KAKORRHAPHIOPHOBIA running rampant ...

Every artist suffers from Fear of Failure from time to time.

• What if no one likes my work?

• I will never get into an exhibit.

• My work will never be as good as <insert name>.

Sound familiar? Gotcha, my friend. My thought process usually goes something like this:

(First time I saw this I blew coffee through my nose! It’s so true, right?)

We all go through doubts and fears when making, talking about, showing our work.

I find that viewing the process of other artists very encouraging. I may see an unfamiliar technique, discover a fresh color combination, or notice that I do the same things they do. My go to time-frame is to watch just before falling asleep in the hopes that the creativity I see will hobnob with my own.

If you find watching other artists helpful as well, then you are in luck! I just uploaded a new video to my YouTube Channel that gives you a peek into my creative process. Wouldn’t it be great if you find a new technique to add to your tool box or discover new ways to use color, and to build confidence in your own practice?

Check it out here.

Please comment, like, and share after watching.

Here is a look at the Before and After.

RSS Block

Select a Blog Page to create an RSS feed link. Learn more

RSS

How to Save a Failed Painting

Not every painting I create is a success, which is why I like to work in a series. Last year I created these funky flowers in different formats and color combinations.

Most worked. BUT …

There was this one piece that just did not make the cut. What to do, what to do?

I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one this happens to, so I decided to make this a teachable moment. I filmed the revamping process I went through, including my thoughts on WHY I was making my next move.

I believe it’s essential to understand how to use the principles and elements of art in order to create strong compositions and successful art. I love the colors but, oh my, it’s so busy. When that happens, it’s difficult to hone in on the focal point - which should be the flowers. Do you notice how the bottom area keeps drawing your eye away from them? The top and bottom are fighting for your attention but only one should dominate. It’s about letting one thing be the star and everything else is just support staff.

When you see the before and after below, it looks like the colors of the flowers changed, right? They did not. What changed was the color around them. The color combination of complementary blues and oranges stayed the same; what changed was the background. I took away the busy-ness by using a solid color to surround the flowers. I also eliminated all those unnecessary lines from the bottom, which let those funky stems shine.

So, head on over to my YouTube channel to watch the whole process. I’d love to hear your comments. (Oh, and please subscribe so you don’t miss any new videos.)

3 Gigantic Mistakes To Absolutely NOT Make In 2020

Here's What We Absolutely Should Not Do:

1. Make preposterous promises.

2. Set gigantic goals.

3. Make no master plan.

Here's a couple examples:

• I'll lose 20 pounds by Feb. 1st. (Unless you're getting rid of a small pet, that's not likely to happen.)

• I'm going to pay off all my credit cards. (Really? You gonna cut them all up?)

The excitement of the season overtakes us. But ...we strangle our enthusiasm with unrealistic aspirations, with promises we know down deep that we're unable to keep.
                  
Here' Some Suggestions of What You CAN Do:

• Brain dump all the 'wants & shoulds', write them down on paper.

• Prioritize them - what is the absolutely, positively, most important sure thing you really, REALLY want to achieve?

• Lay out a plan to get yourself there. What are the baby steps? What is the 'one thing every day' you can do to move ahead to your goal?

I don't know about you but my life is stressful enough without putting unrealistic expectations on myself. My New Year's resolution is to provide you with outstanding opportunities to improve your creative, artistic skills. Oh yeah, it's on baby!

Please accept my sincere wishes for a Happy, Healthy, Joyful, Creative New Year. See you on the other side.

Big, Powerful Love,