Blog

California Gold
9" x 12"
Oil on RayMar Canvas Board

SETTING GOALS:
Clint Watson, the webmaster of my main website, puts out a newsletter with advice for artists. Some of the articles he writes and some he posts are written by others, but there is almost always something to learn about oneself and about the art world. One such article discussed the importance of setting long term and short term goals for oneself while continuing on the painting journey. For a very long time I've had a milestone or goal along my own journey: -to be juried in to a CAC Painting Patron Show.   I've been juried in to other shows and have won awards, but so far I've never made it in to the CAC Exhibition.

A GREAT OPPORTUNITY:
Although painful, a really good thing DID come from my continual rejections. I was invited to observe the jurying process for an upcoming show.  Of course I couldn't enter, but the trade-off seemed well worth it. Early in my blogging efforts, I described this terrific experience. I feel really fortunate to have had such an interesting experience and encourage all artists who participate in juried shows to try for a similar chance. However, I still hold the as yet unreached goal - actually being juried in to this CAC show!

PAINTING UNDER PRESSURE:
A few weeks back I was trying to paint under the pressure of this CAC exhibition that I have coveted for three years. I actually created a few nice paintings. One was the painting at the top of this page and another was one I blogged about earlier. I was not at my best and this created anxiety and made the painting not so enjoyable. Admittedly I have lots of room to grow with my painting, but each time it's submittal time, I give it a try and I have been continually disappointed. Painting should be fun and it hasn't been.

SOUL SEARCHING:
I've been re-evaluating over these last weeks and decided to return to the reasons I chose to retire nine months ago -- to spend more time with my family, to enjoy learning to paint better, and to meet new people, see new spots and just enjoy life. Then on Mother's Day my Daddy got sick.  He's okay now, but our scare reminded me of what is really important -- the people I care for.... not getting in a show.  To emphasize this point on Monday I received a newsletter from one of my local clubs (VAG).  In it was an excerpt from an article written by artist Jim Warren, reminding artists that, "Success alone, I found was empty" and that "an artist provides himself with inspiration through his love of life and people."  

I still have goals, but I'm going to try not to let the goals take the joy out of painting. I want to paint the places I've been and the people I meet. My goals are still there, but I'll try not to let them ruin the fun I have when trying to create, learn and live.