My lil' ones

Working as an artist, I find there are parallel feelings with that of parenting.

Today, I headed over to Nash Framing to pick up my work for the up coming show at Coffee Cat coffee shop in Mason City. When Neal unwrapped my paintings it released a feeling of joy. It was like my kids were all dressed up and ready for their first school performance. Their clumsiness had disappeared and they we polished and read to shine bright!

Sometimes, I think of my art work as my other children. I raise and foster them from a blank piece of paper or canvas through their terrible teen years and finally rewarded with maturity, where I am proud of the fine works of art that they have become. Once they have reached this stage it is time marry them off with patrons that will love and adore them for the rest of time.

I know my statement sounds cheesy, however I have met so many artists that put blood, sweat, and tears into their work just like a parent puts into their child. The next time you are looking at someone's art remember each piece came from within the artist and are like one of their children. Adopt a work and love and adore it, for that is what this artist created it for.

On the up swing

Ahhhh, feeling good and energetic today. Sketched a few canvases for my grad school application and I am ready to hit the ground running! Once I get started it all falls into place. For me, I am fortunate that I have that ability.

Received a call from Neil, a customer of mine, and he said my art has been matted and is ready to pick up. This is great! I have a show starting this Saturday at Coffee Cat in Mason City. If you are in the area stop by and take a look. The work that is on my website as "New Work" will be represented.

Have a joyful day!

Where is the motivation...

I am getting ready for my grad school application and I am feeling blocked. Ok, maybe not blocked but at least lacking motivation. I know it is the usual creative hang-up, however I need to work out of it. It wont be long and I will need to be submitting my info. So, I am working on a few other pieces for the upcoming River City Artists Winter Art Sale.

What I need one of my biggest fans to work by my side. Who is my youngest son, Evan. On occasion he is with me at the studio while I am painting, working on his own pieces. There are times I notice in my periphery vision that he is not working but watching me. It energizes me. He tells me, "Dad you are really good. I hope I can be good like you someday." I reply, "making art is not always easy, so you need to practice." I finish with, "you are great!," and I hang his latest work on my wall.

Ok, I am feeling a bit more energized thinking about the last time I painted with Evan. Gotta go. Time to make art!