The Key to Breakthroughs
The art-making journey has many high points, like when the art comes so quickly or sells. But there’s one thing that tops all others, and that’s breakthroughs. These change everything. I am always curious about breakthroughs and how we can experience more of them....
The Gift of Sensitivity
Have you ever felt more sensitive than others? I notice this, especially when I’m with my non-artist friends. I’m more easily annoyed if music is too loud or the lighting too bright. As artists, we have a heightened sensitivity and awareness about everything and it...
The Benefits of Showing Your Work
This past week, I opened my new work at Julie Nester Gallery in Park City, Utah. Due to Omicron, winter storms in Utah, and the delays at the airports, I considered not attending. However, in the end, I went to the opening. I am so glad I did! Seeing the work out of...
How to Stay Motivated in Your Art Making
Staying motivated and energized, especially if you’re away from your studio this busy time of year, can be a challenge, but I have some ideas that can help. Have a look here. One is to be open to the possibility of change (for your work and life) in the new year by...
Engage the Viewer from Afar and Up Close
I want to show you a cool idea to think about when making your art. It has to do with creating work that is engaging both at a distance and close up, and how to enhance these views by offering a different feeling with each. Check this out… When your work offers this...
How to find your way in your Art and Life
In my early career as an illustrator, I was often asked to create art that didn't interest me. It was so frustrating. Once in a while, I would get a project that excited me, and when that happened, I noticed that I was happier and the resulting art turned out way...
Going beyond excellent in your Art
I've recently finished making some new paintings for an upcoming show. Some are better than others, but overall, I am happy with them. I would say they are pretty good. Even so, I am always left wondering how I might go beyond just good. It seems that making...
Going narrow instead of wide in your art
One can include so much in their art, but having too much can become a problem. It becomes difficult for the viewer to know what the art is about if it includes all things equally- lines, colors, shapes, textures. Showing everything ends up diluting them, and the...
Art = Love
Art-making is easier when I’m feeling happy and connected to myself. I call this a flow state— creativity flows. But, of course, there are times when I lose that connection and question everything, and get stuck. One way I think about flow state is to remember that it...
Strive to be an art amateur
When it comes to art-making, it's best to stay an amateur! It seems counterintuitive since we tend to want to be masters of what we love to do. However, maintaining that beginner mindset — exploring, discovering, and following missteps- keeps the imagination engaged...
