The traveller that is inside you (having courage in your art)

It takes courage to be an artist.

We are MADE to develop our ideas into reality.  It takes work.  Plenty can challenge us.  There is a lot to learn.  

Courage to be further back in the line.

I see other artists over the fields, and across the sea, working at their art in a place I wish I was.  I can't quite see it.  But I'm guessing it is wonderful.  Will I ever get there?

I am sure there is at least one person who thinks I am over the fields, across the sea, far ahead, practicing art in my perfect place.

When we feel at the back of the line, we might remember we are the leader in our own adventures.

I imagine myself, hat and coat and sensible shoes, suitcase full of essential paints and fabrics, rushing to get the train.  The feeling is anticipation and excitement.  I have a few special little things to keep me entertained and sustained on the journey.  

I am not insecure about the other passengers. Where they got on.  Where they are going.  

I am grateful for a train ticket and a seat.  I am settled in my seat.  I meet a nice person.  I look at the passing scenery.  The passing towns and then the countryside.  It inspires me with all kinds of ideas for sketches and paintings.  Such fun.  To have the time to take it all in.  And dream up dreams.

Each time we make a mark, make a stitch, we have succeeded.

Once I am on the train, I don't worry about reaching my station.  I settle in my seat and listen to the train on the tracks. I am not fully aware of exactly how many miles I have travelled.  It doesn't matter.  I boarded the train and I am moving forward.  I believe I will reach my destination.

Just do it

Each decision we make takes courage.  We just forget our strengths.  Courage, faith, trust, taking a chance.

We mostly don't think of courage when we board the train.  We just do it.

It occurs to me that we need the travel over the fields and across the sea, so we can be the person that is needed, to make our best art yet.

Sandi Hester is an inspiration to me.  A fun and friendly person.  A talented artist.  You might enjoy her youtube channel.  Featuring sketchbook tours, lots of process breakdown and advice. Sandi advised to "just do it".  It works!

Wednesday. The Unexpected Gypsy.

 

I was watching Wendy, The Unexpected Gypsy, talking about writing in her journals.  

It is something that I have tried to do for such a long time.  I always can write something.  A thought.  What is happening at the time.  The thing is... I dont seem to be excited about writing regularly.  I dont find my sketchbook too much fun.

I realised, that people actually use journals or sketchbooks for different things.  It appears on Instagram or Youtube that perhaps people perfectly write, stick in photographs, do art, everything... in a perfectly set out fashion.  But that isnt the majority of people I dont think.  And Im excited that I can decide on what my sketchbooks and diaries contain.  

And it all DOESNT have to go into one glorious magazine like book.  Freeing!!

So onto today : Ive been searching my photographs for a particular window plus rose bush.  I scrolled past it the day before yesterday.  When I didnt need it LOL.  Decided I wanted to refer to it for a painting.  And now its gone.  So Ive decided to put that project on the backburner because true to life... as soon as I dont want it badly... Im sure it will appear.

I have this wonderful background I made.  Plus a gorgeous photograph of a door in a garden from a photographer in the UK.  Ive bought the rights to use it in my painting.  Such a lovely man.  And wonderful to instantly be photo/arty friends.  So the photograph of the window plus rose will make the 3rd in the painting set.  Im very excited.  Im taking my time drawing up the three pieces.  I really have high hopes for these paintings.

I sorted out... well repacked really.... collage material, paper making materials, art journalling stuff that was bothering me.  It was all so tidy really.  Im relieved because it was a big push on my part to drag out the boxes and have a look.  But I really did a great job back a few weeks ago.  Im really excited that I dont have to spend ages sorting out good from rubbish / creased etc.  Oh Im so grateful to my former self that had the energy and pushed through and got such a lot of organising DONE.  Thank you you!

Prayers and a few tears for my friend L today.  Something happened with her little pet.  Our pets are such close friends.  And so I want to note here.  I knew the little person.  A delight.  And Im very sad for my friend.  I hope things are sunny again for her soon.

Off to research putting a watermark onto my artwork so I can advertise and show online with someone taking it.  Oh I dont mind that much except it takes me a long time to paint or draw.  And I do want a chance to see what I can achieve before it gets another owner LOL.