Recently someone asked me if I had a plan for my career now going forward. Goals for awards, shows etc… in other words, what does success look like to me now?
I really had to think about this question. Because those goals have shifted and changed recently. I have mentioned before that I am in a weird shifting time of my life and as a result my art has changed. After all, my art is a reflection of me.
So after a few minutes of reflection this was my answer. “I feel as though I can’t make a concrete plan for that right now. I feel as though I am walking through a large pile of leaves and I am seeing what will stick when I reach the other side.”
So today I am painting in oils with Aaron Schuerr, the master instructor I invited here from Montana. He flew in at 1am on Tuesday morning and I am monitoring the class and making sure he gets a good look at our beautiful city of Pittsburgh. We will spoil him rotten and pay him well and have him teach in the wonderful space at Sweetwater. As a result he will push me to walk where I normally do not tread. Painting in oils, outside on the streets of Sewickley, plein-air painting the landscape. All of which are not how I normally work. Me paint buildings? I am gonna try.
But it is part of the journey for me now. What will stick from this experience I don’t know. Sometimes I think the best thing you can learn in a workshop is what you don’t like to do. Then you understand yourself better.
So if you are in Sewickley this week, you may see a bunch of artists on the street. Stop and say hi- we will be working hard and may need a friendly face to encourage us. Painting is a mental brain-game and we are doing something new. I’ll let you know how it goes next week…
It sounds to me like a wonderful adventure to pursue. Maybe you can include a errant fallen leaf in one of your paintings.🍁😊
I truly would of loved to have joined group and pushed my boundaries.
Thanks! next time!
I always enjoy your blog. As someone who whose life has taken a few twists, I find that some of the best next phase comes when we are open and flexible. You are awesome and I love following all the things the that you are doing now.
thanks! you are a true example of how to be tough and to make the best of things!
Our experiences guide the future, not the “planning” for it. You are doing great. Remember that.
🙂
This sounds exciting! I hope you have a blast on your journey and only the good things stick!😉
thanks!
Enjoy your painting out side Plein-air painting outside the landscapes. Sounds like fun. Don’t worry you will enjoy your experience painting.
I wish I was nearby to looks at everyone’s paintings.
I’m all the way in Delaware.
Geting over foot surgery, so hopping around, Haha.
I hope your workshop
People post some examples of what they painted on your email.
Well all the best.
Happy painting.
Enjoy
Rosemary
thanks! good luck with the foot!