Deterred or Determined?

- from Robin

Even when things are going well in the studio, there can be so many other things that intrude upon creativity or cause you to question your work.
How do you deal with those?
A buyer is dissatisfied with a painting they bought, a gallery doesn't pay you for sales, old paintings sit around your studio challenging your new works, or sales are so low you wonder why you keep making new art.

I find these issues undermine mine confidence but sometimes they also serve as an impetus. When things are going badly in other areas, being able to pour yourself into your art can let you play ostrich for awhile. And also maybe stretch yourself.

If you are like me, maybe these frustrations can drive you to the easel with more determination than ever. As if to "show them" that they are wrong and to prove to yourself that you are worthy. Our self worth is so wrapped up in our art, and each piece it like a little part of us going out into the world to be judged. Don't let set backs deter you! Go back to your work and remember why you do it. Do it for yourself if for no other reason. Maybe you will create your next big thing.

120 Bad Paintings

from Jeff Mahorney - 120 Paintings

Excerpt from Jeff's blog post Oct.14th -- I'd like to thank artist and instructor Larry Seiler for featuring some of my work (and blog) in a recent Wetcanvas live Webinar (and soon to be DVD). Larry's work and wisdom have always been an inspiration to me. In fact, the name of this blog is taken from his oft quoted mantra that it takes around 120 bad paintings before you know something about painting. Larry's beautiful work, advice, wisdom etc. are part what influenced me to commit to this little experiment in learning to paint. I can't really describe what it's meant to me (which is everything). So, I wanted to say thanks to Larry. Thank you for sharing your experience, strength and hope over these many years. Thank you for passing it on to the rest of us. :)

Webinar Session #2 "120 paintings" is where Larry describes this idea that no matter what you are learning, the path to success is built on failure. You have to put in your time and show up. The bad paintings that you make on the way aren't unfortunate mistakes, they are equally necessary parts of the journey. The bad paintings are the foundational bricks on which the good paintings stand. It's all connected, the pain and the joy, the bad and the good, even if we can't see it at the time. Have faith that these seemingly random dots will connect and trust that the universe will take you were you need to be. So, relax, take a breath and pick up the brush again. You can't control or predict what will happen, but that's not your job anyway. Your job is just to show up and head in the direction of what you love.