An extra bonus of doing art shows

                                           Callaway Azaleas
                                           Watercolor Painting by Pat Fiorello


I rarely do art shows. I'm not talking about exhibitions, gallery shows or juried art shows. I mean the selling art in a tent type of show.  I did my first and last outdoor art show about 10 years ago. It was fun in some ways, but was a big time commitment, huge of amount of work setting up and taking down the show and anxiety( for months beforehand) worrying about the weather possibly raining down on my paintings.

 I have, however, done one art show for the past 4 years -The Wesleyan Artists Market in Norcross Georgia. It's a show of about 75 artists- paintings, jewelry, pottery etc..  and a portion of the proceeds benefits the school's art program. The show is indoors ( yea!) , well run and usually pretty well attended. But beyond the opportunity to meet prospective collectors and sell art, there's a benefit I forget about till I get there.

 One of the best things about doing the show is meeting the other artists. Having gone back several years in a row, you get to see some of the same people year after year and share ideas, information,  tips and are just happy to see a familiar face of a fellow artist. There is a camaraderie among artists that is very special. And that's the hidden bonus of shows.

Here I am with my friend and wonderful fellow artist Margaret Berthold at my booth at the show at last night's opening event.  I look forward to seeing her at the show each year. We don't live very close to each other, so this show is one of the few times during year I get to see her, have fun and spend the whole weekend together.

The show runs today 9-7 and Saturday 10-4 at the Wesleyan School campus in Norcross, GA.

 For more information see:

http://www.wesleyanschool.org/parents/ArtsAlliance/ArtistMarket/Pages/default.aspx                                                             

It's never too late....to learn

                                                            "Winter Whites"
                                                   Watercolor Painting by Pat Fiorello

Yesterday was the first session of the spring semester class I teach,  Painting Flowers in Watercolor: Loose, Fresh & Easy.  The class was full with 15 students, 13 returning students and 2 new ones. One of the new students who I did not know, Jerome,  left me a message the night before that he was having some problems at home and might miss the class waiting for a repairman to show up.

Well about 15 minutes after class starts, I see the school security guard at the door. He opened the door to assist Jerome, who wheeled in on his walker , orchids and art supplies in hand. I soon learned that Jerome was 90 years old.  He had painted before, but had been sick for the past 5 years and didn't paint at all. He said" I've never been able to paint flowers. I can paint portraits, landscapes, but never flowers, so I came to learn". I was totally blown away, truly inspired and honored tot be teaching him. He had the enthusiasm and energy of a  young boy as he took on the exercises we did in class and painted his orchids.

I really thought about what it took for him to overcome the circumstances he was dealing with and show up to learn. It would have been easy to stay home and do nothing.  But here was clearly a person with a passion for learning, a love of art, a commitment to act and pursue what he wanted instead of just thinking about it.
 Jerome you are my hero.

Is there something you've always wanted to learn?  What are you waiting for??? It's not too late to start.

Art, Life & Inspiration- My TV interview is now on line

Pat Fiorello( left) and Sonja Vass( Right) at sbn show taping

Exciting news! I shared last week that I had been interviewed by Sonja Vass of sbn.tv for her  television show "The Art Corner". The 30 minute segment aired on tv last week and is now available to view on line at:


http://www.sbn.tv/archives/category/programming/the-art-corner

Just click the start arrow on the episode April 19, Pat Fiorello.

During the interview I share how I got into art, and we covered lots of topics including painting, life, learning, travel, inspiration and following your dreams. The message in the show is consistent with my intention for this blog which is that Art Elevates Life.  Art truly has enriched my life and I believe it can enrich everyone's life  whether you are an artist,  aspiring artist or anyone who is open to a deeper appreciation of the beauty around us.

If you have a chance to view the show, let me now what you think and please share it with others who might be inspired to include more art in their live and follow their passions.


The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
- Eleanor Roosevelt  

Impressionism- Painting Color & Light continued

Here's another example of  the transformation of a painting using the method I have been studying with Susan Sarback. From stage 1- the initial block in of warm (sunlit) and cool(shadow) masses. Then refining the colors by adding a bit of the opposite temperature( but still retaining the dominance of the initial block in temperature) and adding bands of color within each mass and then final refinements. Like any new approach it takes a bit of getting used to- but I do like the way it sets things up to read that they are in sunlight or shadow in the final painting.This one was done the other morning plein air on a street in downtown Charleston SC.

Painting Color & Light - Day 1

 In my last post,  I shared about my experience at the Susan Sarback workshop on color and light. The approach is in the spirit of the impressionist study of the effects of light and atmospheric conditions on color and what we see. Here are some photo's from my first day trying out this approach-it's radically different than anything I've ever done- and I painted only with a knife- no brushes.It's a 4 step process, starting with bright colors for large shapes in either shadow( cool) or light(warm), then refining to mute colors down,  adding the effect of light on color and then touching up final details and edges. Here are some of the stages from start to final study( sorry about the sun glare on the photo) . Done on location in Charleston SC Monday afternoon. It was fun and I'm learning a lot . More to come.
                                      

Painting Color & Light

This week, I've been studying painting light in the impressionist style with Susan Sarback, author of Capturing Radiant Color and Light and founder of the School of Light and Color                          (www.lightandcolor.com).


Her approach is very different from anything I've ever done with oil paints, but it is surprisingly natural and yields results that are very atmospheric. She has adapted the impressionistic approach that she learned from Henry Hensche and made it more user friendly. She is an excellent instructor and clearly explains what she is doing and why during her demo's. She advocates a 4 step process, which really works. In the first stage, you establish color temperature ( light vs shadow) and value. This stage looks awkward, but is a necessary underpainting to eventually get realistic atmosphere. It is so bright it's hard to look at, but it is quickly dulled down in stage 2.

Here's a look at the steps from the underpainting to the final painting in this 4 stage process. These are examples that Susan painted to show the evolution of a painting and shared with the class. They are also in her book.

 Quite a transformation, don't you agree? More to come on this approach later this week...

Are you opening or closing doors?

                                                      Beyond the Poppies
                                               Oil Painting by Pat Fiorello
                                                              Sold

In the book, Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Hirakowa,  the author shares a very powerful lesson. When he was a kid,  and wanted something, like a new bike, his biological dad (a.k.a. the Poor dad) would say  "We can't afford that". And that was the end of it.

 But he was lucky to have the guidance of his best friend's dad ( a.k.a. the Rich dad) , who instead of saying, "We can't afford that," would turn the table and ask "How can we afford that?"

Can you see the difference?  The first approach is a conclusion and closed a door.  It occurs like a fact- we cannot afford that.  There is no possibility or even opening to look at creating anything. But by asking instead of concluding, it opens the door to explore. If I really wanted that what are some ways to get there. Concluding closes the door and asking opens up creative solutions.

Where does this show up as it relates to your art (or other areas of life that are important to you)? Are there places where you tell yourself  " I can't ..., I'll never"?  What would happen if you changed it around to "How could I"?

It's all in your head

                                                          Blossoming
                                                    Oil Painting by Pat Fiorello
                                                           6 x 8
                                                           Sold



 "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right"
                                                                         - Henry Ford

 I love this quote by  Henry Ford. It reminds us that our mind is extremely powerful . If we believe something we want  to achieve is possible, we will be open and take actions consistent with that belief. If we don't think it's possible, then it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. We don't take the actions, or take them halfheartedly ( like driving with our foot on the brake) and then get to be right when the results don't show up ( see, I knew it would never work).

 I get a very tangible reminder of this phenomenon at the gym. When my trainer says do 20 of these leg presses and I see him bringing over what looks like to be some really big weights, I immediately go into assessment mode.  If I say in my head  that "I will never be able to do that", I struggle, But when I notice my doubt and change it in the moment telling myself  "I can do this", then I can. It's amazing to see the power of shifting my mindset in that kind of immediate way.

 But this also applies to our creative endeavors, careers and other aspirations. If we think "I'll never get into that show,"" That gallery will never accept me"," I can't tackle that difficult a painting subject"," I can't paint that large" etc.. wherever we set up some boundary for our self  with a negative thought or belief, then we are limiting what's possible.

 Do you find yourself  ever doing that? Are there some usual places where you stop yourself? Take a look and see if it's something that you made up and perhaps could suspend that limiting belief for a moment, day or longer and take on the opposite position.  Say "I can do this... " Then see what's the next action that would make sense to get the ball rolling and take that step. You may see that you are on your way to opening up a new possibility or producing a different outcome.

Art & Inspiration on TV

Pat Fiorello and Sonja Vass at sbn TV show taping

                                        

 I was recently interviewed  by host Sonja Vass for "The Art Corner" , a television show which features artists sharing about art & inspiration.

 The half hour segment will air on sbn.tv this coming week. The show can be seen on channel 22  which serves 7 counties in Georgia: Henry, Butts, Lamar, Rockdale, Newton, Clayton & Spalding.The show will air a total of 27 times during the week, so check your local listings for times.

If you are not in an area where this station is available, the show will  be posted in it's entirely on the Internet at http://www.sbn.tv/ later on this month. I'll send a link to the website once it goes live.

If you are able to catch it, hope it provides some inspiration for you!

P.S. Artists if you are interested in being  featured on a future show, please contact sonja@sbn.tv 

Make an Art Date- Part II

Spring Bouquet

Oil Painting by Pat Fiorello

After spending the past 2 days working on a commission painting, I had time today to finish the painting I started on Tuesday ( see blogpost on 4/13/11) when I had my painting date with my friend Valee.

  The finished piece is above.It was fun and thank you Valee for supplying the beautiful flowers. I love the combination of yellow, purple and green and I will remember our fun time painting together whenever I see this painting.

The State of Art

"Mums the Word"

Oil Painting by Pat Fiorello

12 x 12

“The object is not to make art, but to be in the wonderful state that makes art inevitable”   

  - Robert Henri

Lately, I've been painting a lot more still lives and I'm really enjoying them. Not only do you get to choose and arrange the elements you are painting, but it also forces you to slow down and really observe what's in front of you. I find myself slowing down even  more with still lives than when I do a landscape plein air when I'm moving quickly before the light or weather changes. 

When I have that much focus , I'm in the zone, not really aware of what's going on around me or how much time has passed. It's a wonderful state to be in.

Reflecting on the experience, reminded me of a favorite quote  from the artist Robert Henri noted above. Creating art can offer a state change- being fully present in the moment and absorbed in the flow. Maybe that's what it's all about.

Make an Art Date

In the book, the Artist's Way, Julia Cameron suggests making an art date with yourself each week to do something art related to break out of a slump or artistic block. I think it's a great idea even when you're not blocked.

Making a "date" with someone else may have you more likely to show up to paint if you are the type that continually puts other things ahead of painting time. We sometimes are more likely to keep our commitments to others than to ourselves. Studies have shown people who commit to exercise with a buddy end up being more consistent and getting better results than those going it alone. I would venture to say that it applies to other areas as well . Painting with a friend also interrupts the solitariness of being in your studio day after day alone. Most of all it's fun and an opportunity to learn from one another.

 Today I painted with a good friend of mine, fellow artist Valee Penn. We spent about 3 hours painting the beautiful flowers above.  It was a great afternoon . I'll post the finished painting as soon as it's completed.

Today it's back in my home studio to work on a commission project. Have a great and creative day!

Inspiration - the Chicken or the Egg?

Garden at Isola Bella

Oil Painting by Pat Fiorello

If you are waiting to feel inspired to get into your studio and paint ( or substitute any activity you may be resisting)  you may be looking in the wrong place. Maybe rather than waiting for a feeling to show up, the key it to get into action- just because you said you would.

Here's a quote that I have found useful which echoes that view:

"We should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing. Action always generates inspiration. Inspiration seldom generates action. "
- Frank Tibolt

I have found this to be true- I love painting, but I am not necessarily excited to paint 100% of the time. Some days I'm tired, distracted or procrastinating. But I know if I get that brush in my hand, I will soon be in a much better state.

Another artist, Chuck Close, had this to say on the subject:

                   "Inspiration is for amateurs--the rest of us just show up and get to work." 


So the next time you are debating whether to get in the studio,  perhaps waiting for the right mood to strike, just go paint.  That may be the very thing you need to elevate your mood.

Painting En Plein Air- Callaway Gardens

I spent the past couple of days at Callaway Gardens in Georgia, teaching a watercolor workshop. I've taught there for the past 6 or 7 years and typically go in April which is prime time for azaleas. Each year the flowers are different depending on the weather that season, but this year is particularly colorful and we may have caught things at their peak.

Most of the students were  pretty new to painting outdoors . We spent the morning working on painting an azalea bush as a mass rather than individual pieces and also working on how to mix a variety of natural greens ( as opposed to many of the green paints which straight from the tube look very unnatural).

Then in the afternoon we examined reflections of the flowers in the lake 

The highlight of the day for me was seeing my students amidst the flowers, immersed in painting on an absolutely beautiful day.

Nature's Wonder

Providence Canyon, Georgia

These photo's may surprise you. They are not from the southwest U.S., but are from south Georgia.  

Yesterday,  my husband and I decided to go for a drive. We came upon Providence Canyon State Park near Lumpkin GA.  It's like our own (very) miniature grand canyon here on the east coast. Apparently, this developed due to farming practices during the cotton growing days when the farmers depleted the land and plowed down the sides of hills. Over time the land eroded and these canyons arose.

I had no idea there were landscapes like this in this part of the country.  So as the beautiful weather is upon us, it's great time to do a little exploring. Sometimes you find surprises in your own backyard. 

Go For It!

The painting above is one  of my watercolors that was published in "Splash 11 -The Best of Watercolor"- a book  published by North Light Books, which comes out every couple of years featuring beautiful examples of watercolors from today's artists.  There are thousands of entries from artists all over the country and about 100 are chosen to be included.

The reason I share this is because this is one of those examples of a time when I said "go for it, just enter" and  I didn't listen to the little voice in my head ( you  probably know the voice that I'm talking  about - the one that second guesses our decisions or has a constant opinion). The voice that usually says- "why bother entering,  you'll never get in".

 An artist friend of mine said to me once that she wasn't going to enter a juried show( she had that same little voice in her head) , then thought, "hey this show has a judge- let the judge do his job, it's not my job to pre-judge this." She entered and even won a prize. So sometimes in life, we just need to go for it and get out of our own way. Where have you been stopping yourself  from trying something new or stretching out in a new way? Give up the doubts and give it a try. You just might get  a nice surprise.

This quote from Wayne Gretzky, probably one of the all time hockey greats, says it all...

“You miss 100% of the shots you never take”- Wayne Gretzky

Learning at an Art Workshop

Well I had a wonderful week at the Scottsdale Artists' School in an oil painting workshop with instructor  Hedi Moran  a couple of weeks back.
 Here we are together. Hedi is on the right.

 She is a wonderful instructor who is not only generous in sharing her techniques and her own lessons learned over the years of painting, but also is fun, genuine and encouraging.

I learned a lot during the week, but some of the lessons are beyond techniques.

I took my first workshop over 15 years ago. On a whim after only about 3 months of painting I decided to got take a workshop in Provence. I had no idea what I was doing- it seemed like a good idea. When I got there I had a moment of "what was I thinking?" when I realized everyone else there was a professional artists, or art teacher and I had been painting for 3 months.  But it was a wonderful experience that I will never forget.

 There is nothing like being immersed in art and being surrounded by new inspiration to paint and other people who are passionate about the same things you are. It's a totally enriching opportunity and after that first workshop, I vowed to take at least one workshop a year (  a vow which I have kept and has been one of the best decisions I've ever made).  Now I teach workshops to provide those enriching experiences to others. Next month, I'll be taking a group to paint at a wonderful place in Tuscany  ( for more info see www.patfiorello.com under Workshops or contact me and I can answer any questions.). There is still room available for anyone who woudl like to come and it's open to artists of all levels( even total beginners) and mediums. We meet in Florence on May 28th.

By being immersed in art , away from the distractions of everyday life, you can learn at an accelerated rate and really see your progress from the beginning till the end of the workshop. You also meet great people from all over who share your interest in art and develop friendships that last well beyond the workshop.

This past workshop I got to see a lot of art on the local galleries in Scottsdale which is also educational and inspiring. I also got some practical lessons. This was the first time I flew with my oil paints and had to figure out how to transport the wet panels after the workshop. I typically love to paint on Panelli Telati canvas on panels ( available at ASW art supplies), but instead, ordered some oil primed linen on gator board since I thought the panels would weigh less in my suitcase( I'm alway precariously close to the 50 lb limit). Well big lesson learned. Avoid using new materials( except those specified by the instructor) when on a workshop. It's challenging enough to learn and new approach , but to also adapt to the nuances of new materials adds another layer of complexity. The panels I brought were much slicker than the ones I am used to and it was difficult to handle with the new approach. I wished I had has the materials I was already familiar with, but I was out of luck so had to make the best of it. Good lesson learned for next trip.

If you have an opportunity to do so, I'd strongly recommend treating yourself to a workshop- Investing in yourself and your skills is the best thing you can invest in for a sure return.
 Plus it's a lot of fun!

An Oasis in the City

Yesterday, I took an hour out of my day to visit the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. What always strikes me when I'm there is how wonderful it feels to be surrounded by nature - and then I look up and see the skyline right nearby- it's like an oasis of beauty and serenity right in the heart of the city.

I don't know where you live, but chances are there is someplace like this near you. If you haven't been there for awhile ( or maybe ever) now's a great time to go. Enjoy the aliveness and energy of all the new spring plants popping up and give yourself the wonderful calming benefits that nature can provide.

And who knows you might find some inspiration for your next painting, decorating project or even come up with a new solution to a problem that's been bothering you by having a change of scenery and new view on things.

Rose Study

                                                    
                                                          Valentine's Day
                                                                9 x 12
                                                   Oil Painting by Pat Fiorello


You don't have to set your sights on completing a major painting each time you get into the studio. Sometimes it's a nice break to simplify something and do a quick study. I was lucky enough to get a bouquet of 2 dozen beautiful roses from my husband this Valentines' Day. Instead of trying to tackle the whole bouquet of 24 flowers, I pulled out 3 roses, arranged them with a little device I have that allows me to clip the flowers in various positions ( I think I got it years ago for a botanical illustration class I once took). I set the flower grouping on a simple cloth, put a light on it and painted the study shown above. It was a good practice to  focus on the roses without necessarily adding the complexity of a more elaborate still life set up. Plus I have a remembrance of this Valentine's day I can keep long after the real flowers are gone.

                                         Photo's of set up for Valentine's Day study

Boundless Enthusiasm

Giverny Trellis

Oil Painting by Pat Fiorello

(sold)

One thing I love about meeting other artists is their passion for art. When people are sharing about something they are passionate about,you can feel the heightened energy and aliveness.

Talking about art supplies, classes, mixing colors etc.. can go on for hours.

 You can substitute in anything you are passionate about- music, cooking, traveling, dancing...

At one point I asked myself - what exactly is passion?  I found this definition in the dictionary which I felt captured it pretty well.

Passion =unbounded enthusiasm

 That lead to what is enthusiasm?

Enthusiasm-  from the Greek en theos- “inspired by God”

When we are engaged in what we are passionate about, we are consumed. We love to share with like minded individuals( and anyone else who will listen) . We are present to our own enthusiasm and sense of aliveness when we share our passion with others.

The painting above is one I did based on some photo's form my trip to Monet's gardens in Giverny  France. When I think of Monet', not only do I thin of his great paintings, but also his passion for gardening. he created that garden at Giverny over the 40+ years he lived there and used it as his muse for painting.

Here's another quote I like on success- passion is a key ingredient.


"A Man (or woman, or artist) can succeed at...anything for which he has unlimited enthusiasm". ~ Charles Schwab


What are you passionate about? If you haven't shared about it in awhile, I invite you to do so today- it will make your day and someone else's a little brighter. Have fun spreading your enthusiasm!

Mary Whyte Museum Exhibit

 While I'd love to paint everyday, there are times when other priorities, like family and friends, take center stage. This weekend, my husband and I drove to Charlotte to visit a good friend. On the way up from Atlanta, I did have an opportunity to sneak in some art and inspiration.

 We stopped at the Greenville Museum in South Carolina. I had heard about an exhibit "Working South"  by Mary Whyte , who if you don't know her, is one of the top watercolorists in the country. She has a gallery in Charleston which I visited last summer so I have had the pleasure of seeing her extraordinary paintings in person before.

This exhibit is quite exceptional both in concept and execution. Mary spent about 3 1/2 years traveling the South meeting people in jobs that are fading away due to changes in the way we live, work, technology etc..  She then created 50 very large watercolors depicting these people in their work surroundings ( which are becoming extinct). The jobs include textile mills, newspaper delivery, tobacco famers etc...  The paintings are beautiful in both their technical mastery ( she's wonderful at depicting realistic people with great detail and emotion contrasted with diffused, more suggested, softer edge backgrounds). She truly captures the heart and soul of these people ( I know it sounds corny- but she really shows these people as if you know them- their humanity, their stories). It is a great presentation about our changing world and the real people impacted.

 Here are some examples- they don't do the real paintings justice but can give you an idea and I'm sure there's more about this on Mary's website including a CBS news spot about the show.

                                                                            Milliner

                                                            Shoe Shine Specialist

Tobacco Farmer

So take a look at her website ( http://www.colemanfineart.com/)  , or better yet, if you are near Greenville SC., stop in and see the show.

There are opportunities to see art nearly everywhere, so get in your daily dose of inspiration, even if you are away from home. You never know what gems you might come across -  either around the globe or around the corner

On Commitment

Sunflowers & Oranges

 9 x 12

Oil Painting by Pat Fiorello

In yesterday's blog, I shared some ideas for making more time to paint on a regular basis.

 Today I'd like to continue some thoughts on that subject. 

After painting exclusively in watercolor for about 12+ years, I decided to try my hand at oils about 3 years ago. While you might think painting is painting, each medium has its idiosyncrasies and even though I know a bit about color, composition etc.. which apply to any art form,  the actual handling of the paint and painting process is quite different between oils and watercolor.

 When setting my goals for this year, I decided to really invest the time develop my oil paintings further on my own as well as study with some top instructors. I took a look at my typical plan  for the year and eliminated a few activities to focus on more time to paint aiming for an average of 4 painting days/week in addition to 1 day of teaching.

This required some hard choices of things I had to cut out in favor of freeing up more time to paint.  And it is a daily challenge. As new opportunities come up , I have to decide if they will truly further my intentions or if they will "cost" too much in terms of time that could be spent painting and learning.

Part of what had me say "no" to several things and put others on the back burner, at least for this year, was the following quote from Robert Johnson's  ( magnificent) book, On Becoming a Painter:

“You will never know how good you can be until art gets your very best.

 Your best time, your highest energy, your complete commitment”


Actually Robert didn't say that , but  he was sharing what a mentor of his said to him during a critique when he was seeking feedback on his own paintings.

 If you dont' know Robert Johnson- look him up on line at  RobertJohnsonart.com. He's an amazing painter, wonderful teacher and inspiring in many ways. But it's clear he invested the time  to develop a level of mastery.

 I have that quote posted in my office so when I see it it reminds me to get back to the studio and make the time to invest in myself and my art.
 When I am at a decision point , I can refer to it and remind myself that painting deserves my best time.

.

It's Time to Paint ( or do whatever you're passionate about)

Ginger Jar & Oranges

8 x 10

Oil Painting by Pat Fiorello

 I got a nice message today from one of my blog followers, Nancy, thanking me for sharing some inspiration. In her email, she also commented that she needs to make more time to paint.

 This is something most artists-, whether students, hobbyists or professionals, struggle with. We have pressures of work, family ,health , home projects etc.. all demanding our time so it's difficult to find time for us to paint amidst those sometimes competing priorities. Over the years, I have coached many artists on setting and accomplishing goals and staying focused and this is a consistent issue I hear.

We are always trying to balance what's urgent vs. what's important- and many times the urgent ( or perceived urgent or  even worse- urgent but not important) wins out. Painting, or substitute in your own creative expression- music, dance, jewelry,  photography, making pottery etc..,  is something that's important to us but not necessarily urgent (unless you have a commisison or show deadline in front of you).


The secret to having more time to paint is book an appointment with yourself.

 Mark it down on your calendar each week.  We make appointments with doctors and for haircuts- but painting is  important for our heart and soul. It has us feel good, yet it is often last on the "to do "list. We  think will get to it, if there is time "left over" from all the other stuff.   But making an appointment, actually carving out time on your calendar and making that commitment to yourself elevates your art to have more urgency- it's not something to get to if there's spare time ( who has spare time???? and if you did have some time left over, you'd probably be tired and not in your prime energy to create) .

Carving out a chunk of time- even if it's is an hour or 2-  makes it more urgent. You now have an real intention to paint, not just a hope that time will magically show up. Keep this time as sacred and let others know that you're not available then. Don't pick up the phone. This is your time- You deserve it!.  Try it out for a few weeks and see if it helps to create an art date with yourself ( or better yet with a painting buddy) and let me know how it's going. Or if you have other suggestions for making time to create, please share them in the comments area below so others might try them out too.

And for those of you waiting to feel inspired before you get started , consider this :

"We should be taught not to wait for inspiration to start a thing. Action always generates inspiration. Inspiration seldom generates action. "       - Frank Tibolt

 Just get in the studio or wherever it is that you have a space to create and get started... that's all there is to do.
Happy Creating!