The Joy of Creating Something you Love

"Bella Bellissimo" 16 x 20 acrylic on canvas (SOLD)|(prints available)

Whether it’s an article, a work of art, or a product, we can all relate to that feeling of pleasure and accomplishment that creation brings. Something of ourselves enriches the finished work and adds a sparkle of originality and freshness.

That’s why we keep doing what we’re doing. We want to repeat that feeling. We have something inside of us that will burst unless we share it. The more spontaneous and responsive we can be to whatever it is that drives us, the more authentic our voice becomes. 

Soon, our offerings are recognizable. Each new creation has our signature.

It takes years of craftsmanship to reach that level and a stiff upper lip and spine to get beyond the barrage of negative feedback we may encounter.

"Kelly's Rose" 12 x 16 oil on masonite board

If our style veers from the current norms, we are open to criticism. Some people “won’t get us.” Others are quick to criticize saying we have gone too far outside the box or outside the lines of accepted behavior. But we keep on doing what we’re doing, even though at times we weep inside.

Andy Warhol did. Picasso did too. Many, many others have tuned out the voices and listened to their own unique beat, going beyond the limits, knowing they were open to criticism but doing what their inner voice demanded anyway.

It takes courage to pursue our dreams when all we get is criticism. But a few encouraging words can send us soaring and keep us going for weeks at a time. When the darkness descends, review every accolade you’ve ever received, every accomplishment, every fine thing you’ve ever done in pursuit of your goals. Treasure these thoughts like gold. Bury them in your heart and cherish the memories.

"Hibiscus Glory" 16 x 20 oil on canvas (SOLD) (prints available)

Some day you will rise again. Something will click. New determination will descend from the heavens. Your star will shine and pull you from your pity party into new heights of achievement. Fellow creators are cheering you on. Our united voices will pull you from the ashes of self defeat and give you the push you need to face exposure and criticism once again. Never give up, friend. “The best is yet to come!”

We all need cheer-leading at times. Usually the only one cheering is us. The pursuit of greatness or completeness is a lonely journey. I'm still working on my stained glass painting trying to decide if this is number one or the only one. I seem to do better with my portraits.

(Work in progress) I'll continue and finish up with glazes.

Exposure is the key that eludes many of us. We beat our brains out in social media, but all we hear is our own heartbeat. 

Competition combines the beating of a thousand wings fluttering at the same time. Are your feet tethered to the constricts of time and doubt or are you dancing free? Let go, my friend. Join the throng. Explode into your greatness!

Elbow Grease Puts a Shine on and Turns Your Worries into Profits

"Reggae Night" acrylic on canvas

Today was a very good day for me. I sold a vintage light fixture on my Etsy Shop Anfinsen Art, https://www.etsy.com/people/AnfinsenArt, and one of my paintings “Reggae Night” was given “SR” (Special Recognition) in an online contest that will be on display the entire month of March. If you’d like to see the categories and winners go to:

All Female Art Exhibition http://www.lightspacetime.com/all-women-painting-other/ this painting may be purchased at http://carol-allen-anfinsen.artistwebsites.com

(Vintage Tiffany-style chandelier)

We all need a little pat on the back now and then. Most of the time we put the hard work in and seldom see the payback. When we do it makes everything worthwhile.

I met a new artist this week. She is currently doing murals down in Key West. Her brother was working there, too, but plans on returning to the Caribbean. Mia showed me her work via her Smart Phone – Beautiful!

I shared an idea with her about incorporating jewels on a painting. I told her women in my art league discouraged the practice because then it would become more craft than painting.

Mia showed me a mermaid she had just created on a mural. Wherever the scales intersected on the tail, a small pearl accented the connection. Stunning! Her attitude is anything goes! I think that’s what I’m seeing out there also. If people kept doing the same things they were taught, soon all paintings would look alike and eventually be dull and boring. Daring to be different or to think outside the canvas is what Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali did and hundreds of other artists who were at first criticized and later embraced.

Keep pounding out the paintings people! Grind your tired fingers to the bone. Some day your efforts will be praised and purchased! Currently I’m working on one of my “boudoir” paintings. After all the work I’ve put into it I’m still not pleased. Seems too “static” for me; I prefer to have movement and action going on. I’m between painting over the canvas and doing something totally different with it.

"Sea Breeze" acrylic on canvas (The brush led me -- see the movement?)

Even though this decision has set me back a few weeks, I’m willing to live with it. When painting and creating (or whatever it is you do) becomes work, something is wrong! When the brush leads you, sparks are flying.

"Sea Swirls" acrylic on canvas (Notice the movement and 3-D scales?)

You may enjoy this music by “Jewel” about two painters who grow old together and are still painting: