Blog

Why is it when you finish a painting you really like it's so hard to start the next one.  It would seem that you could just flow into another creative project.  But I seem to stutter and stumble around.  Maybe all arts are the same.  How many times have I heard an actor, who has won rave revues or awards share the thought that afterwards they felt like they would never work again.  Or writers that have a massive best seller feel like they've reached the top of their game and everything is downhill after this.  I totally relate.  After I win an award, make a big sale, or get in an exhibit that I've worked so hard to get in, I'm afraid everything new that I do will be a disappointment.  Why is that?

I think I'm a pretty confident person, but I also know that I'm my worst critic at times.  I guess this is why I like to surround myself with other artist friends.  I belong to a critic group.  Now I know people who will say that is the worst thing to do; listen to other artist criticize  your work, have a group of people make multiple suggestions about what you should do and what you did wrong.  And, that's probably true with the wrong group of people.  But let me tell you about this unique group.  Our oldest artist is 97 and made hats at one time for Mrs. Roosevelt when she was first lady.  She has great stories to tell and does beautiful collage work.  Our youngest member is in her late 40's and does lovely pastels when she is not volunteering at church.  We span 4 decades, many mediums, and life experiences including one Vogue model.  We include several art teachers, but we have in common that we are all professional,  practicing artists.  While we do invite guests once in a while, the core group is about 10 artists.

The uniqueness of this group is that we are all friends.  There is no fear that something hurtful will be said.  We bring our work to our gatherings to share, to ask for assistance with a problem we are having or, often, to laugh at a mistake we've made on a work or to congratulate a success.  We laugh a lot.  Do I always follow the advice that is offered........no.  As I said, I'm a pretty confident person.  But I usually leave these critiques with a sense of peace and some new ideas about advertising, subject matter, materials or venues. 

After I've hosted the group and they have all left, my husband will often say, "What a nice group."  Yes they are.  And I'm proud to say I've been able to buy several of their paintings and been gifted several more.  A group isn't for everyone, but since art can be such a singular business, finding a person or people that you trust can really help to broaden the experience.

I entered the juried show at the Schack Art Center in Everett, WA.  My

painting "Red Trees with Shed"  (isn't that a creative title) was selected.

So I drove up to Everett to deliver the work for the opening on March 8.

As I was leaving, they grabbed a few postcards advertising the show and 

handed them to me with a big smile.  As I thanked them, I glanced down to

see that my work had been put on the card along with a sculpture by Kim 

Simonelli.  Now wasn't that a happy surprise.

Every so often you just need a little pat on the back to let you know that

maybe you do know what you're doing.

I have never done a blog before.  Shoot, I've never even read a blog before, but I figured I had to start someplace.  This seemed as good a time as any, and if it doesn't work, I can always stop.  Right?

I love to paint, but when it comes to computers my blood pressure tends to rise.  I know I am not alone because every time I complain about the little electronic devils my friends (mostly artists) agree with me.  Thank God for grandchildren.  They come to my rescue when it comes

to apps or Echo.  But it is a part of life, and I must admit I do get pleasure out of seeing my work plastered someplace be it my website, facebook or a gallery's website.  Yes there is an element of self-satisfaction for accomplishing something on line.  Is it as satisfying as stepping back and looking at a painting that you have imagined, worked on for hours and are happy with upon completion?  Well no.  But when you have muscled through competition and gallery submissions, put together a website or loaded a thumb drive with a presentation...........after a glass of wine and an hour or so to calm down, there is a sense of accomplishment.

Am I alone with these thoughts?  Don't know where I go to post this, but again I must start someplace.  Maybe a little white wine first.