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| "Swamp Angel" oil on canvas 16x20 |
The title: “Nail it down, make it clear and let it happen” is good advice
whether you’re a fine artist, a performing artist or a writer. If you don’t
nail down those ideas, they may scamper away forever. A brief note, a sketch, a few notes
on a blank staff or a melody that gets stuck in your brain are sure to bring your thoughts back
for testing.
Good ideas
need to be tested. Either they blossom or they don’t. If they seem to go
nowhere, they are probably just wisps of imagination. If your idea sticks and
mushrooms into viable substance, it may explode later in a magical way.
When you're ready, take that
sketch, that idea and develop it on paper or canvas. Make your vision as clear
as possible. What your inner eye sees must be understandable to others. Giving
your idea clarity becomes your first draft or your “working model.” Once you have
it nailed down and visibly clear, you’re ready for the next step.
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| "Reggae Night" acrylic on canvas |
At this
point, being fluid is the key. If you’re too rigid, your efforts will become
stiff and unbending. When that happens, your idea may become trite or stagnant.
Freedom to float around the edges and let your inspiration lead you is crucial.
Gut instinct and the willingness to take a risk or a daring leap is what separates
a good artist from a great artist.
Acting or creating in a daring way is scary. You’re thinking, “Am I on the right track?” “What if
this turns out to be a bad idea?” What will other people think?”
Self doubt is
your worst enemy. Fear can keep you from discovering what’s just under the
surface and within your grasp. Don’t get “stuck on stupid!” Believe that you
are just as good as the next person in bringing a conception to fruition.
Obviously training and skill assist you in this journey and make it easier to
bring your passion to life.
When I
started my artist blog, I wanted it to be different. Sure I was interested in
featuring my art and enticing people to go to my online galleries, but I was in
hopes of more. I wanted to inspire other artists, especially beginners with high aspirations, to
overcome their fears and succeed.
My initial purpose was
to motivate people not only to be better human beings, but to trust in their
own inner voice.
It’s sad when people give up. Even those who have become a
success often give in to self-induced doubts fearing that they’re not good
enough to be “up there.”
If you can hold
on until you get past those dark days, there is usually a light, a glimmer of
hope at the end.
What a shame to
give up just weeks, days, hours, minutes before the light dawns and you see your
way clear to turn your dreams into reality. Plant your feet on a solid
foundation, dear friend, and hold on for dear life!
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| (Joseph Campbell's quote inspired this painting) "Release -- My Trail of Tears" 30x24 mixed media |
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