At night, I settle in and begin an intuitive watercolor painting.  It’s not a challenge to paint every day or a hard and firm commitment. I don’t want my creativity to feel like work.  I’m just painting as we my family winds down for the night.  Some days I feel like doing it and other times I stifle a groan as I pick up the paints. But then I paint and everything inside me settles.  Here are some lesson learned from doing it.  Maybe you could try it too?

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Resources:

Ross Gay: The Book of Delights 

“I don’t like what I create” is not an uncommon statement for artists to make.  There are many factors at play for why.  Do you like the process?  Or are you concerned about what others think?  In any case, sitting with this thought and asking yourself why you don’t like what you create can help you get to the roots of what kind of artist you really want to be.  More than anything, that is the point.  If you don’t like it, that is you telling yourself something isn’t right.  It’s you challenging you to move into the vision of the artist you want to be.  And that is totally exciting.

Take a listen.

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Resources: 

Ira Glass: The Gap

Do you need a break? Are you holding your breath until the time you can just breath and create?

Listen to this podcast and prepare to paint from your heart. This experience will help center and rejuvenate your playful and creative self.

This podcast is a audio of walkthrough of Body and Soul Painting, a class I’ve lead and taught for over 3 years. In this class, I guide you through light and gentle movement, introduce you to a guided meditation to calm the mind and prepare your intuition for creative expression and then you paint – boldly and freely.

On April 24th, 2020, I will release a FREE full length online video workshop of the class which will include:

• A video introduction to light, free, easy and safe movement
• An expanded meditation
• Full video painting techniques and tips
• In-depth Painting Supplies list for both budget beginners and those ready to level up and splurge
• Bonus In Love with Color & Paint video which will walk you through the differences in paint and tour my favorite colors
• A Spotify Body and Soul Painting playlist.

This is FREE for my email members, you can sign up to gain access here.

Meditation begins at 13:25.

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What’s more interesting?  Ugly or Pretty?  Why?

Sometimes, I think as I’m painting that I’ve got to brush up on ugly before I can get to a truly interesting painting.  You know, the kind that pulls you to it.  That’s what I’m learning to embrace, that beautiful for all it’s wonderful benefits is not the only way to express yourself.  It’s the opposition between the two that can be the most interesting.  But believe me, I struggle with this.  Inviting unrest and even the ugly into the process makes me uncomfortable even if I know it will bring many benefits.  This is my struggle.  Take a listen.

 

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Resources:

Ugly Painting? 

Painting Over Pretty

Are you looking for a book  that can help provide comfort and tools for dealing with this Covid-19 time? I am.

I recently decided to re-read some of the pivotal books that have helped me stay calm, centered and manage myself through tough times.  These teachings and books are  a foundation for me.  They help me be creative, curious and basically a better person to everyone around me.  I have read a lot of these kinds of books and because these books are so rich, I have a lot to say about them.  Here are my first three books that are worth reading or re-reading now; The Untethered Soul,  A New Earth and The Essential Rumi. These books are reflective, life changing and life-affirming and always worth keeping nearby, especially now.  In this episode, I include some additional resources  that can help you deepen your learning too. Take a listen.

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Resources in this Episode:

The Untetherd Soul: Michael Singer 

Michael Singer on Sounds True

A New Earth: Eckhart Tolle 

Oprah and Eckhart Tolle Book Club on a New Earth

The Essential Rumi: Coleman Barks

Rumi Oracle: An Invitation Into the Divine: Alana Fairchild

This question popped up on my Facebook feed:  “A few months ago, I started painting. I’ve noticed that since this coronavirus mess started, I haven’t felt like painting. It doesn’t seem like I have the heart or mood to do it. I’m wondering why that might be. I’m finding myself drawn to crafts like sewing. Any ideas or insights as to what might be going on?”

I love this question, it raises so many issues. What is the meaning of art? How is crafting different?  It punches at why art matters and what makes it essential these days. I  have lots to say in response. It revolves around big themes; fear, selfishness, guilt, utility, meaning, storytelling, companionship, healing. In this episode, I share them and seek to make a case for why creating and painting now is important for you and into your future.  Come take a listen and let me know what you think.

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What does it mean to live an essentials-only life?  Inevitably it raises the question, if I’m not essential these days, what am I?  We have had our black days as we learn to settle into this new paradigm.  Many of the things we thought were essential to us, are gone.  I believe in making the most of it,  I do my best like everyone else, but this is also no spiritual retreat and I share why.  Inevitably, and despite this blip in time, we are all needed.  We are all valuable.  And that is why I keep creating even on tough days like this.

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resources in this podcast:

Ted Interview: Elizabeth Gilbert, It’s Ok to Feel Overwhelmed 

 

 

Nostalgia.  It wasn’t that long ago that I returned from Bali, my head whirling with ideas and lessons in life and art.  There were some good lessons on releasing emotions, giving and receiving, and creating a safe space for creativity to grow.  Plus the music, the art, the culture.  They are all still good lessons, and maybe even more so now.  Take a listen because we all need a good laugh AND scream these days and Bali knows how to do this right.

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References:

Flora Bowley Together Apart Live Painting Sessions and Art of Aliveness Retreat

The Language of Drums experience with Aryo