The Benefits of Painting Studies

While preparing for my recent abstract landscape workshops I decided to do a bunch of small paintings on paper to show my students various techniques and compositional styles.  I really discovered the benefits of painting several studies in succession.

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Failure is a Good Thing

It might not seem like it a the time but just think about it for a moment!  If it wasn’t for failure we would not be so fortunate today. The light bulb and the airplane being good examples. 

Today I am talking about failure as an artist. I don’t mean giving up and quitting kind of failure. I am speaking of failing to grow. 

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Finding Time to Paint

It is something I hear over and over from students and professional artists alike – I don’t have time to paint!

Why is it we don’t make time to do what we love? Is it lack of motivation, fear, guilt, laziness or not allowing ourselves the luxury?

I think of art as nurturing my soul and self-care. Without it, I am cranky, depressed and just generally not in a good space. 

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Patt Scrivener
Looking Back and Moving Forward

I always find looking back over the past year helps me with my plans for the future. It is good to take a look at what we DID accomplish and not dwell on the things we didn't get to. 

We can then decide if the things that didn't get done are worthy of putting back on the list for the coming year.

Why didn't we get to them? 

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Patt Scrivener