Seasons:

Recognize that art making has its seasons. There are times when you could paint night and day and the paintings simply flow in an uninhibited way. This is the time to paint without restriction. Allow the creativity to flow in and around other things that may distract you. Other times you may wonder if you have lost the essence of what makes you an artist and absolutely nothing will eminate from your heart onto the surface. During the unproductive phase I find it useful to re organize my creative space, play with colour, clean the studio, re visit old photos, read some inspirational books, read a novel, visit galleries, prepare surfaces etc. These are all useful activities and are best done when not in full painting mode.

Rejuvenate yourself:

Learn to feed your artistic side often inorder to have a full tank of creative fuel. You may find yourself in one of three positions: either you are constantly giving or constantly receiving or simply stagnating. Neither of these positions are helpful to your painting skills. Strive for a balance between learning and application, sharing and receiving, moving forward rather than marking time. Read and study about your favourite artists, share your skills with a friend and challenge yourself a little beyond what you have always done and do this constantly. Indulge in another art form such as music or dance and allow youself to palpate the passion of another artist's performance and your own creative passion will be stimulated into action.

To art lovers everwhere:

Be brave enough to love a painting when nobody else does.Be brave enough not to love a painting when you really don't. Art is so intensely personal as is food, dress preferences, life partners, etc. Don't wait for some one official to validate the art that you love. Enjoy and love it because it speaks to your heart. Perhaps no one will share your love, but love it anyway.

To fellow artists:

Believe in yourself.
Love what you paint.
Paint what you love.
Enjoy the process.
Keep fit.
Find what it is that keeps you inspired
and do it often.
Do something new as often as possible.
Keep discovering and exploring.
Allow your subject to speak to you.
Learn as much as possible for as long
as possible.

To Partners, Friends and Families of Artists:

Allow the artist space, both physical and mental.
Be proud of their efforts.
Speak encouragement often.
When you really don't like a painting, seek out
some positive pointers of the piece before admitting
to your dislike.



    Louise