Cinnamon Pink

One Word Resolution Fringe Wall Exercise: from Art Bar Blog

 

Image from Art Bar Blog

Via the children's Art Bar blog, I discovered this One Word Resolution Fringe Wall Exercise created by Barbara Rucci.

I believe this would be a fun activity to do with your art group - or at any family gathering. Each person takes a turn and chooses a word that speaks to them. Let it be their word for the day, the week......or a word to tuck in their art journal or planner.

To do the exercise, visit the Art Bar blog to print up the words. Thank you Barbara for permission to share your fun exercise.

Fuel Your Creativity with Art Projects: from Artists Network

I happened upon this inspiring Artists Network post on Ten Art Projects to Fuel Your Creativity written by Courtney Jordan. Below, are just a few of her ideas:

"Pick ONE Color and Fill a Page: For, example, cover the page with objects outlined in black pen or marker and filled in with color (colored pencil, marker, watercolor, collage papers...Discover how many red, blue, green OR purple things you can think of and how creative you can be when it comes to incorporating your chosen color. Put them all together in an artful collage, and then fill them in with the ONE color that unites them all." 

"Favorites Grid:" Jordan borrowed this idea from Danny Gregory and she suggests using a sketchbook for the grid. Jordan says, "Start by thinking of your favorite breakfast foods, cars, book characters, hats, footwear or type of flower. Make a grid in your sketchbook. Lines of neat boxes outlined in black marker that are waiting to be filled. Now draw a small thumbnail sketch in each box according to the chosen theme.

"Make an Abstract Painting: Is it something you do often or have never done before? Working abstract is great as a warm up with big, unhindered gestures and lots of movement in and around your surface. It can also lead you to discover something about combining materials, unusual marks and effects; realism doesn’t have to be your aim."

Check out the rest of the article for more ideas.

Living a Creative Life

I discovered the following quote in an article posted on Pinterest: Fear is Boring and Other Tips for Living a Creative Life written by Elizabeth Gilbert on the Marriott site.

"Real Inspiration and Growth only comes from adversity and from challenge, from stepping away from what's comfortable and familiar and stepping out into the unknown." Ben Saunders

 

Good Life Project Living Creed: Jonathan Fields

I was looking for the Good Life Project Living Creed created by Jonathan Fields so that I could insert a copy of it into my Hobonichi planner. I finally found the print-out in one of my old art journals.

I find the quote very inspiring to read. I hope you do too.

 

Begin Today

Via the CarveOutTimeForArt site, I discovered this interview with artists, Faith Evans-Sills and Mati Rose-McDonough who wrote the book, Painting the Sacred Within. I like what they say about taking the first step in art:

"One of my most important mantras, one I repeat daily is simply Begin Today. Often the hardest thing is taking that first step, but over time small steps in one direction can create big change. There is a quote by Karen Lamb that resonates so much: 'A year from now you will wish you had started today.' Applying this to our art practices we see how small changes built up over time will take your work in the direction that you want it to go."

Check out the complete article. And then why not take their advice to Begin Today!

Inspirational Quotes

I continue to clean through the clutter in my office. I came upon two inspirational quotes that you may like.

The above Idea Manifesto words come from Bernadette Jiwa and the design is by Grace Oris. Hope you enjoy these quotes.

I plan to glue them into my Hobonichi planner on the monthly pages that are labeled: Remember This.

Martha Graham Quote

I am in the process of de-cluttering my office when I came across this Martha Graham quote in Sark's book, A Creative Companion. A good thought for today.

101 Creative Habits to Explore: From BlacksburgBelle Site

Mixed Media Art Tin

Via the BlacksburgBelle, I happened upon this post on 101 CREATIVE HABITS TO EXPLORE: ADD MORE CREATIVITY TO YOUR DAILY LIFE written by host, April. Here are just a few of the creative habits to try:

• "Use your daily planner to art journal a little bit each day." I like this idea and I actually practice this habit myself.

 

• "Write one page of a novel every day for a year."

 

• "Collect stuff on your daily walks and make monthly shadow boxes."

 

• "Paint a memory from your week every Sunday."

 

• "Create a new pattern each day."

Check the complete list for more inspirational ideas from April.

Artistic Paralysis? - From TextileArtist

Via Textile Artist.org, I discovered this interesting post on: Diagnosis: Artistic Paralysis. Although the article is targeted to textile artists, the ideas can apply to mixed media artists as well. Here are a few of the points that caught my interest:

• "Make Art Daily: Every day you don’t make your textile art (or any art) a priority is a day further away from ownership of your techniques. A day further away from developing an artistic voice that is clear, strong and original. A day further away from adding beauty, creativity and connection in the world." 

 

• "Waiting for Inspiration: Have you ever told yourself you can’t work because you don’t feel inspired? You’ll start to make when the muse appears. That’s when you know what you’re going to create will be truly meaningful and unique. Maybe it’s time to take a leaf out of the late author Octavia Butler’s book: Forget inspiration. Habit is more dependable. Habit will sustain you whether you’re inspired or not."

 

• "Make it Manageable: Set yourself small creative tasks that can be carried out in a short amount of time. Find quick ways of exploring an idea or simple exercises to get going with a design. And even if you only complete that one small task, it’s been a good day. You started!"

Check out the complete article for more ideas. And then get to work, art work, that is.

Habits of Happy Artists: from Skinny Artist

Via Skinny Artist, I happened upon this post on: Five Habits of Happy Artists. Here are two of the points that caught my interest:

• Practice Your Craft: 

"By now you’ve probably  heard about the famous 10,000 hour rule of practice....... However it’s not just about getting better or creating more stuff, it’s also about doing what you were meant to do. It’s about honoring that little creative voice inside of you that refuses to be buried beneath the incessant demands of everyday life." 

"When you sit down daily to practice your art, you are reminding yourself of its importance in your life....  You just need to sit down and do what you can with what you have.....Brick by brick, layer by layer, word after word — this is how art (and a creative life) is created."

• Put Something Out There Every Day:

"There are two parts to being a creative artist.  First we must create something, but then we must put the work out there. You have to share what you create.......Too many artists are afraid to show their work to anyone for fear of criticism......"

"Your shared art doesn’t have to be something monumental… or even completely finished...Find a way to put something small out there every day. Whether it’s a snapshot of a work in progress or a chapter of your latest book....... release it to the world."

Check out the complete post for more ideas. And then start making art this weekend.

 

A Word for the New Year

Do you still choose a special word for the brand new year? If you do, then you may be interested in the post on One Word for the New Year from Shelley Klammer host of Expressive Art Inspirations.

Shelley offers these tips for spontaneously choosing your word:

1. Ask the question, "What word do I want to live into in 2017?"
2. Intuitively choose a magazine.
3. Flip through until you find a word that surprises or delights you, and cut it out.
4. Research and contemplate what your word means to you. 
5. Create a collage to celebrate and illustrate your word.

I haven't chosen my word yet but I plan on following Shelley's tips. Check out her site for more inspiring ideas.

Starting New Artwork from Textile Artist

Art by Dee Thomas from Textile Artist site

Do you sometimes find it difficult to begin a new project? Then check out this article from  Textile Artist for some quick inspiration: How to Get Started on a New Piece of Artwork. Here's what some of the textile artists said:

• "One way to start a design is by doodling a particular subject over and over again; it then gradually develops into a simplified version of the subject." ~Meta Heemskerk.

• "When I create a work of art, I always do it in some time or space that moves me emotionally and sensorially. This process becomes a spiritual refuge." ~Paulina Ortiz.

• "I don’t have just one way of getting started on a new project. Sometimes it is inspired by a photo, sometimes a simple sketch and sometimes by the fabrics themselves. But I like to do a tiny thumbnail sketch. I will use a Post-it Note, approximately 3 inches square for this tiny sketch, big enough to get an idea and small enough to not be intimidating. ~Pat Bishop.

Take time to read the complete article for more ideas on jumpstarting a new art project.

Get Your Art Noticed: from Artpromotivate

Via Artpromotivate, I discovered this older (but still relevant) post on How Artists Get Noticed Online written by Graham Matthews. Here's two points that resonated with me:

"Be Original. Originality often goes far on the internet! People love being wowed, and seeing and sharing things which are different. I recommend finding at least one thing which distinguishes you from other artists – and promoting that aspect of your art like crazy."

"Have a Recognizable Style. All the great artists had their own styles – Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Rembrandt, etc. Try to develop an original style of your own. With time, when people see new works of yours, they will hopefully instantly make the connection with your name."

Why not begin to work on one of these two ideas when making art today? And read the complete post for more inspiration.

Mini Bucket List Ideas from Peri10k

Via the Peri10k site, I discovered this fun post, 52 Mini Bucket List Ideas for 2016 for Happiness  written by Katya Varbanova. Here are a few of the tips:

• "Meditate for five minutes a day for a week. Don’t worry about how you do it. You can relax, you can colour, you can listen to music. Whatever works for you." 

• "Go to an inspirational event such as a TED conference."

• "Buy a canvas, throw some paint on it and call it your Signature Painting...." 

• "Pretend to be a tourist in your own city/town. Take random photographs. Go out and buy souvenirs. Have a coffee in a local shop."

Make sure that you check out the complete list for more ideas.

The Sacredness of Silence

 

Many times I enjoy the Sacredness of Silence when I create art or write. I discovered this post: The Sounds of Silence on the GROG blog. Although the article is targeted to writers, it can equally apply to artists. Here are a few of the quotes that I especially liked:

• "Without great solitude no serious work is possible.” ~ Picasso.

• “One of the greatest necessities in America is to discover creative solitude.” ~Carl Sandburg.

• "Be alone—that is the secret of invention: be alone, that is when ideas are born.”~Nikola Tesla

• "You need to hear what you're writing, and for that you need silence."~ Philip Pullman. (Artists, too, need to hear what they are creating).

Check out the complete post for more quotes.

Art Techniques to De-Stress During the Holidays from The Huffington Post

Via the Huffington Post, I discovered an article that is appropriate for this time of the year: 37 Art Therapy Techniques For De-Stressing During The Holidays written by Priscilla Frank. Here's a few of the techniques that caught my interest:

• "Craft a Mark Making Tool that is Unique to You - Instead of spending the majority of your time on an actual painting, why not focus a little of that attention on crafting an alternative paintbrush all your own? You can make a mark-making tool out of nearly anything, whether it's a row of toothpicks glued to a cardboard base and dipped in paint, or a DIY paintbrush made from pom-poms and yarn."

• "Start a Doodle Chain - Fact: It's impossible for a doodle to look bad. Once you give in to the endless possibilities that occur when wiggly line meets unidentified shape, you'll find it dangerously hard to stop drawing."

• "Build a Wishing Tree - Taking a cue from Yoko Ono, build a physical object to hold your wildest dreams. Use either a real plant or a tree-like object you create yourself. Write your wishes down on paper and hang them, one by one. You can invite others to do the same. Writing your hopes and dreams on paper brings you a small step closer to making them real."

Take some time to read the complete article - and de-stress with some of the techniques.

 

Great Artists Write from 99u

Via 99u, I discovered an interesting post entitled Great Artists Write written by Paul Jun. Here are two points that caught my interest:

 Writing Provides Us Space to Think:

•  "We don’t spend enough time reflecting and introspecting. Writing then becomes a kind of meditation where we talk to ourselves about who we are and the kind of work that we do. We put ourselves in a position to ask ourselves what we are currently doing, and how can we do it with more meaning, impact, and intent."
• "We need moments in our day to think about our thinking—we don’t find these moments, we create them. Writing, then, is not a mere act but an opportunity to think. Students had trouble acknowledging certain doubts or fears in a project, but when they sat down to write, it spilled out. Would that insight have been available without writing?"

Make sure you check out the complete article for more inspiration. Then grab a notebook, pen and start writing today. In fact, make it a daily habit.

 

 

Making Art is the New Meditation

Via the Washington Post, I discovered this post: Why Making Art is the New Meditation written by Maia Gambis. Here are just a couple of interesting points that caught my attention:

• "Creating art is a type of meditation, an  active training of the mind that increase awareness and emphasizes acceptance of feelings and thoughts without judgment and relaxation of body and mind."

• "Similarly to meditation, art can help us tap into a deeper and more quiet part of ourselves. We enter into a state of flow and present-moment awareness."

I'm sure many artists will agree that creating art can magically transport us into a wonderful world of inner peace. Check out the complete post for more details.

 

Cognitive Benefits of Doodling from The Atlantic

Via the Sketch Book Skool blog, I discovered the interesting article, The Cognitive Benefits of Doodling written by Steven Heller on The Atlantic Web site. Here are just a few of the points that caught my interest:

• "Drawing, even in a primitive way, often triggers insights and discoveries that aren’t possible through words alone."
  

• "Doodling actually changes one’s state of mind. It’s a calming activity that can help people go from a frazzled state to a more focused one."

• "Drawing with pencil, pen, or brush on paper isn’t just for artists. For anyone who actively exercises the brain, doodling and drawing are ideal for making ideas tangible."

Check out the complete Atlantic post for more details. You may also want to look at the Sketch Book Skool blog for some inspirational posts.

 

 

 

The Science of Creativity from Happify

Via Happify, check out this colorful and interesting Infographic on The Science of Creativity. For the larger version, check out their site. Lots of great ideas!

Create For You!

Via 99u, I came upon this post: Create Things No One Else Will Ever See.

I especially liked this point in the article:

“Nothing is a mistake…. There’s only make. When you’re making only for yourself, you’re free to focus on the nuances of the craft stripped away from the pressure to sell, get downloads, visits, reviews, or other forms of public currency."

Just out the complete post for details.

So what do you say? Are you ready to make something that no one else will see?

Pay Attention to Creative Blocks from Creative Live

Via Creative Live, I spotted this interesting post, Three Reasons You Should Pay Attention To Creative Blocks written by Shane Mehling.

I like what Shane says about facing a blank canvas:

"If you’re staring at a blank canvas, it’s time to fill your head with new creations that you’ve never seen before. Go to museums or bookstores or the library or just search through the Internet. Find something that really wows you and the block will start being chipped away."

Check out the complete post for more ideas.

 

 

Use Your Pencil to Create Magic

Image from The Picsees site

Love this Quote!

Update: I did a little research and found that this Quote came from The Picsees site.

Take a few minutes to check out the adorable images on their site. You might want to look at The Picsees Facebook Page too.

 

What Did You Learn from Yesterday?

So I was reading this business-focused, Forbes article on Five Questions To Ask Yourself Every Morning To Advance Your Career written by Jason DeMers when the following paragraph really resonated with me:

"What Did I Learn From Yesterday? No matter how simple or complex your day was, you must have learned something. Did you master a new skill or learn a new process?.... Did you have an experience that will help you in future, similar situations? Find at least one thing that you learned from the previous day and consider it."

"On one level, this is going to help you reinforce the new ideas and skills that come to you on a daily basis. On another level, it’s going to help you look for new opportunities to learn. Since you know you’ll be asking yourself this question, you’ll be driven to force yourself to learn something new every day, and you’ll therefore be improving yourself every day."

Although the article is targeted to people in the corporate world, I really believe the point of Learning from Yesterday can apply to artists as well.

Why not begin to ask yourself every day: What Did You Learn from Yesterday?

Nurture Creativity with Silence from Vyoma Nupur

Via 99u, I discovered this post, Nurture Creativity with Silence.

According to Vyoma Nupur, "The best ideas tiptoe to the forefront in times of silence, when the receding tide of turbulent thoughts allow them to materialize into coherence." Check out the complete post.

I believe in the sacredness of silence especially for artists and writers. In fact, I just began using the Calm app available on Apple and Googleplay. 

Inspirational Posts from Brainzooming

Via Mike Brown, founder of Brainzooming, I came across this bonanza of six thought-provoking posts:

• Fast Company – Storytelling & Creative Process Tips from the 100 Most Creative People in Business

• 61 Online and Social Media Resources for Motivating People to Create

• Creative Thinking Skills – 13 Creative Ideas worth Remembering

• Creative Thinking Right Now? 188 Tips for How to Be Creative

• How to Be More Creative? 3 Ways to Boost Creative Confidence

• Creative Process – Five Usual Steps for Unusual Creativity

Reading these posts will surely inject your weekend with inspiration and new ideas. Read one post now and the others later. Or binge on creativity and read them all now. Be sure to keep a notebook handy while you read.

 

Reading Habit

Via 99u, I discovered the post, How to Make More Time for New Hobbies written by Tanner Christensen.

I like - and agree - with what he says about the habit of reading: "Reading the right book at the right time can help us spark an idea for a project, guide us toward the exact solution we need for a problem, or otherwise inspire or motivate us when it matters most."

I've always been voracious reader ever since I was a child. In fact, I'm usually reading three or four books at any one time. I'm not counting the reading I do on my laptop or iPad.

For more details, check out the complete post. How about you? Do you have a reading habit?

Twenty-Six Signs of a Creative Soul from Elephant Journal

Via the Elephant Journal, I came across this post, Twenty-Six Signs of a Creative Soul written by Jennifer S. White. Here are a few of the points that caught my interest:

• "We are tenacious - and not only because we know that an artistic temperament is dogmatic, but because we have no choice but to keep on creating."

• "Time does not exist when we are working within our medium.

• "Creative souls come in a variety of colors and styles, but one thing that regularly matches is our passion, our drive and our willingness to be different."

Take a few minutes to check out the complete post. It's a good read.

 

Inspiration from Terri Trespicio

I'm continuing to sort out my collage materials, ephemera and paper files. Today I came across some past magazine columns written by Terri Trespicio.

The columns, 10 Thoughts on Whole Living, appeared in the now defunct Whole Living magazine produced by Martha Stewart. I always enjoyed reading Terri's inspiring words. Here are some of my favorites from those columns:

• Don't Wait for Inspiration to Strike. Ignite Your Own Creative Fire.
• The Best Escape is to Let Yourself Become Absorbed from Time to Time.
• Experience the Power of Pure Silence.
• Home isn't a Place. It's a State of Mind.
• Missteps are Part of Any Process. Stay Focused on where You're Headed.
• Follow What Makes You Naturally Curious. It will Lead You to Your Passions and Purpose.

Most of these quotes can easily apply to artists. 

Terri Trespicio is a writer, lifestyle and relationship expert and media personality. Check out Terri's blog for more details.

Creativity Round-Up for the Weekend

If you regularly read my blog, you know that I especially like posts/articles on Creativity. Here are two inspirational sources you may also enjoy:

• MASH-UPS

Via the Gregg Fraley blog, I came across this thought-provoking article, Mash-Ups For Innovation - A How To Guide.

What's a Mash-Up? According to Fraley:

"Mash-Ups, put simply, are combinations. In innovation work, the desire in doing a Mash-Up is to get to that wonderful fresh snow of new thinking. It’s new thinking that creates new products and services.......Mash-Ups can indeed get you to that elusive fresh thinking that leads to innovative solutions."

Although the article is primarily targeted to the business world, I believe artists will find specific nuggets of information to help them come up with new ideas for their art - and art business. Be prepared - the post is quite long. But you can always read it in short segments.

• BREAKTHROUGH IDEAS

Via Idea Champions, I discovered this post on 14 Ways to Get Breakthrough Ideas. I especially liked their first point:

Follow Your Fascination:
"If you find yourself fascinated by a new idea, chances are good that there's something meaningful about it for you to consider. Fascination, quite simply, is nature's way of getting our attention........ It's an indication that we are being called. Out of the thousands of ideas with the power to capture our imagination, the felt fascination for one of them is a clue that there's something worthy of our engagement."

What new ideas will you come up with this weekend?

 

 

 

 

Art Inspiration – A Few Steps Away

When I’m looking for inspiration, many times I’ll check out Pinterest or Google a specific art topic. However, I frequently overlook the idea that quick inspiration is only a few steps away in my own home. Here’s where I find inspiration at home:

• My sketchbooks – both old and new – contain snippets of half-formed ideas that I’ve forgotten about. Paging through these sketchbooks can easily prompt me to begin a new project.
• Competed art works. Here I find a wealth of new inspiration for art making. Sometimes, I’ll rework an old art piece. Even art that I completed many years ago can yield new ideas. An added bonus is realizing how much I’ve grown as an artist when reviewing my earlier work.
• Art supply drawers and shelves. I usually come upon supplies that I never got around to experimenting with. Or, I find supplies that I haven’t used in so long that they radiate that new store appeal.
• Art books containing classic paintings. These books remind me to go back to the basics to add more spark to my work.
• Folders containing images that I’ve collected from vintage magazines, books, catalogs and travel brochures. After viewing these images, I usually begin a collage on the spot.
• Outside my window. Trees, birds, flowers and even weeds provide photo opportunities that result in quick sketches or paintings.

Note: A few years ago, I completed the above paintings of trees. Now I can see that adding some darker values to the painting would enhance it.

Where do you find inspiration?

 

Developing a Painting Style

Do you have a specific style of painting? Are you trying to develop a unique painting style?

Then you might like this post on How to Develop a Personal Painting Style written by Marion-Boddy-Evans.. The article includes tips from artists on creating a identifiable painting style. Here are two tips that caught my interest: 

• "In my view, the only thing that will bring out your style is to keep on painting; at one point your imagination and experience will merge into a style very much your own.”" ~Victor

• "The best way to develop a style is to do a lot of painting. Certain themes will occur over and over, perhaps favorite colors or shading will begin creeping into your work. Just like handwriting, unless you happen to be a robot, you will develop a style.

  Whatever you do, do not try to copy anyone else's work. To do so is a disservice to the art world. Too much art tries to copy someone else's. Life is too short to not be original!" ~Eric

   

   

   

   

Ideas for Generating Ideas from Nate Williams

Since I talked about ideas yesterday, I thought a post on Ideas for Generating Ideas written by Nate Williams was appropriate. Here are a couple of points that stuck with me:

• "Record and retrieve inspirational moments and ideas – The best ideas usually come at inconvenient times, such as, walking the dog, taking a shower, waiting in line at the supermarket, etc. The key is to record these ideas and moments of inspiration so you can later develop them into something great when you are in the right place and have the time."
• "Find patterns in  good ideas – By looking at various  ideas we can classify them into idea categories. We then can use these categories as a framework to help explore any particular subject."

For more details on Nate's process, read the complete post.

Weekend Images

October is nearly over but our Endless Summer Hydrangea are still blossoming here in North Carolina.

Come Winter, I will miss their beautiful blooms.

Our two Shih Tzu, Tia and Teddie, love to play with toys as big as them. They easily run around the house carrying their big softies with them. Here's Teddie all tuckered out after doing battle with his new toy.

Three Words that Will Change Your Life From The Skinny Artist site.

I'm sure that many of you have heard of - or practiced - the ritual of choosing a single word that represents what you most want to work on in a particular year. My word for 2014 is: Focus.

I recently read about a different twist to that ritual in the post Three Words that Will Change Your Life on The Skinny Artist site.

The author suggests choosing three words instead of one - and even offers some word suggestions. Check out the post - and then decide if three words might just be the magic number for you.

Commit to a WOW (Within One Week) Action Step from Marcia Wieder

Dream Bank Deposit Slip created by Marcia Wieder

In my files, I came across an article written by Marcia Wieder, Founder and CEO of Dream University.

Marcia urged readers to ACT on a WOW. She says, "A dream without a plan is a fantasy. Action and accountability make it real. Commit to a WOW (Within One Week) Action Step. Use the Dream Bank Deposit Slip to make a written agreement with yourself."

Check out the Library on Marcia's site for more inspiration. What Action Step will you commit to?

Inertia Is the Antithesis of Creativity from 99u

Via 99u, I came across this inspiring article about Austin Kleon: Inertia Is the Antithesis of Creativity written by Jocelyn K. Glei.

Here are three quotes from Kleon which really resonated with me:

• "I think the main thread, which I wrote about in Steal Like an Artist, is you have to keep all your passions in play in your life. You can’t discard the things that you love, because if you keep them around you will figure out a way to integrate them all eventually."

• "I think people seriously underestimate what 15 minutes a day for 10 years will do versus 10 hours a day for a year. If you do little bits and pieces every day, after a while, you have this body of work."

• "We all get 24 hours. No one gets more time. Sure, you might have your job....... you might have a family..........but when you get ruthless about what you really want to do, there are so many gaps. So many little spaces in the day where you can find the time.......... It’s just a matter of prioritizing. Are you going to watch five episodes of Duck Dynasty in a row? Or are you going to write a novel?"

So what do you think? Are you utilizing all of your passions in your day-to-day life? What are you doing with those small spaces of time in your life?

Hydrangea Bushes in Full Bloom

Our Hydrangea bushes are in full bloom. The bushes have produced a variety of pastel colors from pink to purple to blue.

The nearby Deer also like the Hydrangea as a nightly salad. To protect the blossoms, we spray them with a safe detterent.

365 Quotes to Inspire You in 2014 on the INC. Site

Need some inspiration for your next painting? Then check out 365 Quotes to Inspire You in 2014 written by DAVE KERPEN on the INC site. Here are a few quotes that caught my interest:

• A tiny change today brings a dramatically different tomorrow. -Richard Bach
• The best way to predict the future is to invent it. -Alan Kay
• Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you. -Oprah Winfrey

The Creative Spark from TED - Check It Out!

In search of some Inspiration? Check out these ten TED Talks collectively called The Creative Spark. You can hear creative thinkers share ideas, strategies and warmhearted encouragement to help release your genius out.

Listen to these Talks while you paint and enhance your creative environment.

 

Keep Creating, Believe in Yourself.... from Artpromotivate

Image from Artpromotivate site

Via the Artpromotivate  site, I discovered an inspirational post entitled, Keep Creating, Believe in Yourself and Promote Art Everywhere which was written by Graham Matthews, 

Here are two quotes that I especially liked:

•  “Believe firmly in yourself; never ever doubt that you will make it: that's crucial.” Vera LP Cauwenberghs  

•  “Advice that someone gave me a few years ago. Find a subject / style that YOU love and do a LOT of it. It makes you a better artist and if some likes your artwork they will want to see more similar artwork.” Robin Wiesneth

For more valuable tips, check out the entire post.

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Good Life Project "Living Creed" - from Jonathan Fields

Today I came across this inspiring Good Life Project "Living Creed" from Jonathan Fields:

Like this? Learn to build a better life at Good Life Project.

Dealing with Artistic Rejection from Bill Abbott

Is your Artistic Self in need of a shot of  Inspiration? Then check out this post on Dealing With Rejection For Cartoonists and Artists which can be found on Bill Abbott's Humorous Art Blog.

I especially like Bill's Fire & Forget Strategy. Here's the details of the strategy in his own words:

"One of the methods I use to keep my head screwed on straight with regard to rejection, is a term I’ve borrowed from the military, Fire and Forget. I fire off my submissions, forget them and move straight into creating the best work for submitting again in the next round. When rejection comes as it always does, I seek information on how to improve or when to resubmit. With Fire and Forget, I’m too busy setting up for tomorrow to worry about what I did yesterday, and how others reacted to it."

Make sure you read Bill's entire post so that you're ready to positively deal with any artistic rejection in the future. BTW, you'll also enjoy his very funny cartoons.

Ideas & Sam Harrison

I subscribe to Sam Harrison's inspirational Speaking of Ideas e-newsletter list. Harrison is a speaker, writer and coach on creativity-related topics. His mission is: Helping People Express and expand their Creativity. 

This week's newsletter topic asks readers: Are You Stopping Too Soon with Ideas?

Here is Harrison's view on the topic in his own words: "We often need to go past obvious, expected answers. Likewise, we usually need to keep going and dig deeper when we're coming up with ideas for projects. Otherwise, we'll tend to have predictable solutions and ordinary ideas." 

 "When facing a new project, try putting aside the first idea that pops in your head. That's likely the same idea everyone else would have. And it may be the same idea you've already used for similar situations. Instead, keep going. Brainstorm by yourself or with others to find fresh ideas and bolder solutions. When we go past the ordinary, we move toward the extraordinary!"

Check out Harrison's Web site, ZingZone, for more information about him and his books. I'm sure you'll come away inspired.

You might also be interested in this article written by Harrison: Putting Lines Around Ideas.

 

 

 

Beyond the First Idea from Sean McCabe

I recently discovered the site (Seanwes) of Sean McCabe who is a Hand Lettering Artist, Type Designer, Illustrator and Musician.

I like what she says in her post entitled Beyond the First Idea:

"As designers, it’s our job to pursue a unique direction that effectively enables the project to stand apart. The quickest way to get to this point is to hurry up and have that first idea. Once you’ve got it, throw it out. Completely toss your first idea. If you can do this, you’re one step closer to making something distinctive and notable."

I believe her suggestion could also be applied to mixed-media art projects. What do you do with your first ideas for art projects?

 Read the rest of Sean's post andcCheck out the other interesting articles on her site.

 

To Do the Impossible...Quote

I just came across this quote by David Murdock. The quote really spoke to me - so I chose a template on the Recitethis site and created this image.

What quote inspires you?

Work Is Not a Job Manifesto

Via Swiss Miss, I discovered this great manifesto on WorkIsNotAJob. I like the creative energy of this manifesto.

The site is hosted by Catharina Bruns, Founder, Designer and Believer in Human Potential - and Sophie Pester, Designer and Creative Partner.

What do you think about your own work?

Jumpstart Your Art Career - Tips from Lori McNeed

In the past, I've highlighted posts from other blogs on Jumpstarting Your Art Career.

Here's another article, from professional artist Lori McNee who is founder of Fine Art Tips, entitled, How to Jump Start Your Art Career.  You will surely find a plethora of valuable tips in Lori's post that you can use to promote your own  art career.

 Here are a few ideas from Lori that I especially like:

• Make creative time a habit. Just like you make time to exercise, make time to create!

• Start producing finished, frame-worthy pieces of art.

• Document your artwork

Set aside time to read Lori's complete post - and then go forth and Make Art.

Change Your Space & Enhance Your Creative Potential

Are you ready to kick your creativity up a notch? Then begin making some changes to your Art Studio. 

• Add more light to your studio by pulling up the shades, removing the window curtains or investing in an OttLite. The latter offers artists the ability to see the true colors in their art work and clear details. The light also reduces glare and eyestrain. I have been using an OttLite for many years for painting, bead embroidery and reading.
• When was the last time you changed your Inspiration Board? If you look at the same images day after day, they soon blend into the background – and become unnoticed. A revamp of your board may improve your focus and increase your creativity. Surrounding yourself with images and objects that have positive associations can also stir up happy and soothing feelings. As you can see, I just redid my own Inspiration Board.
• .Clear the clutter from your art table and room and you’ll feel more calm, organized and in control. If you can’t devote an entire day to clutter control, set aside ten minutes each day to tidy up your studio.
• Depending on your individual preferences, set a tranquil or energized atmosphere with your favorite music choices.
• Create a comforting ambiance with soft cozy chairs, pillows and thick rugs.
• Paint your walls in your favorite color. Scientists claim that creative tasks are performed most successfully when people are surrounded by blue walls. I think that wall color may depend on the individual. I function best and feel calmer when my walls are white.

What changes will you make to your Art Studio today?

Capturing Your Ideas

Let's say that you're out for your morning walk and a creative idea for an art project suddenly appears in your mind. And darn - you don't have a pencil or paper. You decide to note the idea down in your journal as soon as you arrive home. It's such a novel breakthrough - You won't forget it.

But when you come home - the idea is gone - floating around in the atmosphere somewhere - out of reach. Does this ever happen to you? Then check out these articles for tips on capturing your ideas.

• How Do You Dissipate Your Creative Energy? Part II written by Rice Freeman-Zachery
• Capture Creativity written by Aviv Shahar 
• How to Turn Ideas into Action written by Adarsh Menon

How do you capture your ideas?