An E-Course

Hey guys!!  So I'm doing something new this summer, taking a painting  E-COURSE!!! It's all a part of this urge inside my creative bones to move forward.  To do new things.  Yep.   I had wanted to take their course the last time they offered it and something inside my head stopped me...you know those whatareyouthinkingspendingmoneyonthatmonster? kept me from signing up.  This time around, for some reason, those monsters are gone!

 I've told a few peeps I'm doing this and their response has been, "you already know how to paint, or their work doesn't look a thing like you."  Well, I do know how to paint.  But as these wise girls said in their opening video, "painting is a process".   And there is always room for growth.  I also think it's important as an artist to step totally outside of your box and explore new genres.  You never know, it could turn a light bulb on in your creative right brain side that had been clicked off for a spell.   So I am off this morning to work on lesson one.  I'd forgotten how much I love an assignment.  Professors used to laugh at how quickly I wrapped my creativeness around the ideas they threw at us.  And my wheels are spinning this morning for their lesson #1.  See ya later in the week!!

Keep Looking Up

I am a regular reader of Kelly Rae Robert's Blog.  Have you ever been on her site?  A few years back when I decided to take this leap of faith into the world of being an artist I went to Barnes and Noble and bought a bunch of creative books.  One being hers, Taking Flight.  And now she is offering an e-course.  And I am totally, totally excited.  This morning I read the first few postings and now just have to share some thoughts. 

Have you ever really thought about taking on a creative career?  Well, I know first hand that making that decision to leap into being a creative entrepreneur full-time is not an easy decision.  I think back on that time in my life I realize how full of fear I was.  Fear of disappointing so many people on so many levels.    I had a successful business with a partner at the time, two small children to raise, a very busy husband,  family and friends who counted on me.  Who was I to think that anyone would embrace my life changing decision toward my dream?  Well most did.  My husband, sweet Billy, he gets me.  Which is of course important to a marriage, but he also gets that creativity is what motivates my every being.  And being the husband of someone who needs this creative outlet to remain sane is not always easy.  And although most of my family and friends were like "good for you, that sounds fun". I know there were rumblings about what in the world was I doing.  Comments like, She'snevergoingtomakeit.  Were always in the back of my head.

That was the first obstacle to overcome in order to realize this dream.....the acknowledging that this was what I wanted to do with my life and then the telling.  I knew in my heart that I was an artist.  And honestly I am quite confident in my skills and in my work.  Yep.   And yet confidence can also become a fear.   I am human and can easily allow my vulnerability to creep in and take over.  Especially when I start peeking into other artists lives via blogging.   Why must I compare myself  to others?  There is plenty of room for everyone out there in the creative circle.  Really there is.  In fact I go through periods where I just don't read blogs because I know that the fear is looming over me.  And honestly that is a time I need to be practicing courage and embracing my own art.  Of course some fear is quite healthy, it helps us grow, it means we are invested in what we are doing and don't want it taken away.  And truly in the end it opens doors when we are ready.

I am an optimist, a glass is half full kind of gal.  It's a nice trait to have.  And I really love the quote in the painting above, "keep looking up.  You are already becoming the person you want to be".  I am on that path and am really looking forward to the questions and opportunities this e-course will bring.  So readers, are you becoming who you want to be?