This was a popular article posted recently on FASO in which artists made a copy and posted in their studio. Enjoy and even make some comments about the tips that speak to you!
10 Tips for a Better (Painting) Life
by Louise B. Hafesh
This post is by guest author, Louise B. Hafesh. This article has been edited and published with the author's permission.
Last year around the holidays, a good friend sent me a list entitled: "40 tips for a Better Life," which I have since seen published with various additions and deletions as "Enjoy the Ride," "45 life lessons and 5 to grown on," "20 tips for a better New Year."
As I read over the 40 inspiring tips, I realized with a little tweaking, some of the themes could easily be applied to us artists and set about drafting a version that became my 2009 New Year blog post. Heading into 2010, I took up the challenge again. Here, then, revamped are my "10 Tips for a Better (Painting) Life."
1. Set consistent work habits and painting goals; then stick to them. Start each painting session by abandoning preconceived notions and stumbling blocks.
2. Be true to YOUR 'art and soul'. Encourage your inner vision; listen to your private voice; let your imagination soar, and don't concern yourself with what others may think of your work.
3. Take short breaks, particularly when you've hit a rough spot or are experiencing a painting block. Stand back from your canvas on occasion. Quietly review your day’s work and take it all in with a fresh eye.
4. Take pleasure in the painting process. Continually advance your skills. Read instructional books, attend workshops and exhibits, frequent museums, and study the masters.
5. Be generous with your knowledge. Whenever possible, exchange ideas, tips, techniques with other artists. Fine Art Views ("FAV") is a great place to start, as are Facebook and Twitter. The more you share, the more you learn, and the benefits of networking are limitless.
6. Be passionate about creating your art, but do make time to nurture relationships. As in all things in life, balance is key!
7. Clear out the clutter from your studio. It will help you hone in and focus. Reassess unfinished work. Categorize as salvageable or not. Discard or sand down any canvases that don't make the grade and start anew.
8. Learn from the challenges that each painting offers and move on to your next masterpiece. Keep a positive mindset and resist being over critical. Give yourself the right to make mistakes, a free rein to experiment.
9. Bring HEART to your work. Treasure wisdom and innocence wherever you may find it.
10. Work from promise not fear... the best is yet to come! Think of that blank canvas as an opportunity to color your world!
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