The Small Step I Didn’t Know I Had Taken
One of the most discouraging moments in my art journey happened at a local art show, probably 15 years ago. As I walked through the gallery, I realized that my art lacked impact in comparison to other paintings that sang with life and demanded to be seen. My art felt timid, apologetic and weak, almost like it was asking for permission to be there.
I recognized in that moment that I needed massive growth. Technically in my understanding of value, contrast and composition. Emotionally in my level of courage and willingness to be unapologetically me.
Change felt impossible.
I thought I needed to paint perfect paintings to have confidence in my work.
I was a copy-the-reference-photo painter, and I didn't know HOW to make my paintings stronger than my reference.
I didn't know how to adjust the composition to make it stronger.
I wasn't confident in my understanding of value and contrast.
I didn't know how to see deeper than the colors and objects in my reference photo to the foundation of shape and value below.
But what I didn't know was that I had just taken the first step to finding out!
I am learning that it doesn't take a giant change or a large volume of information to create a breakthrough. Thank goodness! So frequently, when I am struggling to make the art I want to make, it only takes a new insight, a word of guidance from the right person, an accident of timing or tiny flash of inspiration to open a floodgate of new ideas and energy.
Remember always, that learning is cumulative. Small pieces of information added consistently will fill an artist's toolbox better than being bombarded with ALL the knowledge all at once!
That's why I'm so excited about what we have in store for 2021 in my Heart-Led Artist Membership! I want to develop my thriving artistic practice, both skillset and mindset, but I know I can't make big growth happen overnight. I'm committed to making 2021 a year focused on wholehearted living. The mindful intention that makes my art practice significant and authentic has huge application for my daily life. It's made me more accepting, more peaceful and helped me to see beauty even in the hardest situations.
I didn't want to make overachieving, bossy goals for our members in the year ahead. I know that invites guilt and shame into the studio, and that's a sure creativity-killer. Rather, I want to provide tools for growth that bring encouragement, excitement and joy. Techniques that can be applied to any painting style. Principles that help artists thrive, no matter who you are, because you can apply them to fit YOU.
In 2021, Heart-Led Artist members will join me for:
live studio sessions (starting January 5th!)
interactive course walkthroughs
accountability and intention in personal creative practice
monthly focus for technique and mindset to help you develop a thriving creative practice that works for YOUR unique needs, learning style and personality.
book club and other special events
interviews with other heart-led artists
and, as always, hundreds of hours of course content for you to learn from at your own pace.
Change doesn't happen overnight. But change does happen. Your art can grow to be something you love with your whole heart, that satisfies a deep sense of inner joy. Join me for a year of wholehearted painting!
