Fear vs. Dream

from my sketchbook

Last week my momentum took a dive.  I was on my way toward establishing incremental movements forward and I hit the wall.  Fear entered my thoughts and took over.  It gave me tons of excuses.  I am so tired.  I can't think straight.  Nothing I do is any good anyway.  Boy, oh, boy did I complain.  Yet, somehow I did manage to read a book and near the end this line jumped out at me: "You must not die with the dreadful feeling that your fears were greater than your dreams..."  Okay, I get it.  I need to saddle up and take the reins.  And ignore my monkey mind.  It'll take me in directions I don't want to go and waste my time and zap my energy and well, you get the picture.
This week I am working on some good stuff.  Yep, the ideas are flowing again.  And I am feeling good about what's next.

Moving Forward

Pretty In Pink

Today, I listed my first piece on Etsy.  I've had the banner up of my shop for awhile, but today I made a move forward.  I listed a painting, yes, just one.  I cannot begin to tell you how difficult it was for me to move past self imposed obstacles.  The mind chatter was relentless:  what are you going to charge for shipping, are you going to consider shipping internationally (why am I obsessing about shipping), you can't post just one piece, what are you doing, you don't have any shipping materials, again-what are you doing, your profile doesn't seem finished and on and on.  Okay, so my profile is not finished.  I can always add to it.  I decided to not let that stop me, to not let that and some others things postpone my move forward.  Waiting for everything to be perfect, is a great excuse for me not to do anything at all.  I was leaning on that one a little too long.
So, today, I released her name, wrote a bit of a description and let go.  She's on Etsy now.  Today, I am breathing easier because I am not holding on to "what if".  Today, I took a step toward how I envision myself: a working artist.

Seven of My Favorite Art Supplies

from my sketchbook

1.  Moleskine notebook - I use the larger one (5.25x8.25in.) sketchbook.  The pages are pretty sturdy, which is a good thing for all the abuse I give 'em.
2. Pitt pens - brush tip.  I love to work over acrylic paint with these pens because just before it dries I give it a little smear with my finger tip.  Great for shading.
3. Everything Golden - paints, grounds, mediums.  Golden paints are wonderful, whether, heavy body or fluid.  The grounds will open your mind to amazing possibilities.  And the mediums are just perfect.
4. Prismacolor Pencils.  Tons of colors.  Smooth and creamy.  Great coverage.
5. Derwent Inktense pencils.  I cannot tell you how much I enjoy these things.  They are watersoluble.  So when I put water to these guys the colors are intense, brilliant.
6. Stabilo pencil.  I like the black for its deep richness.
7. Fabriano Artistico watercolor paper.  The 140lb. hot press is my favorite.

Currently, these are some of my favorites.  The list tends to be a bit fluid.

A Elevator Pitch in 30 Seconds

This is a quick overview of your blog, 30 seconds or so that you can say to someone who asks about you and your blog. Here are some guidelines - should solve a problem, clear, short, stands out, intriguing, energetic and consider using a question.
Here is my Elevator Pitch:
My blog chronicles my development as an artist living in Detroit, who desires to make a living creating life affirming, soul-stirring images.

Now and Then

There are times when simple words of affirmation help bring me back to center, to peace.  Most of the photos were taken while on a walk in downtown Detroit.  The others I took on trips to Hilton Head, Savannah and Martha's Vineyard.  The music is a beautiful chant by Rickie Byars Bechwith.  I hope you enjoy it.