On Sunday I did a demonstration with a lively and wonderful audience at the Theater Lab Caberet Auction. I am always so nervous before these things. What if I make an awful painting that they then have to auction? To ease my fear I brought a few other paintings (completed) as my support cast. It said, "Yes I really can paint."
Prior to the demonstration I gave myself a pep talk. "People who step out of their comfort zone
and into the discomfort of uncertainty will be those who will reap the
biggest rewards."This article was not written for painters, but take the important information and think about it.
Read this article in Forbes.
During the demonstration there was no landscape to view, no photos on the wall, I wanted to simply concentrate on making a vibration. I brought my board of 6 paintings as my inspiration (see the board below on my November 11th post) and then just let her roll. Trying not to think and to simply respond to the three colors I had chosen as my main color scheme.
I am trying more and more to live in the courage zone.
6 comments:
Loriann, I agree completely. The comfort zone leads to stagnation. As far as growth vs/courage I'm on the fence with the difference. The terror zone is admirable. It is a juggle between sales and artistic integrity for those dependent on their art as income.I could see where opportunity (commissions) would interfere with artistic integrity and lead to paralysis. I think the ability to balance both aspects are imperative.
In response to my last comment about doubting ones self. Let me clarify. As artists I think we all question our work. Is it solid?...Did I capture the atmosphere?...Was I true to my approach?...The underlying theme (I am not a religious person)is faith in "your" process. When working so intuitively we know that it doesn't always "happen" but it will. Oh yes, it will!
Hi Brian,I always appreciate your comments and insights.
A juggle between sales and artistic integrity- well put Brian.
As for your other comment,it seems like we are saying the same thing. Working intuitively and with authenticity is most important. Fame is a harsh bedfellow who pushes one around. There are plenty of artists who get stuck sleeping with it. Doubt is sometimes a good friend and sometimes a bad friend...but always present.
Paint on!
wow is that fabulous!! I agree about the comfort zone...thanks for reminding me. I bet your audience really loved this!
Hi Celeste! It's challenging to do.... comfort feels so much better. Still I ask myself, "does it help?" Onward painters!
Comfortable with discomfort … I love that. Thank you.
Hi Cobalt! It's so true, eh?
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