". . . a brush with nature"

A long while ago I  read the book “Show Your Work!” by Austin Kleon. There was much to consider when reading the book and so much content that made sense to any of us that are professional artists or those that want to be. I have kept much of the advice in the back of my mind over these past few years, but I actually saved one excerpt from it to Notes on my iPad because I felt it was especially significant and important to remember. I have referred back to it on a regular basis and I would like to share it with you now.

“Be ambitious. Keep yourself busy. Think bigger. Expand your audience. Don’t hobble yourself in the name of “keeping it real,” or “not selling out.” Try new things. If an opportunity comes along that will allow you to do more of the kind of work you want to do, say Yes. If an opportunity comes along that would mean more money, but less of the kind of work you want to do, say No.”

I think this is so important to the growth of any artist. Keep yourself busy and allow yourself to experiment along the way. Try new things. Realize they may not always work out exactly the way you expected, but many will and may turn out even better than you anticipated! By not “hobbling” yourself you will be open to new opportunities and new markets along the way.

That being said, don’t create work you are not comfortable with simply because it is a fad. As an artist, you must stay true to yourself. You can certainly achieve greatness while still experimenting with new ideas and mediums that fit with your own unique vision.

Here is an example of what I recently painted, exploring a new look and color palette while still staying true to myself and the subjects I love to paint. 

Be ambitious in both your growth and aspiration as an artist. Continue to learn, experiment, embrace appropriate opportunities and reach new horizons every day through your art. Don’t hold yourself back . . . achieve!