My (Art) Life Review

My (art) life review...It was a cold and cloudy morning.  (Ha!...what a great way to start a newsletter!)
I had been out walking Angel, the wonder dog, when I saw my neighbor friend, Kathy, jogging towards me.  We catch up and share our lives often, on local residential streets.  She asked me about a recent Open Studio & Gallery I had and I eagerly told her about the group that attended the scheduled art talk I gave.  She told me I was courageous.  It's always fun connecting with her.

My mind kept revisiting our conversation.  Was I really courageous?  I know I can be laser focused when I'm interested in something.  Now if you have been reading my newsletters, you know they sometimes contain my vulnerable perspectives.  Warning:  here I go again....

I sat back and experienced a mini (art) life review.  I was in my studio two years earlier and viewed my watercolor paintings with appreciation.  Then I decided firmly to give up this area of expertise... and become a novice painter of acrylic on canvas.  A huge re-direction.

My last watercolor painting.

I just began, and quickly progressed through trial and error.  I knew all the elements of art so it was a matter of re-applying them to a new medium.  These new beginnings were fun and joyful but I couldn't help but compare the new me with my established art groups, and feeling how much of a novice I  was!  Very uncomfortable.
Back in the studio, my joy would return as I focused on landscapes, brush work, blending, and every day I painted.

One day I hiked down to a stream and challenged myself to go from painting a 10"x10" canvas to a 24"x30".  I figured out a different way to sketch that large, and created a real beauty.  Actually, this first large painting was recently purchased by Multnomah County for the downtown Portland's  permanent art collection!
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This is the painting Multnomah County purchased for their permanent collection.

My confidence was boosted and I was in the studio all the time.  Bill would come down and ask, "Are you going to eat today?"

My life review was very quick now, creating a large body of work, successful sales, Open Studios, speaking opportunities, and prepping for gallery representations.

Is this courage or perhaps the willingness to bump into discomfort and make more forward progress, in spite of it?
Well, I certainly have focus and believe in myself.  My art has lovingly brought out characteristics which I have exercised to my advantage and ability.

Kathy calls it courage.
I accept and appreciate that kind compliment.

So, how courageous are you?
If you let your mind wander a bit...you may reveal some wonderful surprises you have taken for granted.
Enjoy that reflection!

Hope to see many of you at the Lakewood Center for the Arts Show & Sale April 21-23.

Blessings,
Patrice