The many functions of art

Functions of art

Most often, when somebody visits artist’s website or blog, they are simply curious what the artist has come up with. People look for something which would potentially suit their space, and the art students seek for inspiration and advice. Art has many more functions, though, and they depend also on who you are. If you are a creator and love to try painting or drawing, art is a full-scale adventure for you. And me. In my mind, time is not spent usefully when I haven’t painted anything for a while. The creativity-satisfying and mind-moving functions of art shouldn’t be underestimated.

The moment when a painting is signed and done, comes with feeling of achievement. This is a moment of complete satisfaction. We all set our own goals with any task, so this moment shows that I can whatever I wanted to achieve. I don’t stop working until every smallest brushstroke is where it must be, that’s according to me. Therefore, my works take quite a while from the idea to its implementation.

The ties with reality are interesting nowadays. On one side, we have this immense internet surfing space and it transitions more and more into unreality. Digital and virtual world is just that – the things which exist only where there’s internet. On the other hand, our life happens based on real terms, read conditions and in an actual environment. The difference between unreal and real can cause somebody true depression and dissatisfaction with life. I personally prefer the tangible reality which won’t go away if I accidentally click on a wrong keyboard key.

That explains why I paint what I paint. The subject doesn’t exclude fantasy and impossible landscapes, still life settings or colors. That is one more function of handmade art: to take you anywhere you’d like to be. I would love to skip winter altogether. Since I cannot sleep it away, I still need to do something. Anything. It would be so pleasant to have plus 13 Celsius tomorrow instead of minus. The best functions of art are the ability to transfer one with all senses into a pleasurable space and provide with the feeling of being there.

As always, I’m not very happy with the internet display of art on different devices and phone. Every single painting deserves to serve as the cover image, every one of them. Unfortunately, that’s not possible. The full-size image, although, distant out in the internet space, still gives one that feeling of closeness to the source. So, I’ve spent couple of weeks taking horizontal pictures. For example, when my painting is vertical, I cannot use it as a cover image. If my painting is horizontal, it looks small or even tiny when viewing images on the phone. Some photos are very good, some just satisfactory, but I wish for internet space where they’d be all visible in large format, full-width, full size and have colors that match the original.

Functions of art

That remains to be seen and tried again and again. I have my hopes up for the new Twenty twenty-two WordPress theme. Hopefully, it will be what it promises, both, regarding size and flexibility. Until switch, I will just edit what I have. Other than that, we are in extremely deep snow in Ontario. We were completely cut off of everything yesterday, but it’s sunny today. Thanks for reading if you did and wishing you, too, more sunny days!

Shop original acrylic paintings

Art classes, schedule and registration

Art collections by Inese Poga

Happy Mother’s Day to Every Mom on the Globe

Floral watercolors by Inese Poga

How to send greetings on Mother’s Day across the ocean? I’m on one side of this globe, my mom is on the other. We talk on the phone, and we meet in person every two years. The distance does not scare me as long as I know, I will hear her happy voice on the other end when calling. The best thing is to know that my mom simply is and exists. She is going to be 82 this fall, and I hope to meet her around that time.

We have one celebration in Latvia, that I’m missing here, in Canada. This day is called Angel’s day or Name’s day. My mom’s name is Irena, and her Name’s day falls together with Mother’s day this year. This is a nice reason to send her double greetings.

The older I’m getting, the more I have started to understand and appreciate my mother and everything she has done for me. I notice more and more features we have in common. I sometimes catch myself acting exactly the way she always is.

Mother's Day

There are 2 grandmothers, 3 mothers, 2 daughters and 3 grandchildren in this family. How many do you think we are? (Answer at the end)

Roses, Mother's Day
Love painting roses, love working with colors which are so cheerful and pure.

Too bad, we are never expressing and showing enough love, respect and appreciation to some person while that person is still around. I am never regretting things I have done, things I haven’t done, money I have spent, time I have wasted, but I will always regret I did not say my dad how much I cared about him and how much I loved him while it was still possible. He has passed away now, and there won’t be any more opportunities to do that.

That’s why I’m calling my mom as often as I can, I’m saying her all the best words I am able to find, and I’m showing her how much I care.

White lilies are my mom’s most favorite flowers. I was painting this pastel, and many memories came to my mind, and many good thoughts were implemented in this painting.

Mother's Day flowers
Rose and apple blossoms , always in great color combinations

This is for you, mom! Happy Mother’s day!

I wish, every mother on this planet experienced how much-loved, appreciated and honored she is.

Happy Mother’s day to all Mothers!

Answer to question: We are 5: my mom, me, my daughter, and 2 grandchildren

OAA Spring Studio Tour 2012

Garden anemones, spring time painting

Oshawa Art Association Spring Studio Tour

I hope you will be able to make time for the Oshawa Art Association Spring Studio Tour 2012 if you happen to be somewhere in Ajax, Whitby or Oshawa around the next weekend. Spring Studio Tour takes place on May 5th and 6th between 10 am and 4 pm. I have my own art studio where also my art classes take place.

White spring blossoms
White spring blossoms, watercolor 11 x 14 in or 28 x 36 cm

Art tour is a worthy experience

I have no doubt that everyone will enjoy this art tour, there are lots of interesting paintings to look at and possibly buy in order to use as a gift for the upcoming Mother’s Day. What can be more valuable as the joy of giving? I have also numerous floral paintings. They serve as a great gift and are always much appreciated.

Art is timeless

Live flowers wither and cake gets eaten up, but a nice painting will always remind the gift receiver of you, your relationship or friendship. Art is a very delicate thing. We can live without it, but we shouldn’t.  No other decorations can ever compete with art.

Studio tour
Abstract spring blossoms, watercolor on Arches paper

Support for art is important

Artists don’t actually complain too much. We create, teach others how to draw and paint and work diligently every single day. However, times are tough, and it is so easy to make somebody’s day when buying their painting. That is a huge support. So, think about it, and support your local artists, because these are folks, who really need that. Artists appreciate your interest, and small investment in art can go long ways.

Get advice from trusted source

Such tour is absolutely free, and my art studio, for instance, will have more than exhibition of paintings. I will offer advice on art materials, explain differences between art classes and workshops, introduce new class schedule, new types of art classes. I will also give watercolor demonstration and challenge you to try watercolor washes or drawing on your own. Last year’s tour was well attended, and I think, benefits were mutual.