Motivation and Inspiration for Aspiring and Professional Artists

When Picasso said, “It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.” I think he was referring to the special permissions granted to children, to make skies magically purple, or give Mommy very big hands because she is always doing things with them.. . . read more

Clichés and myths about the life of an artist persist because they contain at least a kernel of truth. But beyond every myth, or cliché, there is a much larger reality - and you can find it by looking at the facts. . . read more

I’m not the type of person who makes resolutions for the new year. Instead, I try to set some goals. Why? Well, one reason is that resolutions, by nature, are extremely difficult. There’s usually no endpoint. . . read more

Let me ask you a question. What put you on the path of creating? I’d bet that once upon a time you created something of significance. It might have been a drawing, painting, a photograph or some handmade jewelry. Whatever it was, it was good!. . . read more

I believe that there are seven habits, or traits, which artists need in order to become highly effective and successful. Let's start with the most important one: being passionate about your art. . . read more

In May of this year I began a year-long journey attempting to capture the city of Liverpool in paint. I’m taking to heart the words of French poet and philosopher, Gaston Bachelard, who said. . . read more

Today, you’ve decided to get an early start. You wake before the rest of the world, grab a cup of coffee and head to your studio/spare room to create. But then the flashing icon on your computer screen says "you've got mail!" and you're drawn away. . . . . . read more

Objects from nature, interesting patterns, and architectural details always attract my attention. Often the images are captured in unexpected places - along a busy street, in the yard or on a daily walk. . . read more

I will get straight to the point. The biggest social networking mistake artists make is . . . not social networking! (Or not doing it enough.) I often hear artists say that social networking is too time consuming. And I will admit, I used to. . . read more

Pursuing what you love requires courage, especially when it is a career in the arts. As any artist will tell you, this type of work is unconventional, and challenging. For instance, since artists typically don’t have. . . read more

I lost my head this time, and I’m woman enough to admit it. I was up in my studio with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, poking around the old muffin tins, bowls and jars overflowing with stuff. Wasn’t looking for trouble, but trouble found me. . . read more

When I first started painting, the genre I was least interested in was portraiture. I was more interested in learning about floral, figurative, or landscape painting. After my daughter’s wedding, however, I began thinking about creating a portrait. . . read more

Are you an artistic person who loved to draw as a kid, or took art classes in college, but was discouraged from pursuing art at as a serious profession? Maybe you’re a struggling artist frustrated with working a “real” job, or a busy parent with no time to create.. . . read more