Last year around this time I wrote a list of 10 things that being an artist taught me in 2013, and many of those things ring so true today too. Things like, “Your fingers can create more than you think they can” and “A creative community is incredibly beautiful and worth cultivating…”
This year, I feel like I’m building on these things and adding a few more to the list as well.
Such as:
- Ask for the things you would like. Dreams require a little boldness and a lot of follow through.
- Practice the habits that help your creativity.
- When you feel trapped by the expectations that are put on your work (by yourself or others) change it up – pronto.
- Rest. Creativity has a hard time working in a tired mind.
- The first thing you have to do is pick up the brush. Then, make as many mistakes as you wish. Every stroke is just practice.
- Fight for those moments of quiet concentration
- While 9 out of 10 days will be totally un-glamorous, and some tasks are dreadful altogether, every moment is worthwhile and wonderful because you’re working for your passion.
- Passion = something you are willing to suffer for.
- Finding beauty is a habit; a mentality of curiosity and joy.
- Sharing beauty and a refreshed perspective with others is endlessly fulfilling.
It was a full and challenging year full of countless beautiful moments and so, so many paintings!!! I cannot WAIT to see what this year holds in store for us!
beautifulhelloblog.com 
You have a great philosophy. Thanks for sharing it.
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What wonderful food for thought!
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Reblogged this on Stravitz Sculpture and Fine Art Galleries and commented:
This is some great food for thought for all you artists out there, no matter what medium you choose!
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Reblogged this on Creative Expression.
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Reblogged this on MSP Lens and commented:
This is a post worth reading!
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This something I really need to see~ thank you so much for sharing
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Reblogged this on Drunken Muffin.
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thank you for the BEAUTIFUL thoughts!! exactly the inspiration i needed!
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I always love your insightful and motivating words. I love how you never shy away or gloss over the fact that a lot of it is un-glamorous because it is!!! But it is so worth it… Thank you for your words, I really needed them today xx
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I agree with all your epiphanies. Funny how we keep re-learning the same things again and again.
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These are such great lessons! Definitely giving me some things to think about as I work to push my creativity in 2015. The expectations I put on my own work can be tough but best to remember that it’s all just practice for improvement. Thanks! http://www.InteriorsbyJacquin.blogspot.com
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love this! chasing after your dreams is what life is all about!
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Guten Morgen, du hast so Recht. Die Erwartungen an sich selber sind meist zu hoch gestellt. Daraus folgt Frustration und das Vorhaben wird meist eingestellt, eh es sich entwickeln konnte. Oder es gefallen einem die Bilder nicht mehr, weil man sich nach anderen zu richten beginnt, anstatt den eigenen Stil auszubauen. Das gefällt mir, deine Worte…es gibt keine Fehler in der Malerei 🙂
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Beautifully inspiring, thank you for sharing…I particularly love your encouragement of community. I’ve found Instagram to be amazingly supportive and inclusive…and it is wonderful to see your work pop up in my feed as well! Best wishes for a wonderful 2015!x
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merci pour ces jolies pensées! C’est vrai qu’être artiste n’est pas une sinécure, mais cela apporte tant de choses…et puis, il est primordial de vivre ses rêves plutôt que rêver sa vie…
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What a wonderful list! Very inspiring 🙂
“Finding beauty is a habit; a mentality of curiosity and joy.” – this is so true. I made it a habit last year after suffering with anxiety and depression (and having my work suffer with it!), I realised that it had been ages since I’d actively searched for beauty and wonder in the world around me. I have so much more motivation and feel so much more inspired now that I do 🙂
If you’re interested in some light relief/a bit of a laugh (hopefully), I’ve written a short blog post about typical ‘artist problems’ (most of which I learnt last year too hahaa): http://www.opticalintake.co.uk/artist-problems-relatable/
M-X
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I was so inspired by this post, that I’ve shared it on my blog this week 🙂 http://www.opticalintake.co.uk/linkspiration/
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I love this so much. I want so much to be an artist after college, so any tips on life in general are just great. Thankyou! ^.^
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I am sooo inspired by your posts. You are amazing… Your photos always look great.
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What an inspiring post! I love your artwork.
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Nice design, I love the pics:) this is the idol for my blog!!
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