Just before this workshop started I received news that two of my paintings have been juried into the Leighton Art Centre's 15th Annual Juried Members show. I submitted three paintings and was so excited when I received the news.
I find myself at a good point in my art. I had stopped painting in 2010 and returned to art making in 2013. It was a struggle. I didn't return to printmaking but instead started using acrylics. Steep, steep learning curve and at times my level of frustration and disappointment at my results made me think about quitting. A few things happened between 2013 and now. I read Malcolm Gladwell's book 'Outliers' (you know the chapter - '10,000 hours of practice' - I liked the whole book) and reread 'Art and Fear' - if you haven't read this book do! And also read Steven Pressfield's book 'The War of Art'. Lots of food for thought in those books. In 2016 I took my second workshop with Brian Atyeo (big breakthrough during that workshop) and signed up for my first 30 Paintings in 30 Days with Leslie Saeta in September 2016. None of this was 'luck' (I did have a couple of people tell me that I was 'lucky'). I have been committing myself to practicing my art and continuing to take workshops and grow in my art. I am starting to develop my own style and having a great time doing it. Yes, there are days where nothing seems to be going right and I am struggling and 'uncomfortable' with what I am painting. But I find if I stick with it and push through it I am making some big breakthroughs and growing as an artist. So after saying all of the above I want to tell you not to give up - continue to explore, take workshops, practice, practice, practice and enjoy this journey. At this stage in my life I can't think of anything I would rather be than an artist. It feels great when filling out forms to put under 'occupation' - ARTIST!
Here are the two paintings that were accepted to the Leighton Art Centre Show. The prairies and foothills are images close to my heart.
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'Across the Valley' 14"X18" Acrylic mixed media on cradled birch panel |
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'Prairie Fields Spring Thaw' 12"X14" Acrylic mixed media on cradled birch panel |
Congratulations on the acceptance of two pieces to the Leighton Art Centre Show, Artist!
ReplyDeleteKudos to you for your BEING an artist in your daily living, day after day.
And thank you deeply for your story and encouragement.
Thanks for commenting Dotty. Thinking it and actually saying it out loud - 'I am an Artist' is not easy. Would be interested to hear your thoughts.
DeleteI am gradually becoming more comfortable saying I am an artist. I AM an artist, after all. My 7-year-old granddaughter tells everyone I'm an artist, which has actually helped me self-identify that way. I imagine that I might feel more comfortable putting myself out there as an artist if I didn't also work as a private tutor, something I've done for decades.
DeleteDo you have specific questions that I may not have touched on here?
Thanks for sharing this with us, and the book titles :) Congratulations on the show, that is awesome! Both pieces are superb!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! It is wonderful that you are seeing results from all your hard work.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you Judith. You have been busy in your studio and painting outdoors - very envious. Thanks for the comments
DeleteIt is always good to know that other struggle and have similar feelings. Very inspiration when someone pulls up from the bootstraps and begins the courage of a wonderful journey. Congratulations on the show pieces, isn't it just the sweetest taste of things to come.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nelvia. Some days you wonder why you do this thing called art - and then I remember I'm doing it for me and if someone else is inspired - bonus! I find if I do paint what I love those are the paintings that get the best response. Have a great day.
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