In order to improve oneself, perseverance is important. Life is always full of something, and we are mostly busy, sometimes with the most beautiful things and events, sometimes with terrible issues. We simply deal with that, but not everybody has the courage to take a special time for themselves or to spend it as they wish. There are billions of excuses, and behind “I cannot” is quite often hiding: I don’t seriously want it. I am not willing to make a commitment. I am not sure if I want anything at all. It is so much easier to do nothing. It is less complicated to let everything flow by and to go with the stream. The power of doing nothing is huge.
Who doesn’t know moments of emptiness, moments of weakness, and moments of a complete exhaustion: mental and physical? That is life, and, unfortunately, nothing and nobody can prevent such moments from happening. I know this so well: it can be abnormally tough at times to resist the tiredness and pain. Well, we have two choices: feel sorry and cry or stand up and get going. Here I would like to mention perseverance again. We stick to decisions and goals no matter what.
I am for these, who make everything happen. I am with these, who fight their own moods, pain and helplessness. We have a fantastic tool to make our life better: it is self-improvement. Step by step, one move at a time.
Therefore, I feel extremely blessed that my art and painting classes have brought me together with such sincere, honest and creative people. It is very simple to take a brush and swipe it over canvas. Play is attractive. How about when we want something more? Not only spots and splashes, but something way exceeding basics?
Creativity and self-improvement are both: rewarding and demanding. Rewarding all the way through the discoveries and confusion, giving back things which we never even expected; and demanding because we cannot give up our efforts by facing the first difficulties. Self-improvement requires perseverance, a strong spinal cord and ability to go against the wind. I suppose, life is generous mostly to those, who dare. Dare to overcome at least their own resistance and remove the internal brakes.
I would not call the participants of the Wednesday group students anymore. Some of them have become established artists after attending my classes. I am really proud of that because I care how my students are doing and they try to do their best. I am sometimes telling them: you don’t even need any classes any longer. They answer: we love the group and the atmosphere, and we still appreciate the advice.
The Wednesday class takes a break now. We are meeting closer to the fall again. However, the question that surprises me most is: how do these really busy people always find the time not to skip any single class? Well, the secret is most likely unsophisticated: we can always find time for things we love. I would like to thank all my long-term creative friends and participants of my painting classes. Keep your brushes wet!
I never tire of seeing you and your students at work. Lovely pieces. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks! It’s definitely something worthwhile, it’s a pleasure and feeling of fulfillment. However, I have decided to spend more time on my own art now, otherwise I never get to it. I will reorganize the gallery so that people can find some good pieces for their homes.
I am going to try and go to some classes in the fall. I wish that I lived near you, because I know you’re a good teacher… but I’m not sure what to expect if I sign up with someone I don’t know. Are there usually just a certain number of classes, and can I expect to learn anything for example of which brushes are better to use… or what should I ask of the person before signing up… Just thought you might give me some insight….. Of course you likely can’t predict what others do… Diane
It can be difficult to know how some particular classes are. Let’s say, I created this blog so that people who are interested in learning something about drawing and painting could see what is that we are doing. I’d say this: you should see at least what type of paintings the instructor does. If you do not like the style and it does not feel attractive to you, so most likely you won’t like these classes. We, for instance, are never trying to create copies, you probably saw how everybody used different colors and layouts and so on. That’s because we are learning mostly techniques and approach, but interpretation is up to the student. You should ask what way students learn: do they all paint the same, do they do just exercises, meaning, sometimes classes have a lot of theory and preparation, but we do this along the way in my classes. I simply think when people come once a week for a while they are not going to study all the stuff which they most likely won’t even need and will learn pragmatically: from their growing experience.
Thank you, that information really helps .. Diane
You’re very welcome. I think you could use some of these suggestions in order to find out which classes are going to give you something valuable.
Gosh Inese, I am missing another great class! You all have too much fun! I agree, sometimes no matter what, you have to force yourself to paint! Life gets in the way too easily. But how rewarding when you just get out there and do it. I am forcing myself to do just that these days as life has gotten in the way. Everyone did fantastic! Thank you for sharing the photos… So glad to hear you are taking time for your own artwork. Yovette
Thanks Yovette! I know, life always gets in the way. I definitely have to do something about my own paintings. I’ve been giving too many classes and workshops during the last years, and that affects my own stuff, I mean, I haven’t done much.
I had a look at your new website. It is fantastic! I am checking it out here and there, and I must admit you have placed great artworks there. I loved what you had done in oils. I am trying out the water miscible oils because I am totally allergic to the real ones. Well, the water cleanable stuff stinks, as well, I can tolerate it to some extent. I think I can do this outdoors. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Thank you so much Inese for the compliment on my website! It is really appreciated! I am just putting up a new video on the blog page today. I have worked with the water miscible paints and I like them. They don’t seem as vibrant as real oil colors, but they don’t smell and clean up easily. It will take you time to get used to them… Let me know how it is going. Have a great day. 🙂
You are so diligent! I haven’t gotten to any videos, I don’t think I’m going to do any soon. I have no problems painting with any mediums, I think it’s like playing an instrument or learning languages: the more you know the easier it is to add more. I was using real oils, but they made me very sick. I still don’t like the smell of water miscible oils, but I can tolerate that a bit better than the other stuff. I noticed you are using also all kinds of mediums. Well, there might be more expertise or less, but it’s easy. I painted some things, they need to be finished, yet. Basically I had about 1 hour for each painting. I hope to have a bit more time now. Have a great evening!
Wonderful, Inese! I, too, am asked the question as to how manage to paint with such a busy life. The answer can be quite simple. Because I love it. Because without it, I feel unsatisfied; colorless. Thank you for your post. It’s always nice to read about your journey.
Thanks! I think this relates to anybody who wants to do something to some extent. There are always choices we make: one prefers relaxing in a pub, the other creates a new painting.
You are right on! We find time to do what we really want to do. I have students who have painted through cancer, broken arms, deep sorrow and even in nursing homes. We all get the same 24 hours allotted to us and it’s up to us how we will use them. Beautiful work is coming out of your studio and I know your students feel blessed!
Thank you so much! I agree, nothing can stop those who want to get involved and stay with art. I have students all the time painting regardless of different troubles which can happen to any of us. I have a reason to believe my students love what we are doing here since they really keep attending these classes and coping with the creative challenges we eventually conquer.
Hi Inese! I just love seeing your students/friends and their artwork. I can tell by the photos that it is a wonderful place to create and to share friendship. I wouldn’t have had a doubt that your studio would foster all good things. I have a feeling that you will miss this class. I think more people should make time for the things they have passion for…the world would be a better place! Much love to you…I hope you have a super summer filled with adventure and blessings <3
Thanks Lorrie! I believe so too: we should always make time for nice things we love doing. These classes are a great way to communicate my ideas about creativity and art. The other side is I still need time for my own creations. Therefore, I will give fewer classes and workshops and deal more with my own stuff. I finally am ready to also start publishing my life school blog. Need some more material yet, but it will take off soon.
I look forward to reading it!! You will have to let me know. I know what you mean about needing time for your own creations too. Have a blessed day, Inese! ♡
I will place an announcement on this blog, that’s for sure. Talking only about art has its restrictions. I’m a life-long explorer, and lots of findings and observations have contributed to my own theory: how to live a better life with very limited financial means and in a polluted world where the main objective is to show off our as-if-happiness and as-if-extreme success. After University, I used to say the only thing I don’t want to be is a a teacher, anything, but teacher. The real life made corrections, and I’ve been a teacher for more than 35 years. That paired with medical research gave me lots of insight in different matters which are definitely not limited only to art and creativity.
Have a blessed day, too!
I look so forward to being a part of your new blog, Inese!! And I think you are a wonderful teacher 😉
Thanks Lorrie! I hope I won’t disappoint you!
Your point about how life is generous to those who dare- dare to remove internal resistence and brakes- really resonated with me. Thank you. I alway enjoy reading your experiences and how they are weaved into your art and approach to art.
Thanks Monica! I again always appreciate your genuine interest and support! Have a fantastic day!
My Aunt loves to paint birch trees. I love your display, even a bit blurry. Your class does great week. You’re right, it’s so easy to do nothing, but somehow we have to overcome inertia and develop momentum. That’s what you give them. Momentum. At the basic level, we all need the support of a push now and then. Have a wonderful summer, and I hope you’re feeling better.
Thanks Brenda! I always appreciate your nice comments. I usually have only 2-3 minutes to take pictures, and they can come out better or worse, and I am fairly happy with the birch painting images. I think we will revisit this theme some time, maybe with other group. I know what you mean: we definitely need some push, all of us. This blog and a chance to exchange some thoughts with great people like you and many others who commented below, give this push to me. There are moments when I’m completely down for different reasons, and these great comments sort of give me a second breath when I’m short of it. I’m better, thanks God, and I wish you a wonderful summer filled with lots of positive things, too!
It works that way for me, too. Writing is a thankless job, without status or reward in terms of finding publication, unless you hit the jackpot. Somedays, my blog is the push I need. 🙂 XOXO
Yes, Brenda, it works exactly the same way with me! I find social media way too superficial to have some more serious conversation. Although, I’m on all of them, I never really had time to tweet/respond to tweets/follow, I never got what Linkedin does, Pinterest is sort of ok, but all people do there is just move around pictures. Facebook takes a lot of special time, that’s why I love blogs: they can take some time, but that’s strictly to the blogger when to respond, who to respond, everything works while I am sleeping, as well. Have a great day, Brenda! You are a big inspiration for me!
Yes, blogging is most fun! Next to seeing people in person. 😉
Absolutely! I’m going to take some pics for the new blog. One thing I cannot decide on is the theme. I want to use the same theme at some point, but then again I think maybe something else. Tough decision.
Hmmm, some similarities are good for branding, but a distinct difference is good for not losing track of which one you’re at.
That’s why it is so difficult to decide. Maybe throw a coin? Just kidding. I will make a decision some time a bit later. The other problem is there are tooooo many themes.
Perhaps the same theme, but with a different header and background color. Happy deciding.
I have 2015 for now because it was getting very late and I became so exhausted that my brain refused to find any sufficient solutions. To change the theme is not complicated, I will probably do just that what you’re suggesting. I have some advertising to do this morning, and later I will do sketches and paint a bit and then I can return to blogs. Thanks Brenda, I appreciate very much you took your time and helped with ideas!
Bouncing ideas is fun. Happy Painting.
Thanks! It sure is. I didn’t get to any painting yet, but I will try to. I read somewhere when people say “I will try to” they don’t seriously intend to do anything. I believe in my case it’s just putting it off for a small while. Feeling extremely tired.
You will. How can you not? You are not a casual painter.
I know I will, it’s just the tiredness, 2 more days on that silly treatment. Thanks Brenda! You are somebody who is worth listening to. Have a great day!
XOXO
I’ve been guilty of many of those excuses, but now at this age I’m trying to get my full potential going at full speed.
And that is just fantastic! It’s better late than never. I love your blog, and I appreciate how you always find some time to visit mine, as well.
Hi Inese – I just wanted to say thank you. Whenever I read your posts I always feel better about myself. I think it is because you inspire me to try new things, aim to improve, but relax and enjoy the process without taking myself too seriously!
Thanks so much Chris! That is so good that my posts make you feel better and more inspired. I think we are trying to compete with our previously created art, with others, with the possible competitors we even don’t know, and that puts a lot of stress in creation of art. We shouldn’t, and I’m glad you are doing just that: relaxing and simply enjoying the process.
Your Wednesday group sounds fantastic. Much of the sentiments you voice, here, is how it is with my advanced classes. They stay together and learn just as much from one another. I have become the researcher and try to come up with inspirational ideas for them to try; and of course to encourage. In every single case these artists do set aside time and approach it with a desire to create. Good post Inese!
Thanks Leslie! I would not be able to say it better than you have, every single word is so true! I am also aware that such groups do not always happen, it is fairly rare when people who never knew each other before just keep enjoying this company and these classes. It is a great thing to organize and arrange them, and you are right: I also always have to try to find something new and amazing to paint, new techniques to explore.