Along with a new year has come opportunities for growth and expanding, challenging me to manage my time better and balance everything, which takes some effort and transition time.
I'm doing pretty well although realized about three weeks ago that gaining a network of wonderfully accomplished and talented artist friends can be both a blessing and a curse, depending on what my own attitude is.
In the middle of learning new responsibilities and feeling filled to the brim with knowledge in transitioning into this new position with a non-profit, I was feeling guilty and unable to find time or energy to paint. In spare moments I could find I scoured my artist friend's artwork and posts and then began the negative self talk that starts when I begin comparing myself to anyone else. Doing my morning writing I discovered what was happening and then began writing affirmations that it is okay for me to be who I am, where I am in the process of being an artist and uniquely myself. Here is the painting that came out of that time, it is a 16"x12" acrylic and oil painting on canvas I call "Bright Contrasts" that my husband and I have decided we will mount on a board and then frame. I do not choose to waste my time making comparisons of myself to artist's who have been painting and learning much longer than me, I also choose to be who I know my creator intended me to be and share with others the gifts I've been blessed with. I know that, for me, that IS enough.
I'm doing pretty well although realized about three weeks ago that gaining a network of wonderfully accomplished and talented artist friends can be both a blessing and a curse, depending on what my own attitude is.
In the middle of learning new responsibilities and feeling filled to the brim with knowledge in transitioning into this new position with a non-profit, I was feeling guilty and unable to find time or energy to paint. In spare moments I could find I scoured my artist friend's artwork and posts and then began the negative self talk that starts when I begin comparing myself to anyone else. Doing my morning writing I discovered what was happening and then began writing affirmations that it is okay for me to be who I am, where I am in the process of being an artist and uniquely myself. Here is the painting that came out of that time, it is a 16"x12" acrylic and oil painting on canvas I call "Bright Contrasts" that my husband and I have decided we will mount on a board and then frame. I do not choose to waste my time making comparisons of myself to artist's who have been painting and learning much longer than me, I also choose to be who I know my creator intended me to be and share with others the gifts I've been blessed with. I know that, for me, that IS enough.
