The Back Way

12×18″ pastel on paper

I’m often asked “what is your inspiration?” and “how do you find the time?”  While it’s true I’m inspired by many things…nature, my children, other artists, beautiful pieces of art, etc., I think it is an error in assuming art must be inspired and therefore artists only produce in times of great inspiration….A sweeping angel chorus sings as your painting seems to take a life of its own!

It’s not really like that though…

Much of my experience in painting has been that it is more work and dedication to learn to practice and get something down on paper or canvas.  Learning to practice? What does that mean?  When you learn to practice, you’re making a concerted effort to get in the habit of creating something everyday.  You’re guiding your mind and being intentional about the hours you have.  I make time because I want to get better.  Just as a musician spends hours learning chords and notes, and a dancer new steps, a painter must learn to practice and for me, that is painting daily for at least two to three hours if not more.  Twyla Tharp wrote a book entitled The Creative Habit and I love the thought.  Talent and creativity are incredibly small factors in learning anything.  You can have all the talent in the world, but talent will only get you so far if you are unwilling to practice and get in the habit of working.  I honestly don’t think of myself as “talented.”  I do know how to learn and how to buckle down and dedicate myself.  I know how to seek out information and I know how to apply what I’ve learned on a daily basis.

That’s my secret.

Here’s where I get preachy… 😉

What do you want to learn?

Do you want to learn a new language?  (download the free app Duolingo!)

Do you want to learn to paint? (here are some great books and products I love on the subject!)

Do you want to learn to dance?  (sign up for a dance class!)

Do you want to be healthier? (start tracking your meals!)

Basically, you can learn anything and take strides towards your goal, you just have to decide.

Do you feel you don’t have enough time in your day?  Cut out something meaningless. I don’t watch TV other than movies we DVR and save for the weekends or late at night after kids are in bed.  I paint anytime I have a spot open in my day and even though it’s sometimes hard to carve in, I figure the laundry can wait and the kids need to learn to do it themselves anyway.  *insert maniacal laugh*

Basically, just don’t waste time.  Decide now that you are going to learn to practice. An hour here, 30 minutes there, sketch in a book while you’re waiting for your kids. Put down Candy Crush and those silly pocket screens (as my husband and I call our smart phones) and create!  I promise you if you dedicate the next year to learning, you will be hooked.  Just think of what you will learn in a year!

xxoo

Bethany