If you have always wanted to be an artist or you are just looking for inspiration,instruction,guidance,or demonstrations, please join our journey.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Monday, October 29, 2012
Happy Birthday Bob Ross
In honor of what would have been the 70th Birthday of Bob Ross, here is a time lapse video of him. Thank you Bob for inspiring us, and keeping us entertained with those "happy little trees."
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Magic Distraction
It is easy for us to lose our creative juices and become distracted by outer influences.
Today, I never made it up to the studio. It was beckoning me, but I just could not tear myself away. You see, I made this discovery. I had heard about it but had never actually held one in my grubby little hands until today. The Magic Eraser!! This is not a paid infomercial but I may sound like one. I was going from pans, to the sink, to the cabinets talking to myself. Saying in my best Australian accent, "OMG OMG this thing is friggin amazing". I am no clean freak. I am more the mad scientist type. But I found great pleasure in this squishy little white thing. Ladies, if you want your house clean, buy your husband (or wife) one of these babies. Once you start, you cant stop!
I guess its ok to let yourself wander on occasion. It makes the return to the canvas so much more pleasurable when you finally become reunited.
If you have wandered too far from your art, and are not ready to brave the traffic or bad weather to visit your local museum, please enjoy a tour of my virtual gallery .Get inspired. And perhaps create one of your own.
Virtual Gallery
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Blue Hair
Earlier this year I decided to color some of my hair blue. Now being that I am forty something years of age, and starting to go grey, some found this rather strange. I have wanted to do it for years but never had the nerve. I was always too afraid of what people might think. Now, I really don't care. I decided to stop living for some day and start living for today. So blue it is.
I walk into places and catch people doing a double take. People turn there heads away when I attempt to make eye contact as if they were caught in the act of gawking. I often forget that my hair is blue and wonder why they are staring. I kind of makes me laugh when I get a fearful reaction like I'm crazed crack head ready to tackle them to the floor and force them into blue hair conversion. Don't judge a book by its cover. There can be some really awesome humans hiding out there hiding behind tattoos, piercings, shyness, nationality, belief systems, political views, and so on. Look underneath what is obvious only to the eye. Get to know who is inside. You might be surprised at what you will see.
Go to this link below and read. Then left click and drag your mouse over the picture. Hidden Picasso
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Get In The Spirit
Art doesn't always have to be all work and no play. If your in the art business, it will help you creatively to mix it up a little. Take a break. Have some fun.
How about a little pumpkin carving?
Scott Cummins Pumpkin Carvings
![Clipart](http://content.screencast.com/users/fg-a/folders/halloween/media/dcb088a4-4586-4b16-8146-be431cef2557/anipumpa.gif)
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A Dying Art
I love living in the modern age of technology. All the world of information at your fingertips. New gadgets and gewgaws being released into the world, brings about that childhood feeling of Christmas. Waiting in long lines and being forced to wait with our faces pressed eagerly against the glass. Think of the things that you accomplish if you could only get your hands on that new iGlad phone! We want it and we want it NOW! We have become a society of highs and lows were we throw away perfectly good things for the next best thing. Can art survive this "too busy to recycle or darn a sock society?"
Golden Rose By © Beatriz Socorro
Where Does art fit in? Can we still stop to smell the roses? I say YES WE CAN!
Now art is everywhere and just about anyone can do it. We have been gifted with endless platforms and opportunities that few have ever had before. It has become affordable and accessible. As long as we don't get caught up losing quality for and easy sell. I see this happening in movies and tv shows that follow the same boring format because it sells. Boy comes to city. He struggles. Meets a quirky girl.They love. They fight. Life sucks. Maybe toss in a puke scene for shock value.(ugh)They make up. Que touching music and they pan out and away into the sky. Blah!
I think that we can do better. Not that I am going out to today to buy a production company, but I have my right to an opinion.
The glorious world of art awaits you. Beckoning you to explore its capabilities.
Become the critic, the artist, the adventurer, the voyeur. Dip into new modalities that you have never tried. Press buttons that you are unsure of. Most likely nothing will detonate.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
Artist Or Ape Quiz
Great art can be found anywhere and everywhere. It's so easy, even a monkey can do it!
What happens when you give a monkey a paintbrush? Pick up your brushes and find your inner monkey....I mean artist.
Just for fun, lets take a quick quiz. Then come back here and Post your score in the comments.
Artist Or Ape Quiz
The winner receives a banana. (not really)
![Thumb's Up Chimp from AnimateIt.net](http://www.animateit.net/data/media/june2010/th_Gorillaanimated.gif)
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Leap
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Gallery Approach
How to approach a gallery.
If your doing it through email and they do not state how they want you to present your work, ask. Some may want a Cd of your works. Some may want photos.Some might want your signature in fresh blood. Lets hope not!
You will most likely be starting locally. So, a phone call or email should do. Tell them who you are and ask for an appointment to present your art. I always scout out my location so that I feel comfortable when I return. Try to be prepared and look professional. Don't act like a diva. Be yourself. If accepted, allow yourself some time to look over any contracts if any and make a good decision. Some may try to own you and restrict you from entering other surrounding areas or even want you exclusively. If you don't understand it or you get that creepy feeling in your stomach, ask for a couple of days to look it over before make a decision.
It may help you to have a set acceptable percentage in your mind. You know what you need to cover your time and pay for your supplies. They may or may not be able to "bend" a bit for you. Nothing is ever set in stone. The gallery is most likely judging if they can make money by representing you. So take that into factor.
If they are in a great location with a huge amount of foot traffic, you may benefit from accepting a smaller percentage just to get in. Shop around. Believe in yourself. And good luck!
Artist,Cedar Lee's Gallery Advice
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Friday, October 19, 2012
Start Selling
Ok,so you have made something that you are satisfied with, and your are ready to send it out into the world. You have done your sleuthing in your local galleries and museums.And have a general idea of where you would like your art displayed. I suggest starting small. If you have a few pieces of your work finished, good job! Now lets get down to business.
Here are a few suggestions. Not written in stone. Not the one and only way of approaching it. Keep Sleuthing! There are many resources out there on the internet. Stay open to many suggestions as your grow.
Sign and number your pieces and /or name them.
I number mine according to year, size, and consecutive number.
Get as fancy as you want with your numbering system. Whatever works for you.
Photograph your work.
I take a photo of each piece, usually in the same order as I number them. Then, after I load them on to the computer, I rename the files according to the numbers.
I print a sheet of thumbnail photos on a page and print up at least two copies. One,
for me, and one for the place that will sell my art.
Business cards
I printed my own. As time went by, I changed and developed and became more honed in on how I wanted to present myself. A few cards at a time would prevent me from winding up stuck with a stockpile of 15,000 cards.
Portfolio
Get some nice Photos of your work. Put them in a professional looking binder.
Make them large enough that they show some of the details of your work. Though we would all dream of having our art professionally photographed, it just might not be in your budget. Make do with what you have for now. Don't make yourself a starving artist before you even begin!
Price It
Finding your price point is a personal matter. But If your just beginning, start lower and work your way up. You can always go up, but not down. Know your price point.(A point on a scale of possible prices at which something might be marketed)
Build a Bio
Take a peek at what other people write. It will give you some ideas.
Print it up. Maybe even frame it to hang by your works. http://www.ehow.com/how_2060971_write-artist-bio.html
Keep good records early on.
Keep files and receipts. I have an artists memory, so I have to write down everything.
Best Of Western North Carolina. A juried show that I participated in.
Riverside Studios, Asheville, NC
Now where to?
The world is your oyster!
A sidewalk with live demonstrations, an office, store, fair, gallery, bar, church, museum, your front yard, internet, coffee shop? You decide.
I had some of my early pieces in a local restaurant. I was able to display my work commission free and build some much needed confidence. Ask around. Watch the papers. Join your local arts guild. There is a wealth of information usually available through them. Look for Shows and events. Write down the dates. You might not be ready this year to participate in them. But come next year, you will know how and when to prepare. One of our local artists told me that she started out by doing events. She sat under a tent and sold her works directly to the public. She said that it ate up a lot of her time and now she is focusing on entering galleries. You may be a social butterfly and love that approach. You may have the money to invest in the set up and entry fees. The options are out there. Its your world. But mostly follow that inner voice that guides you. You will know what feels right to you. If you have some suggestions, please share them.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Voka Knows Freedom
This artist seems to grasp the concept of freedom of expression very well.
I find Voka very inspiring.
Please enjoy some of the other videos and links on the right under the "Pages."
There, you may find some hidden treasures.
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I find Voka very inspiring.
Please enjoy some of the other videos and links on the right under the "Pages."
There, you may find some hidden treasures.
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Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Color Outside Of The Lines
Art can be fun. Really. Its seems the older that we get, the more we over analyze
and seek perfection and worry about anything and everything. We get stuck in routines and do as we are trained and forget to express. I made a rule for myself. In each piece that I create, I allow flaws. Yep, I said it. I purposely allow imperfections. Not just in art, but in life. A stain on a shirt. Paint on my fingers. A head of hair out of place. Ever have a good hair day without even touching your head? Well, it can happen. If you let it. Just like great things can happen if you allow some room in your ridged ways of thinking for them to enter in. Its not always easy to let go of the "color inside of the lines" mind set. I challenge you to explore your freedom. Do something wrong on purpose. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but eventually it will feel very much like taking off a tight pair of shoes. I took off mine about 20 years ago and never put on another pair of binding, painful, fashion forward shoes again. Now I wear not so pretty, but oh so comfy Crocs.
Mistakes can be beautiful and lead to great things. Allow them.
Lets get to the fun part. throw some paint on your canvas.Try colors that you have never opened. Paint with your fingers. Drop things from a tall building (please not on anyone head). Just do something that generates that giggly feeling that you could get as a kid. It doesn't have to be art, its can be a adventure found during the drudgery of Walmart shopping. Throw on a gorilla halloween mask to wear through the banana section of the store. Just allow some fun to come. A bit of embarrassment can help you grow in leaps and bounds. Don't get arrested. But do have fun.
I painted this one on a day that I was feeling free.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Would Ya Look At It
Look closely. You can walk through a forest and miss seeing a tree. You can walk through a crowd of people yet never know the individual. You can go through life and forget to live.
Be grateful. Look at the details. The layers of bark. The twist of a branch. The way colors of the sky change the everyday landscape. The way actions and emotions of humans can be portrayed in opposites. Anger can be a scream for help. Idleness can be depression. Over talkative, can be lonely.
Study your surroundings. Absorb life. See the angles of light casting shadows. Watch the movements. Feel with more than your fingers. Listen to whats being said in whispers.There are so many underlying currents that we can easily overlook.
The spirit of our world is there. You just have to remember to look at it. And laugh a little too.
Be grateful. Look at the details. The layers of bark. The twist of a branch. The way colors of the sky change the everyday landscape. The way actions and emotions of humans can be portrayed in opposites. Anger can be a scream for help. Idleness can be depression. Over talkative, can be lonely.
Study your surroundings. Absorb life. See the angles of light casting shadows. Watch the movements. Feel with more than your fingers. Listen to whats being said in whispers.There are so many underlying currents that we can easily overlook.
The spirit of our world is there. You just have to remember to look at it. And laugh a little too.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Portrait Of A Poet
Do you believe in yourself? Do you believe the good things that others have to say about you and your work? I never used to. I thought people were just being nice.
I still to this day have to prove it to myself over and over. As if the confidence that I had last week fades away and I hear those old evil little voices echoing doubts.
Today I want to paint for you a portrait of a poet. As beautiful as can be. Full of vibrancy. She was greatness to me...
I once had a friend that I used to play guitar and write music with. She was one of those people that I felt was an extremely special gift to the world. I called her Poet, because that was who she was. She could fill your mind with visions with deep emotions from her rhymes and rhythms Have you ever met someone that you just felt honored to know because they were just that great? Like if this person were put into the pages of history, they would certainly be idolized by the masses? She was an intellect and musician like no other. I witnessed her greatness. I saw it in her poetry. I heard it in voice. I was taken back by her ability to learn and lifted by her songs. She could play guitar better than the famous ones. She was sensitive and caring.
Abruptly my Muse was gone.
My poet took her life. Took herself out with the pull of a trigger. She didn't realize who she was. I know many had told her, but she didn't believe it. My soul was crushed. I felt like I was the one that had been shot.
I still grieve her regularly with every strum of the guitar and stroke of the pen.
How could she not have known her greatness? It was so obvious to me.
What did she leave behind? Her words. Her songs. But mostly, she was a mirror to my soul. Could I be like her? Am I created in the image of God and not knowing Gods greatness?
Am I a special being that can make an impact on this earth?
Are you? Now I am your mirror.
You are. Allow it and be grateful. Reflect.
I still to this day have to prove it to myself over and over. As if the confidence that I had last week fades away and I hear those old evil little voices echoing doubts.
Today I want to paint for you a portrait of a poet. As beautiful as can be. Full of vibrancy. She was greatness to me...
I once had a friend that I used to play guitar and write music with. She was one of those people that I felt was an extremely special gift to the world. I called her Poet, because that was who she was. She could fill your mind with visions with deep emotions from her rhymes and rhythms Have you ever met someone that you just felt honored to know because they were just that great? Like if this person were put into the pages of history, they would certainly be idolized by the masses? She was an intellect and musician like no other. I witnessed her greatness. I saw it in her poetry. I heard it in voice. I was taken back by her ability to learn and lifted by her songs. She could play guitar better than the famous ones. She was sensitive and caring.
Abruptly my Muse was gone.
My poet took her life. Took herself out with the pull of a trigger. She didn't realize who she was. I know many had told her, but she didn't believe it. My soul was crushed. I felt like I was the one that had been shot.
I still grieve her regularly with every strum of the guitar and stroke of the pen.
How could she not have known her greatness? It was so obvious to me.
What did she leave behind? Her words. Her songs. But mostly, she was a mirror to my soul. Could I be like her? Am I created in the image of God and not knowing Gods greatness?
Am I a special being that can make an impact on this earth?
Are you? Now I am your mirror.
You are. Allow it and be grateful. Reflect.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Mr. Yuckies
I once went to a museum that had a pretty disturbing room full of not so good or tasteful art. I thought, "why did they let this guy have a giant room to display whatever he wanted?" (including his naked butt) Why was a reputable museum choosing to take on this weirdo? I could hardly walk around the room. I speed- gawked at pieces that looked like they were constructed during some bad drug trip with material that must have been found from under his drooling chin when he awoke from his nap. It felt plain icky. I found it hard to enjoy the other parts of the museum and shake that creepy feeling. We all talked about it afterwards with a shutter. "Why? Why!!!?" I asked.
Then it hit me.
This guy made me feel something. He provoked thinking. Hmmm....was he actually
good? Nahhh....couldn't be. But I kind of get it now. How art is everywhere. Even in the uncomfortable places. And to tell you truth, that naked ass, creepy art, inspired me. I thought,"well if they can let Mr. Yuckies in this place and give him a month long display, they maybe I could do this." Yes, even bad art inspires.
And he did get his point across very clearly. And his points were good. It really isn't so easy to express emotion and views through your art. So, kudos Mr. Yuckies, for making us feel and think.
*The names in this post have been change to protect the identity of the subjects mentioned. There really is no Mr. Yuckies so don't bother to Google him.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Hippy Thoughts
I think a very important part of creativity and life is the path of least resistance.
Going with the flow. The way that life goes has so much to do with how your interpreting it. The world can come crashing down around you and you can still be ok.
I may sound like an old hippy with all of the peace love and happiness mantra, but maybe hippies had the right idea and the roots that they established were correct.
Hippies found happiness through protest, drugs, communal living and free love. Sound good to you? Lets compare. Shall we?
We need people around to laugh and share our ideas with. They are the mirrors of who we are. Buying local and taking care of your friends and neighbors is good. And expressing our values through action, also good.
Drugs..well they aren't all that they are cracked up to be. The temporary escape they provide is only met with addiction and a far more difficult task at dealing with reality when the time comes. Eventually you do have to deal with reality. But creating your reality does require some brain cells. Lets have a moment of silence as I grieve the loss of many of mine....
Love, maybe the most important of all. To love one another, to love yourself. Part of finding the easy path is to love and forgive. Acceptance makes it all possible.
When we are fully able to accept people and situations, our resistance will diminish.
I still have daily struggles and I don't float on a cloud of happiness all of the time.
I still have those days that are longer than an old mans ear hairs. Knowing is one thing. Doing is another.
Art can take you to that zen place. By viewing it or doing it. When I am up to my elbows in paint, the cares of the world just go away. I can get into the flow..that meditative state, where there are no thoughts. Just being. Feeling right. The physical part becomes easy and time goes by so quickly. Getting to this place, takes some practice. When I walk up the stairs to my studio, I go with intent. And I leave behind the constraints of the world.
So never let creating be a struggle or a stress. Let it be a release. And open your mind to what comes from a higher place.
Going with the flow. The way that life goes has so much to do with how your interpreting it. The world can come crashing down around you and you can still be ok.
I may sound like an old hippy with all of the peace love and happiness mantra, but maybe hippies had the right idea and the roots that they established were correct.
Hippies found happiness through protest, drugs, communal living and free love. Sound good to you? Lets compare. Shall we?
We need people around to laugh and share our ideas with. They are the mirrors of who we are. Buying local and taking care of your friends and neighbors is good. And expressing our values through action, also good.
Drugs..well they aren't all that they are cracked up to be. The temporary escape they provide is only met with addiction and a far more difficult task at dealing with reality when the time comes. Eventually you do have to deal with reality. But creating your reality does require some brain cells. Lets have a moment of silence as I grieve the loss of many of mine....
Love, maybe the most important of all. To love one another, to love yourself. Part of finding the easy path is to love and forgive. Acceptance makes it all possible.
When we are fully able to accept people and situations, our resistance will diminish.
I still have daily struggles and I don't float on a cloud of happiness all of the time.
I still have those days that are longer than an old mans ear hairs. Knowing is one thing. Doing is another.
Art can take you to that zen place. By viewing it or doing it. When I am up to my elbows in paint, the cares of the world just go away. I can get into the flow..that meditative state, where there are no thoughts. Just being. Feeling right. The physical part becomes easy and time goes by so quickly. Getting to this place, takes some practice. When I walk up the stairs to my studio, I go with intent. And I leave behind the constraints of the world.
So never let creating be a struggle or a stress. Let it be a release. And open your mind to what comes from a higher place.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
My First Attempt At Selling
Some artists have a difficult time sending their work out into the world. Either they dont feel that they are good enough or they think that they are so good that they want to keep it all. If your thinking of selling, there is plenty to think about. I was the "im not good enough" type. But one day, on a whim, I thought I would give it a shot.
I thought that it would be fun to see if I could create something that would be accepted in a local gallery.
What seemed doable to me was folk art. It looked simple and colorful and maybe I could make enough to sell. I approached my niece that was working in one and asked,"whats a big seller here?" She answered," roosters and cows are pretty hot right now." So roosters and cows it was! I glanced around the gallery for current colors and went home to create. At that time, I was living in a 400 square foot basement apartment and it was dark! My first investment was a full spectrum light. Maybe it would scare away some of the spiders that wanted to share my space. But it did help me see. I had one foot of workable counter space and a light. whoo hoo! I began with scrap wood and an old crusty box of acrylics. I wanted to create dimensional art so I tried a wood putty that could be mixed with water. I formed that fat rooster into shape and painted rustic wood red with a cute saying on it. Then a cow and a couple of other pieces that I thought might pass as folk art. I lugged them in a suitcase and they were accepted! OMG I was in a friggin gallery! I though how nice of them to take in this newbie and give her a chance. I had no confidence in my work. I frequently called it "crap."And what do you know...it sold! I was really flabbergasted. I started thinking that maybe this could be done...I was starting to have that very small spark inside. Mind you, it was very deep inside. That small inkling of light that was entering into my darkness. Could I really be an artist?
Then I got the call."Laurel, I dont know how to tell you this, but your art exploded."Exploded? Huh? "Yes the lady who purchased it watched it burst into pieces and fall off her wall."I had painted the putty before it had fully cured and my art busted and so did my bubble.
Spark gone. The spiders were laughing from the corners of the room, pointing at me and rolling in the web chuckling. Every bit of self doubt that I had rid myself of came back in full force. Truth be told. I was no folk artist. I wouldn't have hung those roosters on my own wall. Those pieces took me so long to make. I though folk art would be fast and easy. Don't get me wrong. Folk art is beautiful. I just didn't feel right for me.
What I was lacking was the freedom to BE the artist. So after a couple of months of pouting, I approached the gallery with something new..some trees that I painted rustic and fast. They were not accepted.
One of my earlier pieces
It took me a year to ever try anything again. I moved out of the darkness of the basement and the depression and into beautiful Valle Crucis, NC. I felt that way that you do after a long hard winter and you finally get to open the windows and get in the fresh spring air. Ahhh! That tiny spark had returned.
Listen for your spark..it is in there..sometimes doubts can overpower it. But its there. Trust me. It's there. Listen carefully to your inner positive, voice.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Start Sleuthing
Keep your eyes open. There is a whole world of art hidden in the least obvious places.
You found this blog, so you must be pretty good at seeking and finding. Lets start by looking around the space that you sit right now. What do you see that can be an art inspiration? From where I sit, I can see several of my own art pieces. Some are finished, some not so finished and collecting dust. I see an old drum and guitar and seashell.
Ok, if your sitting in an office cubicle you might not feel too inspired at the moment. But look closely. Art can be as simple as that paperclip on your desk that can be bent into a shape. Even better...a window!
My whole point being that that very fact of thinking of art will begin your momentum forward.
I began my sleuthing on the internet. I typed in, "how to become an artist."
Maybe you did too. I searched tons of stuff:
So eventually with the blog, I intend to share with you what I have learned.
And I welcome you to share what you have learned.
I suggest visiting your local galleries museums and craft events. Look at placement, and prices, traffic flow. See what best suits your style. Seek a place that you feel that you might belong. Be it and art in the park, of a grungy ally with an easel and spray can. Ask questions. Seek the answers. Art is all around you.
Ok, if your sitting in an office cubicle you might not feel too inspired at the moment. But look closely. Art can be as simple as that paperclip on your desk that can be bent into a shape. Even better...a window!
My whole point being that that very fact of thinking of art will begin your momentum forward.
I began my sleuthing on the internet. I typed in, "how to become an artist."
Maybe you did too. I searched tons of stuff:
- how to make money as an artist
- how to approach a gallery
- Google maps, local galleries
- top selling
- what to charge for art
- where to sell art
- art supplies
- how to
So eventually with the blog, I intend to share with you what I have learned.
And I welcome you to share what you have learned.
I suggest visiting your local galleries museums and craft events. Look at placement, and prices, traffic flow. See what best suits your style. Seek a place that you feel that you might belong. Be it and art in the park, of a grungy ally with an easel and spray can. Ask questions. Seek the answers. Art is all around you.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Getting Started
Friday, October 5, 2012
Setting Goals ( Eww )
Lets talk about setting goals. That sounds so restrictive for a creative artist as yourself...how about we change it to "building your dreams."
I am a believer in the power of our thoughts. I think that a thought can become a reality in time.
So in order to become the artist, we must first believe that we can. I use the word believe very loosely because we may be riddled with self doubts and old criticisms but we can change that with a little brain washing. Allow yourself the fantasy of being the money making artist. See your art flying off of the shelves. Believe that your art is good. Believe in yourself. Or at least fake it until you do!
I try to convey thoughts of peace and love within each piece of art that I create, in hopes that that very feeling will be felt when someone looks at it or touches it. Because who doesn't need a little peace and love?
Again the God is in the details. Imagine where you want your works to be displayed. And dont let yourself become overwhelmed. Make it fun. Dream. Dream BIG!
Now you can begin taking your first step. Create something. Create something that you love. And remember to practice "dreaming" as often as you can.
I am a believer in the power of our thoughts. I think that a thought can become a reality in time.
So in order to become the artist, we must first believe that we can. I use the word believe very loosely because we may be riddled with self doubts and old criticisms but we can change that with a little brain washing. Allow yourself the fantasy of being the money making artist. See your art flying off of the shelves. Believe that your art is good. Believe in yourself. Or at least fake it until you do!
I try to convey thoughts of peace and love within each piece of art that I create, in hopes that that very feeling will be felt when someone looks at it or touches it. Because who doesn't need a little peace and love?
Again the God is in the details. Imagine where you want your works to be displayed. And dont let yourself become overwhelmed. Make it fun. Dream. Dream BIG!
Now you can begin taking your first step. Create something. Create something that you love. And remember to practice "dreaming" as often as you can.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Removing The Blocks
So how do you rid yourself of the doubts? As with anything, it takes training.
Some pray. Some Meditate. Some do affirmations. I think what counts, is doing what you love. When you fill a room with light, the darkness goes away.
Lighten your load. Take a walk. I enjoy laying in the grass on a sunny day. Or standing on a cliff watching the horizon, feeling the wind on my face. Or sunsets. That daily miracle can be easily ignored in our busy lives if we don't take some time out to breathe in life.
Self awareness is important. You can replace a negative thought with a positive one if you pay attention. Sometimes it just takes the act of doing to prove to ourselves that we are worthy. We learned to stand up and walk from a crawl. Yes, we fell down many times. But now we can run!
A simple exercise can help. Get into a relaxed state. In your mind, fill a box with one of your doubts or troubles. Close the lid and Toss the Box into the river and watch it float away. It may sound like pure imagination, but your brain wont know the difference. And you just might feel better.
How can you be creative when you feel like crap? Well, for me, music helps. And setting up an area that you can let the paint fly and surround yourself with a few of your favorite things. (Did that last sentence make you hear the music?)
My other inspiration stands just outside of my window. A room with a view helps.
Your sanctuary is a place that you escape to to create. Just as a church can be a place of peace.You go there with the proper mind set. Make your sanctuary your special place of peace and creativity. Bring in things that inspire you.Twinkle lights, candles, photos, flowers, fabric.Whatever works for you. But most importantly bring in your mind set. What inspires you the most?
Some pray. Some Meditate. Some do affirmations. I think what counts, is doing what you love. When you fill a room with light, the darkness goes away.
Lighten your load. Take a walk. I enjoy laying in the grass on a sunny day. Or standing on a cliff watching the horizon, feeling the wind on my face. Or sunsets. That daily miracle can be easily ignored in our busy lives if we don't take some time out to breathe in life.
Self awareness is important. You can replace a negative thought with a positive one if you pay attention. Sometimes it just takes the act of doing to prove to ourselves that we are worthy. We learned to stand up and walk from a crawl. Yes, we fell down many times. But now we can run!
A simple exercise can help. Get into a relaxed state. In your mind, fill a box with one of your doubts or troubles. Close the lid and Toss the Box into the river and watch it float away. It may sound like pure imagination, but your brain wont know the difference. And you just might feel better.
How can you be creative when you feel like crap? Well, for me, music helps. And setting up an area that you can let the paint fly and surround yourself with a few of your favorite things. (Did that last sentence make you hear the music?)
My other inspiration stands just outside of my window. A room with a view helps.
Your sanctuary is a place that you escape to to create. Just as a church can be a place of peace.You go there with the proper mind set. Make your sanctuary your special place of peace and creativity. Bring in things that inspire you.Twinkle lights, candles, photos, flowers, fabric.Whatever works for you. But most importantly bring in your mind set. What inspires you the most?
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Losing self doubts
As a small child, do you remember comparing your creations to others and judging yours as good or bad? I think we were far less critical of ourselves as kids than we are now. I really don't recall ever thinking poorly of my work until I hit high school age. It used to all just flow so freely from me. None of that "OMG it sucks! I'm throwing this crap out! Why did I think that these colors would work? I hate it!" I have actually thrown work over the railing into a river.
I know one thing for sure, if it meets your standards, then it is good enough. It may not be the best work that you have ever done or will ever do, but you may be surprised at how many people love the work that you don't. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. So let them see it. Don't hide your work away from the world.
Maybe it was easier when you could show your family and teachers your work and they would tell you how beautiful that it was. Now you may get critiques and suggestions. Don't listen to the negativity that may come from within or without. Now the roll of the kindergarten teacher is for you to play.You must be
kind to yourself and not over critical.Start to think of your works as a gift to the world. Nurture your inner artist. Growth will come in leaps and bounds when you are free from the doubts. Love who you are and what you do.
How do you nurture your inner artist?
I know one thing for sure, if it meets your standards, then it is good enough. It may not be the best work that you have ever done or will ever do, but you may be surprised at how many people love the work that you don't. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. So let them see it. Don't hide your work away from the world.
Maybe it was easier when you could show your family and teachers your work and they would tell you how beautiful that it was. Now you may get critiques and suggestions. Don't listen to the negativity that may come from within or without. Now the roll of the kindergarten teacher is for you to play.You must be
kind to yourself and not over critical.Start to think of your works as a gift to the world. Nurture your inner artist. Growth will come in leaps and bounds when you are free from the doubts. Love who you are and what you do.
How do you nurture your inner artist?
Monday, October 1, 2012
Finding Your Inner Artist By Laurel Gordon: The Beginning
Finding Your Inner Artist By Laurel Gordon: The Beginning: In the beginning God created.....and so can you! When you were small, did you draw on the walls? Did you doodle your way through school? We...
The Beginning
In the beginning God created.....and so can you!
When you were small, did you draw on the walls? Did you doodle your way through school? Well, so did I.
I loved kindergarten. I remember the giant paint shirt and the easel, the giant pad of paper and the tempura paints that oozed down uncontrollably in fabulous colors!
I don't know why, but I was really into ducks. every day, ducks ducks and more ducks. Mother ducks leading baby ducks. And they all had a little sprout of hair on top of the head. I was so proud of my works. And I wanted to share the joy with everyone! I was the duck maker and no one could stop me!
Think back as far as you can, to the time when you first experienced art. Relive the joy that art has given you. Think about who you were. The simplicity of it all. The freedom of expression that you had.
Think of the details. The colors, the weather, the feelings that you had. Go over it all in your mind.
This is where we begin to find your inner artist.
What did you like to draw as a child?
When you were small, did you draw on the walls? Did you doodle your way through school? Well, so did I.
I loved kindergarten. I remember the giant paint shirt and the easel, the giant pad of paper and the tempura paints that oozed down uncontrollably in fabulous colors!
I don't know why, but I was really into ducks. every day, ducks ducks and more ducks. Mother ducks leading baby ducks. And they all had a little sprout of hair on top of the head. I was so proud of my works. And I wanted to share the joy with everyone! I was the duck maker and no one could stop me!
Think back as far as you can, to the time when you first experienced art. Relive the joy that art has given you. Think about who you were. The simplicity of it all. The freedom of expression that you had.
Think of the details. The colors, the weather, the feelings that you had. Go over it all in your mind.
This is where we begin to find your inner artist.
What did you like to draw as a child?
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