David Limrite
Artist | Teacher | Coach | Mentor
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Weekly Blog on creativity and what it takes to be an artist by David Limrite (artist, teacher, mentor & coach)

MAKING AN HONEST EFFORT

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Lots of new beginnings going on in the studio. Read all about what’s happening in this weeks post. © 2021 David Limrite

“What you have to do now is work. There’s no right way to start.”
Anna Held Audette, Artist / Author of “The Blank Canvas”

Making An Honest Effort

I am in the very early stages of beginning a new series of large paintings, and so much is going through my mind right now. Both positive and negative.

The look, style and concept of these pieces are going to be a bit different than what I have been working on the past couple of years.

I feel a bit lost and out of sorts. I am definitely not in control right now. And, although I am trying to be OK with that, I am finding myself being timid, unsure and, quite honestly, a bit scared. I know that these feelings mean that what I am about to attempt is important to me. I also know that feeling out of control, timid, unsure and scared are necessary as part of the creative process.

Confidence is not the issue. I know I can create these paintings. The issue is my willingness to take the risks necessary to create what I envision in my head.

I am excited about my vision. I love my concept for this series. I have ideas and sketches for approximately 15 or so paintings.

I am not worried about failure.

My concern is whether or not I have what it takes to make an honest effort in order to create and birth these new paintings, as I side-step my comfort zone, in order to try something new and different for me.

I know that if I can make an honest effort, the work will materialize as I envision it. If I can make an honest effort, the work cannot fail.

Making an honest effort means:

  • Working and painting hard

  • Focusing on the process

  • Predicting success but being open to failure

  • Being disciplined

  • Being brave and courageous

  • Being open to change

  • Being vulnerable

  • Paying attention to what is happening on the surface of my canvas

  • Listening to the paintings and collaborating with them

  • Pushing myself, my skills and my talents

  • Making the work I truly want to make, without compromise

I have much creative work to do, and I will keep you up to date with my thoughts, issues, concerns and ah-ha moments. And I will share pictures of my process and progress from the studio.

Watch this space.
Best,

David

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