Blog

It took me a long time to understand the artist inside. I must have thought “oh this must be my style” a hundred times. I’ve painted for color, emotion, politics, religion, love, anger. I’ve painted Realism, Romanticism, Tenebrism and Impressionism. I’ve studied and studied and studied. I’ve tried so hard and screwed up plenty. Like a pendulum I have swung back and forth. 

In the middle of my chaos sits my heart. I have learned that when the head cannot absorb another fraction of information, let the heart take over. My heart has taught me that there comes a time when the lessons needed to go forward are not from without, but from within. I filtered every lesson and experience through my heart and discovered what I wanted to keep, and what to let go of.

“Use the force Luke” - Star Wars, A New Hope

Trust in yourself, be kind to yourself. Keep practicing to stay fresh. Be who you are and use your force, next thing you know your paintings start to feel like you, look like the internal you, your beating heart. Now you don’t look like every other flower in the garden, your uniqueness is authentic and makes people curious … wondering … and attracts attention. As your focus becomes clearer good things happen and ideas are more fruitful.

This is where you test out your new wings which will take you to new places. You’ll ride the wind of uninhibited ideas, experience no boundaries, and when the same old familiar, comfortable routine wants to sneak back in (because it will) you can say - not today.

My painting journey has helped me ask questions. As scary as it can be sometimes, it has given me permission to let out the artist inside, which is easier said than done. The only road blocks are created by me, so f*ck the road blocks! 

A few key lessons for me:

I used to paint EVERYTHING into a painting. I thought if I could see a blade of grass, well then I should paint it. Starting from back to front, by the time I got to the focus point, the sweet spot, I was exhausted! Now I spend my energy on what brought me to the painting in the first place.

Another lesson, leave it be. There comes a point to leave it be, don’t fix it, no matter the original outcome, it is just that, original and authentic.

Time spent creating is priceless. Also a calendar is key. I keep a calendar of my favorite recurring events, and even more importantly their application dates. It is incentive to help plan paintings and order supplies, including frames. 

Your time, your skill, your tools, your preparation, your view, your essence and heart that you selflessly bring to the canvas so that you can share beauty with the world, is priceless. You are humanity's mirror. So take a bow. I applaud you!

Cheers