines of the parallel universe subject as well. Also, the Lifeforce Idea. Maybe even being in the zone it could be called. Being a catalyst or a puppet moved by, inspired or driven by a force of some kind. Trusting in it but needing to be there doing my part.
Mastery and Beyond
I read and have heard that doing something for 10.000 hours ish, gives someone mastery in that area. I’m pretty sure this varys greatly depending on the person, motivations and activity. I do believe though, there is something important to being rehearsed. This I found out on a couple of occasions during live performances. I was dam near froze on stage and because I was well rehearsed, thankfully, I was able to perform.
Compulsive, Impulsive, inspired (divinity?).
Finding this flow I was speaking of in the last section, is something I’ve experienced playing live. Also, at times when I’m in a regular rehearsal / practice flow and when working on art. However, the moments have been much more rare, for the times when I felt carried by a power I couldn’t explain. Maybe this becomes more common place for super experienced, performers and athletes.
When I’m doing a new drawing, a big one on my wall I’ll say.. 6 to 8 hours a day for a couple months ( as time allows). There will be moments, when I’m not sure of whether to make a new line. Or, add in a certain color or affect a space. It may take the whole piece in a new direction if I do. It may muddy it up beyond repair.. Or it may be some amazing, cool step that I was glad I took. Theres a little bit of gambling in there or faith or maybe both. Some excitement as well.
It’s feels similar to me, playing an improvised solo in a song. I can keep it real safe or take a risk, have faith. Some Jazz, to me sounds like it rides that borderline, pretty much the whole time. I’don’t know though if I understand it enough to make that assessment.
Effort vs Acceptance
I used the heading –Impulse, inspiration (divinity) and compulsivity. These are in no particular order at the moment. Over time, I had broken down those moments of decision, into a process I could consider when they appeared. There may be more aspects and other ways to consider this but it gave me a tool to use. What are my motivations during the effort? Flash and amazement? Ego? Something interesting? Something subtle and not boring? Getting out of the way?
These are other ways I see :
How Music Influences Painting Styles and Color Choices
Was it inspired?
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUz8JLRqbbHfKzOMrnNbfEw
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/eliot-partridge/1716487685