“People simply don’t understand that one paints to experiment, and to develop and improve.”
Edvard Munch, Artist

Removing Obstacles

As we head into 2020, I want all you artists out there to set some goals for your next creative efforts. You don’t need a long laundry list of things that you want to accomplish - just a couple will do. Don’t overwhelm yourself. Like maybe you want to use more red, or work larger or try bigger brushes.

One of my goals for my art for next year is to see if I can successfully add subtle color nuances into my black and white work that makes sense to me.

So… Think about what a goal or two will be for you and your art for next year.

And then, more importantly, remove any obstacles that will prevent you from achieving your goals.

If you want to start using more red, and you don’t have any red paint, go buy some red paint! . Or, if you want to start using bigger brushes, go buy a brush that is a little bit bigger than what you normally use, or is slightly big enough to be uncomfortable or intimidating.

You get the picture. Don’t let your lack of red paint or fear of bigger brushes get in your way of trying to create what you want to create.

I have already begun to experiment with adding color into my work and, although I am not where I want to be with that yet, removing the obstacle of actually beginning to use color sure feels great. And my confidence is building with each attempt. And, it’s starting to become fun. And, it’s empowering.

Small steps. Set a few goals and remove the obstacles that will help you achieve them.

Best,

David

Give the Gift of Creativity:

ARTIST COACHING & MENTORING

In my one-on-one, 3-month program, I can help artists:

Successfully employ strategies that will allow you to work more consistently and productively
Outsmart your fear, anxiety, reluctance, refusal, indecision, doubt and distractions
Increase the time you spend creating
Manifest the courage and will to show up more often and do your creative work
Confront the challenges of creating and learn to overcome and push past them and meaningfully create anyway
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“I witnessed my confidence and determination strengthen throughout the process.” ~ Judi Pettite

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Explore contemporary figure drawing, painting and mixed media using graphite, charcoal, pastel, acrylic, and collage. Experiment with different approaches for developing the human form such as realism, expressionism and abstraction. Emphasis is placed on observation, structure, line quality, volume, composition, technique, experimentation, and originality. Discussions, art historical examples, and demonstration are all a part of the curriculum.

Working from a model, students are asked to balance risk-taking and exploration with things that they already know how to do well in addition to... +CLICK FOR MORE