Seasons of Creating (Art Creation) - Artist's Life

 It's been a while I know, but if your here I hope you find it worthy of thought!

A seasonal view from my front porch

This post came about after reading an email from spiritual writer I follow and after having sat in my garden wishing it wasn’t too hot to be out gardening:

I use a lot of gardening metaphors here  - no apologies…….well, I’m a gardener....I just am.  I think of creating just about anything in life is reflected in how our beautiful Mother Earth creates on her palette in nature.  It’s so plainly out your door to absorb if you choose.  If you take the time to SLOW down, observe, to look and actually see those miracles.  For me Art/Creating is about beauty, evoking positive emotions or compassion and appreciation of some of the very simple things in life.  No angst or deep struggling artist vibes needed.  But hey if that’s your thing you may take my seasons and add anything to put you in that frame of mind.  

While the seasons are important steps it’s all in the context of Learning and Skill Building.  I don’t believe you can progress through the seasons without this key to unlocking the seasons of creating in your life.  As a self proclaimed introvert I I find most of this comes naturally to me.  But we all have times when we get stuck in the day to day. I hope you find value here and by sharing I hope you have success!

Learning - Working on Skill Building - A Year Long/Life Long Pursuit 

I place it as a prerequisite to creating but usually skill building comes before, after and during all the seasons.  Although not really a season but a Key, Goal or Frame of Mind which helps the Season of Creating become tangible.  

The thing about skill building is, it is really an ongoing process.  I did not call it Skill Attainment because frankly no matter how adept I have become at a media there is always a challenge to be deciphered with a new lighting technique, genre, subject matter or feeling I’m trying to interject into a creation.  Being an artist is usually referred to as a Practice.  No matter how long one pursues it, if you’re not practicing by doing, trying, failing, you’re not practicing.  And boy, have I learned a lot from the failing part!  Another post on those lessons may arise, but failing brings about its own joys also.  Without practicing your skill those very much appreciated “happy accidents” can’t happen.  And if they don’t happen we don’t learn how to adapt them into an on purpose technique or “look” no one else has.

If you’re new to a media, genre or process, skill learning  as a key I could go on about for a very long time (and actually have in other posts here on the blog).  It is the where with all the other seasons stem from, if we are talking success in creating.  My goal here is to allow for success, thus so more of the seasons can happen for you.  As an almost 66 year old woman who continually is learning some new skill or a fascination with a new life’s activity, the one thing I know is that I don’t know so much.

MY 4 SEASONS OF ART CREATION: (Or any creating activity really)

Glimmer 

Gestation

Birth/Bloom

Reflection/Evaluation

  

1. Glimmer  

Take some quiet time to wonder "What’s Next?"  In our loud world noise competes with our attention at every turn.  It can sometimes feel challenging to get quiet and listen for what can we bring forth or offer.  What a beautiful experience we allow ourselves in a time to get quiet, to go within, and reflect on an idea or experience we had or want to have.  A time to dream and envision what we want to create or see come to fruition.  I think of this as a completely magical season.  For me, it’s where all the spiral of creation starts.  While many can get their glimmers from activities, motion or business.  For me and my continued pursuit of creating, I find letting curiosity lead me in exploring my glimmers is key.  Curiosity in life, period, opens your world to glimmers of so much more that creating.  But we are talking art creation and I’ll try to not run away on another topic.  

A cup of tea that sparked an idea.

For me to be curious - I usually need to get quiet and just be.  Slowing down to observe nature, people or objects, usually gets me there.  Sometimes I need my inspiration folder in my desk, my photos app, ideas folder on my Mac or art master’s images (whether in a museum or online).  Sometimes Pinterest or social media can bring ideas if we are careful not to appropriate someone else’s copyright.  I’m not a big social media person any longer, but I do find Pinterest helpful in putting together images to inspire in whatever creating I do.  Recipes, gardening, crochet or making things for the home it can get your juices flowing.  I do have a file on artwork that inspires me so when I’m in a funk I can tickle a curiosity in technique, style or ideas for playing.  Play well now we are in a new season!

2.  Gestation

A time to gather our resources and prepare, remind us that it’s okay for things to take the time they take.  It can feel tempting to rush or push something that is still gestating, which can create a lot of frustration and actually prolong the process.  Percolating on an idea or project for me can start out as straight forwardly as doing.  But it’s way more fun if you take a playful approach.  Play at how it will look in your sketchbook, Play at the background or if one is needed, Play at color options or placement as in composition.  When I adopted the Playful approach at this point creating art regained the “fun” aspect it had when my media was new to me.  It became less about the seriousness that every painting had to be a finished piece of “Fine Art”.  (While although it’s still a goal, it’s not the only goal.)  It can become paralyzing if we get too serious at this stage.  Which I fell victim to once upon a time.  

If we keep in mind that the garden soil holds our flowers in early spring, before we see the growth, gestating the future plants and blooms yet to be.  Allowing for each a time for the seeds to swell and absorb moisture and nutrients.  Using this as a metaphor for ideas to sprout in a nourished way.  Sometimes we’ll see an image, photograph it and hold it in our one day folder until we are actually ready to attempt it.  I speak from experience here.  We lean back into the learning and skill building stage for confidence, trial and error, or just working it out in practice.  Holding this in gestation for the finished creation.   

Gestation can involve obtaining what you will need in thought and technique or the actual gathering of supplies if we are new to a media.  I also find it is making room in our home or studio for the activity of blooming.  Gathering your tools needed physically and mentally to create.

3.  Birth/Bloom

(A Gift for a tea loving friend): "Let's Share A Cuppa", 4 x 6 Colored pencil on Uart Paper

 This piece spawned a series of pieces   

The period of Action.  A powerful opportunity to deepen our capacity to trust in the fact we know how to give ourselves to the Doing!

This is no small feat, after all you get here after 2-3 other stages.  The wonderment of your Glimmer is about to come alive, Gestation was fun yet brought focus to the growing into an actual “thing”.  

But……..Sometimes………… It’s what Can stop you in your tracks.  Books and blogs have been written about it for eons it seems.  Heck, I’ve written about it “fear of the blank page”, fear of failure, failure to actually do Do.  But I think if you take the idea from gestation - Play - and allow it to guide your frame of mind as a child does but yet as the practiced artist you are becoming you can start.  While play won’t get you through the “work” of it, a playful attitude can help you show up.

As a young woman there was no choice to turning back in my 9th month of pregnancy but to give birth.  The work of it doesn’t need to be that painful but effort is needed.  Sometimes the work is actually not talking yourself out of doing it.  It’s just paper, paint, a panel, if it doesn’t work then no one died, you can start again.  

With our tools assembled, our minds ready and with the heart of a child set to play, we can get to work.  Some pieces seem to take more work than others, and on a rare occasion some come about magically.  I say be prepared for the work, let the magic happen, but most of all check that harsh inner critic at the door.  While I work I am always evaluating, judging color, value, line, subtraction or addition, I try to keep that harsh inner critic silent.  

4. Reflection/Evaluation  

I often prop a piece on the mantel to live with it a few days

All gardens have a season where they were more colorful, grew the best, rested longer.  Art creation is the same.  I can tell you what worked and what didn’t in every painting/drawing I have ever done.  So this last season of creation is perhaps the most important in some ways.  It’s fed by the year long pursuit of learning and skill building.  It’s also what feeds us into continuing our efforts, curiosity, and doing.  Having a positive outlook in a garden, in creating and in life is key.

Not all efforts are Museum worthy, but I guarantee you, all efforts are of value to the artist you are becoming.  While not all flower buds make it to blooming, (some are eaten by deer, or whither from no rain) yet all are part of natures journey.  Your efforts will be much of the same, and we always learn something in the end.  I should have watered it more (skill build, practice a bit more).  I should have pruned it better (composed the scene better).  I should have given it more light (well it’s all about light even in painting).  Whatever your evaluations are remember to be kind to yourself, as you would if tasked to evaluate another’s piece.  What did you do right and what needs work?  See it as a goal for next time.  

Often when our own good taste is evolved beyond our skill set we expect perfection in our efforts.  It’s a good thing to have evolved your taste. It takes a while to know why something isn’t working or how to fix it, but we definitely know “something” is wrong.   The more you know the better you become.  So a period of Reflection/evaluating, is very much an important season.  Just as there is no perfect season for everyone there is no Perfection in creating.  Knowing what to look for in regards to what makes a successful piece of art can help you pinpoint what might may be an issue.  But we have to realize in nature there is no such thing as perfection.  Beauty often lays in the uniqueness, the appreciation of the unique calligraphy of a brushstroke, line or style, 4 leaved clover. 

 

In Closing:

My too hot to work in July Garden 

If you have seen a similarity to Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall, well yes it was part of my thinking.  But in creating art I find like in gardening I’m always thinking ahead to the next season.  Often gardening with all seasons in mind.  Having more than one project, painting, sketchbook at various stages of the Seasonality going at a time.  Often even before one season is over I’m Glimmering or Gestating another.    

Above all things I have Hope for the next years growing seasons or art lessons and creations to keeps us going forward.  How do you view Art Creation?  I'd love to hear.

As always have a colorfully artful day! 

Gloria

Change - How does it show up at your table? Artist Life goal setting.

Jingle Bells - 8 X 10" Colored Pencil Painting - SOLD

As the New Year approaches and we reflect over the past, which let’s face it the past few years have been something we all want to change.  Change back to life as it was, pre-pandemic, or a new normal with positivity and health.  

Recently I read that "Sometimes Change wants a place at the table.”  And it resonated with me so much today when I sat with my “cuppa" in hand to do my normal prep for New Year thoughts, goals and aspirations.  No resolutions here but real deep thought into my looking forward personally and art wise. I’m a list maker and planner, I can’t help it.  So I’m asking myself how will Change show up in 2022 at my table.  

Change can come in many forms, large or small, scary or just in bits of stretching beyond our norm.  Sometimes we hold off acting to change things up if they seem “frivolous" or “good" for us. But I’m here to tell you that frivolous IS good for us.  It’s the part of life that requires a little commitment to change it up.  I see it as part of an exploratory heartbeat.  

After all many serious minded people consider being an artist a frivolous profession.  I can’t even think of a world without ART or art making! But that’s a topic for another day.

Change:

In your art form, when feeling uninspired, or in a funk.  A new media or technique you haven’t tried yet.  Pushing limits with what you do now or are afraid to try.  I find that if I say I’ll "Play with” a new art technique or media, my inner critic has less expectations of mastery.  Play enables exploration and we often as full time artists forget to incorporate it purposefully.  Scheduling a “Play” session a couple times a month is a big Goal for me in 2022. Mixing some additional media with my dear CP’s on a more frequent basis pushing some limits I’ve held to in my personal practice. 

In your life when your bored with the day to day. A change in your daily schedule adding a new idea or reincorporating a dismissed habit (morning walk, daily sketching restart or gratitude journal up take).  Picking up a book when you are bored with TV or haven’t had a good read in a while.  I’ve read more books this year than I have in the past 10 years because of my year end 2020 goal setting.  And it has been so enriching to my life.  Below are a few 2021 journal entries.  

In your style of travel, I think we have all looked at wanting to get back out there after being confined to home or closer to it.  Making travel a priority again - safely is part of my 2022 change planning.  More to come on this front in 2022.  

In your diet or weekly menu - experimenting with a new recipe or thumbing thru old collections of recipes not yet tried or made in a while.  Nothing stimulates the desire to cook for me than successfully tweaking a recipe to my own taste - or famiy's preferences.  We get into meal ruts and for me it always leads to a cheat in my eating plan if I don’t think “of changing it up".   

In your exercise routine - this is a hard one for me as I’m not fond of exercise for the sake of doing it.  I’m much better with exercise with a purpose, when there is a visual result immediately afterward. Like Cleaning out the garage, daily walking the dog (my studio assistant loves this one!), gardening and the color that inspires me to really look and enjoy my hard work, or journaling when a page is finished or I've captured a quick impression and essence of place.   

In your connections - more interpersonal  quality relationships.  I’ve been absent quite a lot from Facebook and Instagram this past year.  Due to feeling disenchanted with the forums.  Wondering what is better for reaching out to be of service or inspiration to others.  To connect in a more meaningful way.  (If you have suggestions please let me know.) What I do know is that I’m more of an introvert than most public social media platforms promote.  YouTube included, which has been an intriguing possibility but seems so time consuming.  However finding a group of genuine like minded creators and kindred spirits is my most earnest desire.  

And finally - A change in how you look at the ordinary of everyday often means an opening of spirit or your mind to the new and unexplored.  For me this offers real possibilities in 2022.  While I’m not ready to divulge what those changes are, I am forcing myself to make the change from dreaming of the someday plans to stretching out of my comfort zone and starting the ball rolling……….

What does or could “change" look like for you in 2022?   

Best Wishes for you and yours, 

Gloria  

As usual you can comment and be a part of the conversation. No spam please!

Artist Life: Sketch Journaling - My Sojourn and synchronicity.

Pages from My Gratitude Journal

My Sojourn = Sketch Journaling

My definition of Sojourn when it comes to sketch journaling are travels and temporary stays in beautiful places captured on the pages of a journal.  Whether in the form of drawing/painting or words, or a combination of both.  This with the sole purpose of "Letting synchronicity happen!"

I believe Our World was made with the same creative energy as are you.  So in one's journey with keeping a journal, I find the energy placed into a travel journal needs to be of pure heart and intention.  It’s your mark, unlike anyone else’s, it only needs to be personal to you.  Our individual marks will be uniquely our own. Thoughts, impressions and images that can delight your soul.    

I find that journaling for me as a working artist is permission to play, experiment, record impressions as well as my surroundings.  Journaling helps to free my creative energy without thought to it’s being a proper finished painting. As a working artist I find it's important to not make it into a job. Remove what you're doing from the public platform, keeping it a private safe space.  Yes speed does matter when you're out and traveling, but trust me there’s nothing like a slow enjoyable drawing.  I try to keep myself from filling all the pages with those highly finished pages. (Hard to do for a realist artist like myself, I admit.) 

However I keep one promise to myself while journaling.  I measure my journaling efforts not by how great the art is but does it honor my inner child artist, protecting and defending this time for her.  You are doing this for yourself after all .  Keep it tender like that child's heart, where it’s held loving and supportive, to record things without their needing to BE something salable.  Let some play happen, the rhythm of your line is unique to you.  Honor yourself and this time to play, let it fill your creative well,  not drain it.  Let you be yourself, let the process be what delights you and do not let your inner critical judgement to get in your way.   

 Waiting at a dance competition, synchronicity played it's part as I needed practice on drawing hair!

Daily inspirations can come from many sources.  Let synchronicity play it's part in what you sketch.  Sometimes a scene presents it's self "for you", so take that as a sign.  I take that as a sign that today, I needed to pay attention to this subject, to look deeply and find appreciation in it.  I believe the Universe places sketch-able moments in my day whether I feel like it or not.  Often it's just the item or place I need to practice a technique/skill I'm lacking in or one to sit up and take notice of for personal reasons.  

I sketch my dreams, my explorations, my sacred everyday actions -- like savoring a cup of tea or making soup mindfully and with attention, gratitude, and love. Go as simple or complex as you like.  Sketch those bits you find meaningful or special, it's not always meant to be a full page.  Don’t get caught making a page too precious though!  (This is tough for me.) Just jump in to explore whatever suits your mood or subject. Using mixed media, graphite, ink, watercolor pencils, colored pencils, watercolor, collage, stamps, gouache.  Even thinned acrylics work.  

A Pinerest Image, a parking lot tree
 & 
dried flowers.

Try not to overthink or follow a preconceived plan, have fun, and experiment. I find taking deep breathes with my eyes closed helps me calm and settle into the space I’m in flor sketching.  Especially when at first I can find something worthy of a sketch.  Getting quiet with myself, and then listening to nature, allowing a full look around to see and experience the scents and feel the breeze will help me find the image to draw.  

Sometimes you will draw a blank, and nothing seems interesting to draw, it’s for those times I keep a prompt list and also a sketch photo file on my phone.  While I hate to resort to photos, and prefer life drawing for immersing into the scene, let’s face it sometimes a parking lot is not as pretty the 5th or 6th time your stuck waiting in it.  

Your drawing doesn’t have to be linear imagery, puddles of color, roughly sketched with areas of detail or just lightly rendered items work very well.  Words offer so much to my pages, they help to convey mood and feelings. Temperatures, names to places, date, time of day, but most importantly words give you the opportunity to express gratitude for a place in time or the extraordinarily ordinary passing moments of my life.  Words help with the story of the moment and your personal story/experience.  

 

Let synchronicity happen!     

Gloria

   

A Note To Myself - "The Space In Between" - Artist Life

Slocan Lake View

Colored Pencil on Ampersand Pastelboard

6 X 12"

Note to my Readers: This post was written prior to my last finished colored pencil piece "Welcome Wellies" you can see it here.  At the time I thought it might never get finished. I wasn't quite sure I would share this on my blog as it's personal to my journey as an artist and adult but here goes....... 

The Space in Between, the skills in between the mastery or the sales.  The paintings in between or not yet finished, or maybe never finished.  Much like the Seasons in-between of nature, all have their place. The droning on of Winter’s chill and the awakening of Spring's warm temperatures.  My painting above gives me the feeling of the space in between.  If you'd like to see the post of this painting's story you can find it here.

We all need a period of rest, all plants and animals do too! However they never seem to need reminding.  A refilling of the well, rejuvenation of spirit, or re-found motivation, of new directions or purpose.  It all plays a part in the process.  The process of becoming and of creating.  I’m a stubborn sort, impatience I’ve written about before.  I’m also a perfectionist in many aspects of art, life and self.  However much I would like to release the perfection seeking, it’s part of me.  The “imperfection" of all this seeking is not lost on me.

Acceptance of “me” the real me and not the one I’ve read I should be.  It’s an elusive and lofty goal.  So right now I’m just working on the space between this goal and where I’ve been.  The right now moment where I sit, this current season of my life, the imperfect aging body I have - This space in between the artist I’ve been and who I want to be.  Acceptance of how far I’ve come.  Sitting in this space in between I can’t help to see possibilities of a future.  

So today I choose to accept the Space in Between.  Much like those first waking moments in the morning, between being awake or re-closing your eyes in denial of it.  It’s not easy some days.  The pull of staying warm in what we know like those soft blankets in our bed.  And opening our eyes to the bright morning light and risking the cool air to start our day.  

The vulnerability in those moments in between choosing can consume us and keep us from trying.  Although they can be exciting and full of energy if we let them.  Like the child on Christmas morning ready for the adventure of what may come.  

Sometimes we get caught up in the what’s next!  Rushing thru the check list, done, done, check mark!  We forget it’s the "In Between" days or stages of a project where we find the Joy of doing.  True it can be less exciting than the actual checking off.  But from what I know of artists’ block getting back into the process of doing (the In Between of completion), can be the hardest part.  Learning to enjoy this stage or find joy there is key for the long haul.  

So I sit in this silence of the In Between, I sit with where I am. Just like one can choose to go out on a mid Winter’s day to sit in the Season.  Drink it in, rest assured you are in the now. Enjoy the small promises of the sun peaking thru with the crispness of breeze in the air.  Learn to love the in between for there you will find the best of days in this space between.  

What is your Season In Between?  Where do you find the joy while waiting?  

I promise I'll get back to creating soon, but thought I'd add this new section to the blog for those who additionally need inspiring thoughts. If you'd like to see more of these make a comment and I'll try to oblige. 

Gloria

Pretty In Pink - Flamingo, and Creative Blocks and Finding Time to Paint!

"Pretty In Pink" - Flamingo  12" X 16" Colored Pencil on Ampersand Board,
 Available For Sale

The above painting is resulted from a lovely photo reference from: "Paint My Photo.com"
Generous photographers share their photos for artists to use as references for paintings.  While I usually work from my own photos, from life, or a combination of the two (99% of the time) the reference photos on this site are copyright free to use.  However the artwork created is the copyright of the artist who painted it.  Lynton Bolton was the kind photographer to up load this image.  Go check out the reference photos there when you need ideas or a good shot to work from.

Which leads me to Creative Blocks and Trying to get your Mojo back!

Finishing a new piece during trying times is a challenge and especially when "Life" as we know it gets in the way!  Try as I might to stay on a daily painting schedule, things like my recent knee surgery get in the way.  As well as family health issues and TIME........ T I M E!  Well, the lack of it for that matter.

This spurred me on to write a little about creative blocks and staying motivated when life doesn't want you to be.  Although I am working on the composition of a new larger piece for my drawing board, I thought readers might find interest in some of the info I have realized myself or found thru periods of struggling.

Creative Blocks and the Fog that keeps us from the Doing!

It seems many of my artist friends and students also have issues with Creative Block, Procrastinating etc.  If you search the internet their are many articles by creatives that talk specifically about it.  Blogs, VLogs you name it.  You may have actually found this article by web searching, because you find your self floating in this deep sea of frustration right now!

If your a writer or other creative, substitute writing for painting and my ideas may help you too.  Or whatever word is your creative “Doing"

I find when myself or other art friends have a block it comes at times of frustration with their skill level, a critic’s or instructors unkind comment on their work or other emotional upheaval, health issues and burn out from over commitments in various facets of life.  Many of my students never unpack their art bag until class the next week.  And that’s fine but if you have intentions for being an artist or being productive in any creative process read on.  

Being a late comer to making art full-time (in my early 40’s) I often felt a sense of not having enough time to learn to paint all I want to.  Enough time to get “good” and build a resume as an artist. Frankly I still hear the clock ticking!  When the creative block hits, and the fog sets in, (and believe me, it usually does) I feel like I will never get “There”.  

“There” for me is being a professional artist.  If it’s the same for you or you just want to make some art without blocks this article may help you.

So this little blog is for you, my students and myself.  Yes, sometimes when your as thick minded as I am, you need to nurture or remind “You” often of 4 Essential of being an artist and the list of #10 Block breaker tips that will follow in a 2nd blog post yet to follow.  You may have read some of this before however really knowing it and “doing” it are two very different things.  

4 Essentials of being an Artist - Or Staying On track if you are one. 

SPACE #1 - Have a special place just for you and your art.  Studios are wonderful and I love mine. But before I had one, a small place to work, cabinet, tub tote bag for storing your supplies is essential.  Your art deserves that!  You deserve that!  Caution! Make sure you see it everyday, and don’t close it behind a never opened door.  One of the great things about art supplies is they are colorful and can be displayed in an artistic manner.  Colored pencils in cups or mugs showing their rainbow of colors just beg to be used.  Brushes in an urn filled with pebbles on display.  Art pens in a roll ready to pick up and go.  Decorated journals at the ready and inviting to use are just a few ideas. (Drop a small one in your purse or computer bag!)

If your lucky enough to have a studio for your art make it an inviting place.  After all it’s your Art Home-Space, you will want to be there.  Not a hot attic or cold dark basement, temperate,  with good lighting, and don’t forget a comfy chair for the next #2 is essential. 

Neatness - Keeping my studio neat, clean and where I can find things helps me feel like going into my space. No one wants to try working when they cannot find their easel or drawing table. I usually pick up as part of my finishing a painting ritual.  Put on some celebration music and go to town.  I actually have my own playlist for the process, “cue" Ferrel William’s song “Happy”.   Yours may not be as goofy as mine but for me being happy about finishing a piece leads to making more art.   

Caution: I often find it’s very easy to make myself busy by re-orgaizing my studio, which can lead to procrastination.

INSPIRATION #2 - Going out to experience Galleries, Museums, Nature walks, Your Garden, or People watching. The obvious things like finding new Art Books and Magazines or using the Internet (caution see #4), or your journal (see #4) are always helpful.  

I even find home decorating magazines inspirational.  Pick up a decorators magazine and envision one of your paintings above the mantel of a grand house.  How big would it need to be to have presence?  What colors would it need to have to go with the current trends?  Is that your palette?  Perhaps updating your palette may change it up enough will spur on your flow!  Perhaps working bigger or zooming in and blowing things up may change your work in an exciting way.  Clientele that can afford to buy original art have homes to decorate.  And while I’m not advocating you paint to match someones sofa it is a fact of life.  Higher priced art sells to collectors with larger spaces and new homes to decorate!  

Paint for you, if you like it you will do your best work!  If a subject inspired you it will show in your work and inspire others.

SPIRIT #3- Attitude :))

Your art spirit is a precious commodity.  Nurture it, protect it and mother it, just as you would a small child.  We are our own worst enemy, those dark voices come at us when we feel like a piece is not working out or doesn’t sell.  While a little self critic is part of the process of making good art, self doubt is it’s enemy.  Hopefully your parents or a good teacher encouraged you and gently reminded you of the how to’s and said it’s all in your attitude. :))  So BE that positive voice in your head!  An artist I love for her great attitude is Dreama Tolle Perry is a master of feel good, you can find her at:

http://dreamatolleperry.com.  It's in her art and her teaching.

Be positive, non-competitive, inspire others, and above all else kind to you.  Compete only with the artist you were yesterday, last week or last year.  When you keep working, the negative chatter loses its power. Inspire others, teach what you know to new beginning artists.  Sometimes I hear myself telling my students an art concept or tip and I realize I needed to hear it too!  They make me a better teacher.

  

Be Resilient and Kind to you, don’t let anyone take you art away from you by believing what they have to say.  Take in criticism but don’t let it take you over.  When your ready to look at your work kindly and critically, note the comments made and decide for yourself if it’s a quality issue, a style thing or what you put value in as a goal to correct.  I had a nationally acclaimed workshop teacher once make negative comments on a piece I had done outside of her workshop.  She didn’t like my application of over 25 layers obliterating all signs of paper speckle, saturating like paint with my dry media.  Only to find out it’s what my buyer’s and students loved most about my work.  It’s what made my work unique in style and not like her’s.  Subsequently I earned an award for the very piece she critiqued so harshly.  

Be Curious, be a Seeker

I hate the phrase "curiosity killed the cat”.  Being curious, ready to learn and Observe makes any professional better, no matter what your field. Take a second look at your subject from life and don’t rely on what the photo says.  Be curious to say "what if”, I promise you good things can come from it.  Experiment,  It’s only paper if it’s a sketchbook (insert your surface here), you can start over, wipe it off, try again. The “doing" is all in the trying.

When I'm in a museum of really exceptional work, I bring along a my mini purse size sketchbook to make notes of how an artist handled a goal I have.  Or to note an artists name to research their work further.  Actually I carry this little journal everywhere! see #4.

Create Quality Art

Use quality, archival and artist grade materials to create confidence in your buyers.  Frame well and neatly.  Know your process and go back to it when your in doubt.  

Confidence comes in the doing, doing and doing again. Keeping a sketchbook helps you build confidence.  Dating your pages can help you realize you really are making progress in your skills as you get to the end of the book.  Drawing, watercolor, gouache, even oils can be done on sketchbooks or pads of paper.  (Specific media paper sketchbooks are very easily obtained by art suppliers.)

Gain or have respect for the Job!  In my life I have been a Yes person way too much, always hating to disappoint anyone especially my family!  Children, grandchildren, siblings, friends and students.  Being a self employed artist and teacher is hard work. Gaining respect for working from my home studio is not easy, even in my own loving family.  I had to stop saying “Sorry I’m painting tomorrow", and say "I’m working" instead.  Folks outside of the art/creative field often see the "making" not the hard work it is.  They may say “oh I can’t draw, wish I could”  but they don’t see that the “doing” of it is hard work, practice, many many hours, failure, frustration, all before it’s successfully done.  Then there is the marketing, sales, inventory, bookkeeping, website updates, social media and all other hats to wear being a sole proprietor.  PHEW!!!  A company of ONE is not easy.  Teach others to respect your art business as just that.

TIME #4 -  We all think we’ll have all the time in the world of “someday".  I have an eye condition in my retinas, and when I found it could change my someday - I finally took a pay cut and left my corporate job to pursue ART.  I was fortunate to be able to have a spouse who encouraged me to do it.   

When I'm are not in a place with my supplies I do"Mind Painting".  Purposely observing details, shape, light, shadow, color as if I were painting it but without supplies.  Murphy’s Law - "Something awesome is in view right ahead and I’m driving or don’t have my phone/camera with me."   I so wish I had photographic eyes where I could just blink and have it saved for future reference.  But it can also be a good practice to do before you begin to “Plein Air Paint” (Open air paint), as a planning sort of observation, or anytime you start a work from life.  It helps to settle your thoughts on what’s in front of you.

Example: We are stuck in traffic and my sweet hubby is driving (key point here is your NOT driving! NOT GOOD or SAFE!)  Hubby is frustrated but I make good use of my time by r-r-r-e-e-a-al-ll-yy  looking at those clouds ahead.  Noticing how the light hits just the right spot from behind and making the glow of some edges and the billowy softness of other edges.  How purple-ish grey from the buildings or how greens bounce off from the trees on the ground into the cloud's underbelly.  

I find the more "I mind paint" the more I remember a subject  for future paintings.  Using this technique can help when your sketching from memory too.  So if you catch me starring off into the air now you know…..I’m not crazy, I'm painting.  Many of the items in the next blog post are part of my Block Breaker List may help you by finding the time to be creative.

A word about Journaling or Sketchbooks  

I hate to say it again but…ah….sketchbooks.......  

They can go anywhere you do, waiting in the car or Dr. office?  Instead of pulling out your phone and playing a game, re-checking email or Facebook use one!  They can be pocket size or purse size.  With as little as a pencil or pen to render with, or a few watercolor pencils and a water brush.  Or you can always hit them with water when you get home.  I have a small one in my purse all the time, another in my car for when I’m waiting for an oil change and I have a travel kit for vacations.  Travel journaling informs me of colors, location names, dates of reference photos I take intending to paint from later.  In short they actually make me remember a “Place” thru my artist eyes and thus I get more immersed in a trip or location. 

Keep Creating!