Most doubt is self inflicted as you probably already know. Part of it is the lack of sales, competitions, and again, the busy part of art. But, do sales, prizes and frenzy make me an artist? I should be savoring this slow time and be studying and practicing. There, I found the problem. Procrastination and no self motivation.
I know if I get busy on something, anything, ... sketching? Then all will be right again. So why am I sitting here? Off to find the little light to get me going. I will start by working on updating my web page.
Here is a link to an article on EmptyEasel by Denise Ivey Telep, "Have Confidence in your Artistic Calling", that got me thinking about this. EmptyEasel.com has so many interesting and helpful articles and instruction. I subscribe to the newsletter, maybe you do, too.
Ah, I feel better already. I never wonder when I am painting, interesting, huh?
And before I go, here is a sketch I did while Gene was biking on his birthday. I started it at one stop and finished at the next one.
Highway 180 Birthday View
7 x 10 inches, Pilot Pen
Also a sketch for Scavenger Hunt 98 that I didn't get posted until today. Sigh.
Number 7, something that grows or hangs on a tree. I started this in Silver City and finished it in El Paso. I took the pine cone with me and left it in the hotel room. Wonder what they thought?
And a roadrunner along the way on Highway 10 near Las Cruces, New Mexico. Here is a link to the Desert Exposure story about the giant bird made by artist, Olin Calk. The bird is about 20 feet tall and 40 or more feet long and made of recycled stuff, trash.
Ah, I feel better already. I never wonder when I am painting, interesting, huh?
Highway 180 Birthday View7 x 10 inches, Pilot Pen
Also a sketch for Scavenger Hunt 98 that I didn't get posted until today. Sigh.
Number 7, something that grows or hangs on a tree. I started this in Silver City and finished it in El Paso. I took the pine cone with me and left it in the hotel room. Wonder what they thought?And a roadrunner along the way on Highway 10 near Las Cruces, New Mexico. Here is a link to the Desert Exposure story about the giant bird made by artist, Olin Calk. The bird is about 20 feet tall and 40 or more feet long and made of recycled stuff, trash.
Another view along Highway 10 today. The desert is so green and lush at the moment. Hard to believe there are so many flowers and beautiful sights. The yucca blooms are gone, they were beautiful back in July when we got here.
10 comments:
Hi Jo
I look at that wonderful slide show and wonder..how can she doubt?
Well I think you gave your own answer...you never think about it when you're painting ( or drawing I'll wager ). God knows I've had my moments of self doubt. The worst was when I hadn't made anything in over a year. The least would be lately when I've been working at it every day. As long as you're producing art you are an artist ( imho ) If you stop for long enough I guess you were an artist...but I don't know how long that is :0.
I think sometimes we need to procrastinate...as long as it doesn't become a permanent condition!
...isn't everybody in New Mexico an artist? heheh just kidding ... I know there's cowboys ( and golfers ) too!
Take care
and
Paint on...
..chuck
Jo, you are a fabulous artist - without a doubt. I know that I am always afraid to not pick up a pencil for a few days - like the magic might leave and I be left with nothing. Hasn't happened yet, but I do fear it. Silly really.
Hi Chuck, You certainly have been painting a lot. I love your new plein air paintings. Notes from friends like you help keep me inspired and on the ball, uh, easel. I have these ups and downs, it seems most of us do. Some in NM are artists and cowboys. Ha. Thanks....
Rose, thank you so much. I'm embarrassed, I wasn't fishing for compliments .. or was I? Hmmm. It is a silly fear as you say, but sometimes it just seems that the brush or pen may not work again. We are off for another 3 or 4 day trip with no internet, so I will have to have a kick start again. :)
Of course you are an artist. You show, you sell, you "art". And you love it with a passion.
That roadrunner is great. Like Bigs/Sue is doing for a project...she is drawing all the huge sized things of Australia.
Jo - It is a good question to ask. And possibly the answer is - if you never sold another painting, would you still need to paint?
And I know you Jo, and the answer is YES! It is what makes your spirit sing.
Jeanneg, thank you The roadrunner is a surprise as you ride along. You can see it for quite a ways. Great way to recycle. :)
Regina, hi there!! I like your question, sort of like a tree falling in the forest, huh?
Later....
I like Regina's question. Even when we are bogged down and un-inspired, I think we need to paint or draw - maybe that makes us artists. Thanks for the links, and have fun on your trip to AZ.
Bag blog, thank you. Comments from you and other on-line "friends" are a help, too, to get over the doubting times. We did have fun in AZ, it was nice weather for golf and visiting. Went by much too fast. We only saw Gene's brother, too short a time to do the other visiting we had planned.
Later...
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