PAINTING: "Cheers!" Oil on Linen. 11" x 14"
Private Collection
Have you made your New Year resolutions yet? Hopefully, the kind that you can keep and that will set you up for success.
Coincidentally, while planning mine, I received some timely WORDS of WISDOM, from a brilliant poet/lyricist and longtime friend, Denice I. Ferrarelli. Her sage advice inspired me to draft some painting pointers of my own, (incorporated in hers below as parenthetical comments in bold typeface).
This new list, posted close at hand on top of my easel, will be updated regularly as additional pointers come to mind. Care to add your tips to the list? Please do. I will assimilate and re-publish periodically.
20 Tips for a Better (Painting) Life
1. Take a 10 - 30 minute walk every day (particularly when you've hit a rough spot or are experiencing a painting block). And while you walk, smile. it is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. (Take time to stand back from your canvas, quietly review your day's work and take it in with a fresh eye.)
3. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is about. (Always be true to YOUR 'art and soul.')
4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to _______ today.' ("truly see," "abandon preconceived notions," "take my time as I paint." "encourage my inner vision." "work from promise, not fear"
5. Live (paint) with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy (Everyday, if possible).
6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2008. Take pleasure in the painting process and advance your skills in 2009. Read instructional books, attend workshops and exhibits, frequent museums, study the masters.
7. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6. (Bring HEART to your work. Treasure wisdom and innocence wherever you may find it.)
8. Dream more while you are awake (AMEN!)
9. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk (your studio) and let new and flowing energy into your life. (Reassess unfinished work. Categorize as: salvageable or not. Discard or sand down any canvases that don't make the grade and move on.)
10 Don't waste your precious energy on issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy (and talent) in the positive present moment.
11. Realized that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class, but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
12. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the NEGATIVE BLUES away. (Resist being over critical. Remember, oil paint is forgiving, can be wiped out if wet; painted over when dry. )
13 Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
14. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present. (Learn from the challenges that each painting offers and move on to your next masterpiece)
15. Whatever other people think of you (or your work) is none of your business.
16. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch. (Be passionate about creating art, but do make time to nurture relationships.)
17. No matter how your feel, get up, dress up and show up. (Be consistent with your work habits. Set painting goals for yourself and stick to them).
18. The best is yet to come.
19. Each night before you go to bed complete the following: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished ______________.
20 Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life. Make the most of it! (Color your world!)
All good things to you in the New Year. Cheers!
Louise
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