Graham Matthews

Being Thankful to Everyone Including Myself

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Matthews) — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 17:35:00 -0330

If there's one thing I have learned from my life so far, it is to be thankful for who and where I am. I've learned to look at the positive, and be thankful for the little things. I've also learned to take a step back and look at the larger perspective, and realize things aren't that bad.

That doesn't always come easily though. Glancing through Facebook, it's so easy to be caught up in the perpetrated myth that everyone else's life is better than mine. Nothing could be further from the truth!

The truth about Facebook, Instagram and other social platforms is that people only share themselves at the best of times. We often don't see the failing test grades, bad hair days, burnt meals and other failures and disappointments that all of us experience.

People are used to seeing the near perfect looking filtered selfies, well prepared meals and tales of successes. People project themselves as happy and successful, while most of them are lonely and unsatisfied with life.

Don't get me wrong - I'm not saying all of social media is this way - but much of it is!

Looking at all this, it's natural to think that our own lives are not as great, or wish that we could be as cool or good looking - or have an amazing relationship like those who shared their latest family photos.

The truth is that in this, we are creating a false image outside of ourselves of what we desire, while we forget about what we already have.

I've learned from looking back at where I've been and what I've experienced that who we are and what we have, no matter what it is or lack thereof, is enough. The reason it is enough is simply that we are alive at this moment, and we have gotten here in spite of those things we think we lack.

We spend so much time wishing we could be better, while forgetting about that person who has gotten us to this point - who has been there through the pain, hardship and struggles.

That is ourselves!

Through my own struggles, I have come to realize that I am good enough just the way I am, and to be thankful for that.

I am the one who has seen my struggles and pain, and still loved myself enough to keep living - not only that, but try to become a better person!

So to summarize, thank-you to me for getting me here, and thank-you to everyone else for getting me here as well!

If you enjoyed this post, please check out:
Create Something Better
Being Lonely

Hidden Beyond the Woodpile - Oil Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Matthews) — Mon, 17 Dec 2018 12:37:00 -0330

Hidden Beyond the Woodpile, 2015-2016, Oil on Canvas, 24x36

I painted this painting at a time in my life when I was feeling trapped and 'stuck in a rut'. It's based on a photograph of a small town called Pacquet, on the Baie Verte peninsula of Newfoundland, Canada, where I lived at the time.

I love painting in a surreal style. It helps to emphasize some of the psychological themes of some of my artwork.

Pictured above is an early stage of the painting. I primarily used blues initially.

I made this painting almost dream-like, and included elements that distorted the reality of the original image, such as wavy, flowing forms. Reality itself breaks apart in the top left in the breaking apart of the hillside entering the scene.

Parts of this reality are reflected in the water, such as the wharf posts. The church at the top, middle has a cord coming from the steeple, which connects to where the municipal building resides in the town.

Here, I have worked out much of the composition. As you can see, I sometimes add elements, then later remove parts of them.

Not only is the small town hidden by this reality void, but it also is hidden by a large woodpile at the front. I spent a lot of time painting the various junks in this woodpile, which reminded me of bricks in a wall. The rings inside of rings of each junk of wood denote periods of time - a tree typically develops one ring in a year.

The painting is almost complete, but I decide to work on the grass in front a little more. I also removed the small boat near the stage and adjusted some of the colors.

Of course there are other elements here that I have left open for interpretation.

What do you think of the painting? What do you see?

Please support my art on Patreon! Thank-you!

I'm Never Lonely as Long as I Can Create

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Matthews) — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 03:54:00 -0330

Why are artists typically people who enjoy spending time alone, and many times, have trouble communicating - or even making friends?

There are many lonely artists out there. I know it - I am one of them. I have always been lonely, even before I started painting. I have always had trouble communicating, relating to others and making friends. Even in relationships, I have always felt alone.

It's through my art that I've found at least some consolation. My art is like a best friend - one who is always there through the ups and downs. I know I can always depend on my art and creativity to always be there, even if I don't have the means to express it.

I have tried other things to cope with loneliness as well, to keep busy and keep my mind occupied. In the past, I have been a big fan of video games, and spent countless hours engrossed in them. These days I don't play them so much, since I now see that it didn't allow me a solution to loneliness - they only allowed me to hide and escape from it - and from this world. The same goes with television and movies - which I now try to keep at a minimal in favor of my art.

For as long as I can remember, I have had trouble making friends. Even when I spent time around people, they talked about things I didn't relate to or wasn't interested in, such as who won the latest hockey game, or something political. When someone said something, I learned to just nod my head in approval, or smile to give the impression I related in some way - but I often didn't.

I think fondly of my art college days, mainly because I had friends with common interests. After college, I haven't managed to make any friends interested in art, except online friends of course. I have hundreds of online friends and family who I share my art with regularly, especially on Facebook. I appreciate them all very much.

I'm not sure what I would do if I didn't have that outlet. Since my failed marriage last spring, I have spent most of my time alone, with no means of personal communication, besides my mother and sister - who I appreciate very much.

There is one main upside to all this though - and that is I have gotten back into painting and writing - something which I stopped doing the past year. I have learned that it is only through struggle and hardship, and how I deal with it, that I will become a better person. I am using my loneliness for my benefit, and spending time doing all the things I enjoy - which are mainly painting and writing.

I know one thing - I'm never lonely as long as I can create!

Thank-you for reading and just being here! I appreciate you!

If you enjoyed this post, you might enjoy these as well:
Talking About Art
Creating Something Better

Please consider supporting my art and writing by becoming a patron. Thanks!

It Hasn't Been Easy Talking about my Art

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Matthews) — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 21:58:00 -0330

In the past, it hasn't been an easy thing for me to talk about my art. I often struggled and wrestled with verbalizing some of the concepts I have worked on. Some were even of such a personal nature, that I felt I was sharing too much of myself if I tried to explain them.

I am certainly trying to change that! I realize that if I am putting it out there, I have to at least give some frame of reference to guide the perception of my art. I know I don't have to go into detail (and I shouldn't), but there's lots I can say to explain some of my paintings and drawings. This is one of the things I am trying to do with this blog. So I decided to create a new tag, to organize some of these posts - art diary -which will be sort of a journal of my journey with my art and how I am dealing with some of my struggles.

I'm putting my work out there in a honest, comfortable manner. I am gradually adjusting myself to writing about my drawings and paintings, without just splurging it all out at once. I am in a stage in my life where I am rebuilding again anyway, so I would like to bring some of that in this process - and make it fun and enjoyable!

I will hopefully write here regularly, and maybe even daily. Your support, feedback and encouragement will certainly help with that. Please don't hesitate to make any suggestions anytime, or just leave a simple comment on any post. Ask me any question - I will try to answer in a post if it's answerable.

If you would like to keep up with my posts, you can receive them directly to your email. There's a subscribe button on the top-right of this blog for that.

Anyway, thanks for being here and reading this! I appreciate you and hope you visit here regularly!

What do You do When Your Life Falls Apart? Create Something Better!

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Matthews) — Fri, 14 Dec 2018 03:04:00 -0330

When your life falls apart, what do you do? The only thing one can do is move on and pick up the pieces of what's left - and create something better.

Don't focus on the past, but only what's happening now. Focussing on the past only creates an endless cycle of regret, and keeps bringing past emotions into your present. This may be necessary to deal with past pain, but once that pain is dealt with, it's better to leave it where it belongs - in the past.

It can be comforting to realize that everything happens for a reason. No matter what negative the circumstance entails, it has a place in our journey - and we can learn from it!

Never Give Up
(in progress)

It could very well be the thing that leads us to greater things in our lives, or facing our deepest fears.

Since there's a reason - and that reason is ultimately for your highest good, then there's no room for shame or regret.

Just accept the circumstance for what it is, and move on, with love and forgiveness!

As for myself, and my own journey, I have been spending my time creating and writing - expressing myself through art. It's one of the ways I have been releasing all that negative stuff, so I can just move on and get on with life.

Twilight
oil on canvas

It's not easy, and it's downright painful sometimes, but the process is worth it - and healing!

If your life has fallen apart, realize that this is only temporary! Things will get better!

Most of all, take care of yourself. Do things that you enjoy, and release all that negative energy. This could be a lot of things - it could be painting, playing a musical instrument, singing, writing poetry, playing sports, or simply a stroll through nature - so many other things as well.

Be a rebel! Try to add something positive and good to this world instead of what this world seems to want - which is spreading negativity. Do something good for a friend or visit the lonely and elderly.

Give thanks always, even for the little things!

There are so many things we can do to create something better in our lives!

Thanks for reading and feel free to leave a comment on this.

Also, please visit my Patreon.

Joy, Happiness, Contentment, Freedom, Independence - Kitten Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Matthews) — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 05:54:00 -0330

Pictured is a painting I started last year, just before a hospital stay for intense panic attacks and anxiety. I completed the painting after I was released from hospital 3 weeks later.

I decided to name it Joy, Happiness, Contentment, Freedom, Independence, because I decided those were things I would strive for in my life. Of course, I was not ready at the time, and it took me a full year to get to that point.

My medication, which was something that was supposed to be helping, was actually holding me back from achieving any of those. It had me basically zombified, so much so that I just sat in my chair and watch T.V. much of that winter. Every time I would move, I would get very dizzy, and the room would start spinning in my head.

During that winter, I watched countless movies and TV shows, and explored videos on Youtube. I eventually found out about meditation and affirmations from Youtube, and this (and my willpower) helped me to gradually get off those pills. I am currently off all medication, and it's the best I have felt in years - mentally, physically and spiritually.

I haven't had a panic attack in about a year and a half, and any anxiety is minimal, meaning I have learned to cope with it without medication.

Pictured above is a progress picture of the finished kitten painting displayed at the top of the page.

My life isn't perfect by no means, and I am still aspiring for some of those in the title, but I feel it's impossible to be completely joyous and happy in this life anyway. It's how we deal with it that matters.

That is acceptance!

I am thankful for what I do have - right now!

Science Fiction and Spiritual Paintings Series

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Matthews) — Wed, 12 Dec 2018 04:10:00 -0330

As a child, I loved drawing and doodling designs and symbols onto paper. I do not know where these came from, but all I know is that I had loved expressing them. One thing I liked drawing at that age is detailed science fiction spaceships. It usually wasn't the spaceships from the movies though. I often drew spaceships with basic modular shapes - but with intense details. Unfortunately these drawings are long gone.

In one way, it helped me develop a keen intuition, as I learned to follow intuition in developing much of my art.

These paintings are part of a new series each exploring basic science fiction and spiritual concepts, where they have partly earth-like and partly alien-looking elements. Some are still in progress.

Here, they have advanced nicely. Tentacles also keep appearing in my drawings and paintings.

Even in art school, my paintings have had tentacle-like forms.

I plan on developing these concepts of combining spiritual symbology, science fiction and differing styles in further artworks.

Here is a partly alien looking planet with two moons (or planets) in the sky. The sky is filled with what looks like a collapsing grid pattern. In the center is an iceberg, with a hole. Here is another iceberg painting of mine. Finally, the composition features two spirit looking forms.

The above painting features a sunset, moon, icebergs with pillar shapes and tentacle-forms at the bottom.

What do you think of these paintings?

Would you like to be a patron, and support my continued creation of paintings and drawings?

If you do, please check out my Patreon, and become a patron for as little as $1 a month!

Thank-you!

A Tour of the Paintings of my Own Personal Art Gallery at Home

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Matthews) — Tue, 11 Dec 2018 06:39:00 -0330

Like most artists I know, my walls in my apartment is filled with paintings. I've sold quite a few over the years, given lots away, and have some on display elsewhere, but still have plenty to display here at home. It's like my own personal art gallery!

I would like to sell them at some point. I just haven't gotten around to it, and so many things have been happening in my life which have distracted me from focussing on that. But, now I'm in a situation whereby I have lots of free time, so hopefully can set myself up to sell a few in the new year. At least I am getting them out there, and promoting them online much more.

Above are a few Newfoundland themed paintings, based on life growing up near the ocean.

Above are just a few of the psychedelic, abstract and surreal collection of original art displayed on my bedroom wall.

Pictured above is just a small sample of my wildlife collection, which have been getting quite colorful and psychedelic and spiritual looking of late.

I have many more to show, so please subscribe to be notified when I post them.

I also have a patreon page, where you can support me for as little as $1 a month. I know, it doesn't sound like much, but a few of those patrons could really give me lots of freedom to create!

Also, the more patrons I have, the more I will be motivated to post about my art and talk about it. I even want to do more video content, which I'm normally nervous about. Your support can help with that as well.

So please check it out! Graham Matthews on Patreon

Thank-you!!

Progress of a Few Wildlife Paintings - Dog, Dolphin, Owl and Eagle

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Matthews) — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 06:24:00 -0330

Not long ago, I decided to start a series of smaller wildlife paintings. I love doing paintings in a series this way because I can work on several paintings a color at a time, creating layers of color over time, and making them a similar style. Near the last part of a painting's process I usually wind up focussing on the individual paintings more, to make them unique.

So, above I have an puppy, a dolphin, an owl and an eagle. I didn't paint them in this layout of course - this is only for presentation purposes.

I've always preferred blue for the early sketches and figuring out the tonal range - I'm not sure why. Perhaps it is because I like the contrast between forms to show early in a painting's life.

This shows some of my process in layering in some color and coming up with form. I'm not worries about perfection at this stage. I know I don't like that purple color, but know it will change.

Now the owl returns! Actually I completed that one first. The two signed ones are the only paintings finished yet.

Now, here are the last two. All done! They changed quite a bit, didn't they?

What do you think?

If you like what you see, why not consider becoming a patron at Patreon for just $1 to $5 a month. Benefits include full access to all posts, videos and more to be announced!

Thank-you! 

Progress of my Colliding Planets Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Matthews) — Sun, 9 Dec 2018 20:43:00 -0330

A while ago, I began this large oil painting. I had a general idea to paint two colliding planets in the sky, along with a sunset. I also added this spiral-like form to the composition. I'm not sure why - just an image that popped in my head, and I followed my intuition.

So, here I have added a lot more color. Also the sunset is much more pronounced.

Here, the contrast really begins to take shape. I also had the idea to add some alien looking forms onto the large organic tentacle form.

Instead of the planets colliding, I was inspired to connect them with stringy forms, and give the impression that they might be actually pulling apart, or separating. This, and the added forms at the bottom, made the image even more alien-like.

So, this is the most recent photograph of the painting. It has changed a whole lot!

It's not finished, and not titled yet, but very close! Would you like to suggest a name?

If you enjoyed these progression images, please consider becoming one of my patrons, currently just for $1 to $5 a month! Every single pledge will enable and inspire me to keep going - to continue what I love to do - to create art and share it with others.

Thank-you and I love you!

Wildlife Painting of a Giraffe

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Matthews) — Fri, 7 Dec 2018 23:54:00 -0330

If you have been following my art on Facebook for the past couple years, you will know that I have been creating many wildlife paintings of various animals. I've been painting pet portraits as well.

Much of the wildlife artworks have been in acrylic, and having an expressionistic, sometimes lyrical and surrealist tone. I enjoy painting this way very much, as I am using my intuition extensively, and painting what comes naturally.

If you are interested in following my work and becoming a patron, other than on this blog, please consider supporting me at Patreon. Your support is very appreciated!

By the way, Patreon supporters can view an exclusive time lapse video of this and other paintings!

2019 Will be my Best Year Yet for my Art!

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Matthews) — Fri, 7 Dec 2018 23:39:00 -0330

Every little setback and disappointment in the past few years has only spurred me on to keep trying and keep going. This past year has been particularly difficult for me, but at least I'm in a less stressful situation with less distractions.

With that in mind, I have been painting lots, and am looking forward to making 2019 a BIG year for me.

I have just created a Patreon page - which will help me do many of the things I am planning to do. By becoming a patron of mine, you will receive a bunch of exclusive benefits. With more patrons, I will be encouraged to keep creating and sharing my art with others. I will be posting exclusive time lapse videos, in progress art, artworks I have created, art career updates, and much more! I will also be having a regular drawing for a free painting or portrait (only available to patrons) - as well as in the future, discounts on original art. One of my goals is to get professional video equipment so I can create better videos.

Please check it out here, and consider pledging: https://www.patreon.com/grahammatthewsart

Four Guys from Pacquet - Original Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Matthews) — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 20:25:00 -0330

Four Guys from Pacquet

Oil on Canvas

24x30"

By Graham Matthews

Depicted is an original painting of four individuals, native to Pacquet, Newfoundland. Pacquet is a small close knit community of less than 1000 people, located on the Baie Verte peninsula. The painting is inspired by a photograph, and is a non-realistic (and partly abstracted and stylized) interpretation. A small printed version was referenced while painting so that the painting would be more about typical outport poses rather than an accurate depiction of the men. I attempted to capture the personalities of the individuals, since I did know them personally at the time. The painting has a laid back mood and their casual poses are typical of how they were often seen, especially when posing for a photo.

Fishing Boats Reflection - Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Matthews) — Sat, 27 Jun 2015 03:12:00 -0230

Fishing Boats Reflection

16x20"

Oil on canvas painting

Displayed is an original oil painting depicting fishing boats docked at a wharf in a Newfoundland outport. The blue-green color and strong reflection in the water add to the calmness of the scene.

Cape John Voyager - Painting of Longliners

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Matthews) — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 20:53:00 -0230

Cape John Voyager

Oil on Canvas Painting

24x30"

This original painting from Newfoundland artist Graham Matthews depicts longliners docked at LaScie wharf, in preparation for another trip out to the crab fishing grounds.

Boats on the Slipway - Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Matthews) — Tue, 16 Jun 2015 17:02:00 -0230

Boats on the Slipway

Oil on Canvas Painting

24x36"

This original painting depicts a common Newfoundland scene, especially in the fall - fishing boats on a slipway.

Want to stay updated with artworks I create? If so, please subscribe here to receive blog updates via email. I am also very active on Instagram, where you can see what I am working on.

Ice Princess - Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Matthews) — Mon, 15 Jun 2015 20:55:00 -0230

Ice Princess

Oil on Canvas Painting

18x24"

This original oil painting features the artist's step-daughter and a huge iceberg - and inspired by a closeup view of the iceberg last summer, during a trip out in boat.

Crab - Painting by Graham Matthews

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Matthews) — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 21:52:00 -0230

Crab

Oil on Canvas Painting

16x20"

Sculpin - Painting by Graham Matthews

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Matthews) — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 01:13:00 -0230

Sculpin

Oil on Canvas Painting

16x20"

Elvis With His Cod - Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Matthews) — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 22:35:00 -0230

Elvis With His Cod

Oil on Canvas Painting

16x20"

This original painting features the artist's father in-law showing off his big catch, and about to fillet it on the splitting table behind him. The source photo was taken during the yearly "food fishery" here in Newfoundland.

Look at the Fish! - Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Matthews) — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 23:27:00 -0230

Look at the Fish

Oil Painting on Canvas

16x20"

This colorful and playful painting features the artist's niece and nephew sitting at the end of a wharf and looking at the fish in the water.

Little Horse Whisperer - Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Matthews) — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 18:57:00 -0230

Little Horse Whisperer

Oil on Canvas Painting

18x24"

Season's End - Newfoundland Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Matthews) — Tue, 9 Jun 2015 23:59:00 -0230

Season's End

Oil on Canvas Painting

24x36"

"Season's End" is an original oil painting with references to the end of a fishing season - a boat on a slipway and an empty splitting table. The ladder type form at the top right (used for boarding and exiting boats) is shown sitting on the stage, in preparation for the winter.

Capelin Run 2 - Oil on Canvas Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Matthews) — Mon, 8 Jun 2015 10:29:00 -0230

Capelin Run 2

Oil on Canvas Painting

By Graham Matthews

"Capelin Run 2" is the second of my large, blue fish paintings with simplified, flowing forms. It celebrates the short, yearly period of time when the capelin swarm the beaches of Newfoundland, and locals are in a rush to catch as much as they can.

Lobster Pots with Rope - Oil Painting

noreply@blogger.com (Graham Matthews) — Sun, 7 Jun 2015 17:47:00 -0230

Lobster Pots with Rope

Oil on Canvas Painting

16x20

By Graham Matthews

This painting "Lobster Pots with Rope" was included in my solo show at JL Gallery - Out of the Bay. It actually depicts only a small portion of a huge stack of lobster pots (or lobster traps) seen during a trip to a coastal Newfoundland port.

The flowing forms of the rope contrast with the lobster pot structure, making the painting almost abstract looking.