PAINTING AS THERAPY
This painting makes me smile every time I look at it. And, I am looking at it a lot these days. Untitled Blue Dress Painting No 2, 16”x 12”, pencil, acrylic and collage on wood. © 2020 David Limrite
“If I create from the heart, nearly everything works; if from the head, almost nothing.”
Marc Chagall, Artist
Painting As Therapy
I hope you are healthy and in good spirits. Jordan and I are healthy and doing well so far. And, I hope that you are taking advantage of this crazy, strange and dangerous time that we find ourselves in by giving yourself the gift of time spent creating. I am trying to, but I will not lie, I have been having a difficult time getting motivated to paint. I have painted some, and when I do, I feel so much better. It helps improve my mood in much the same way as I feel after I exercise.
I think we all need an outlet for our emotions right now. I certainly do. We need to make things. Express ourselves. Get lost in the process in order to transport ourselves away from all of this madness for awhile. So, based on my experience this past week, I urge you all to paint, or do whatever you do when you create, and allow creating to bring some much needed joy into your life.
I have been struggling because I have had to cancel several workshops and classes. A large group critique that I was supposed to conduct for our local painters group was also cancelled. So sad. The loss of income is a bit scary and challenging right now for me as well. And the future is a bit tenuous. However, in order to continue to help, contribute and serve artists, and my students, and my coaching clients, I am working on some on-line offerings such as artist meet-ups, coaching, critiques and an on-line course. It will be awhile before I can get some of this up and running, but I will most certainly keep you posted. I miss being in the classroom, teaching and helping people.
Good things ahead!
Another piece of good news is that, finally, last night, we emailed the completed manuscript of my book that I have been writing to my editor. Yay! It is a book about artists mind management based on my 30 plus years of teaching, coaching and mentoring artists. It is full of information, advice and stories to help artists be the best, most productive artists they can be in the studio. I am very excited about it. We still have a ways to go to make it a reality, and something that you can actually get your hands on and read. But, sending it to the editor last night was a big, big step for me. So, stay tuned.
Anyway, so when I am feeling down these days, making art always cheers me up and puts me in a better mood.
Please, do yourself a healthy favor, if you are not already doing so, and make time for your creativity. Spend some quality time by yourself engaged in whatever creative activities you love.
If any of you feel like sharing with me what springs forth from your brush, or pencil or chisel or camera lens, please do so. I would love to see what you are up to.
You can keep up with my creativity on Instagram at @davidlimrite
Be well and stay healthy.
David