“In wisdom gathered over time, I found that every experience is a form of exploration.”
Ansel Adams, Photographer

Complete And Release

I talk all the time about how important “process” is. If you can wrap your brain around this idea that process is more important than product, you will be well on your way to a life of satisfying creativity.

I am a firm believer that it is important for creators to detach from the outcome if you want the finished product to be really great. I never, ever create good stuff when I focus on the end product. When I fall into the trap of focusing on how something will look when it is finished, it always lacks soul, energy and that magical something that makes a piece of art come alive.

Having said all of that, process would not have any meaning whatsoever if there was not a finished product that you could be proud of. We can get lost in process all we want, but it is important to complete.

The main reason that completion is so important is because completion allows you to move forward with momentum and make more stuff with passion, perseverance, curiosity, and confidence. Not to mention how much you learn every time you create something.

Process is important.

But, so is completion.

And, so is release.

By release, I am referring to putting your work out into the world. This can be as simple as showing your finished creation to your spouse or a close friend. Or...it can be as grandiose as entering the piece in a juried exhibition, or approaching a gallery that you think might be interested.

Feedback in the form of criticism or praise, is so important to an artist's growth. (More about this in a future post). Creativity is a cycle that involves process, completion, and release. All three stages are important and necessary.

Embrace them all.

Best,

David

[SPECIAL EVENT]

LIVE PAINTING DEMONSTRATION
at ART CENTRAL'S 7TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

February 10 | Saturday | 1pm to 4pm | My Live Demonstration
1329 Monterey St (at Johnson), San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

In support of Art Central, San Luis Obispo's independent art store, I will be creating an original figurative piece while demonstrating my drawing, painting, and mixed media techniques.

Come celebrate and join the festivities while watching the magic of creativity come to life on the easel. Bring your questions, curiosity, and creative heart!