This is the beginning of a new series about Making Stuff. It is a peek into the head of a California artist, outside of her working hours. As a California artist, I draw and paint. As a regular chick in my non-working hours, I like to make stuff. Always have. This could possibly be the […]
What Happens in My Brain While I Draw
A list is coming. First, please enjoy this drawing of a Wilsonia cabin: Turned out pretty well, especially considering it was another one of those cabins with cedar trees blocking much of its detail. Here is the sort of thing that runs through my head while I draw. 1. Yea! This is #________. I’m on […]
Fear and Drawing a Book of Cabins
Fear is a great obstacle to creativity. This post lists common info about fear and a list of my personal worries (an easier word to stomach than fear, as if I’m not a Big Chicken). Here is a list of random thoughts about fear: 1. The greatest fear that is most common to people is […]
More Thoughts About Happiness
I’m not done telling you about The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. These are thoughts that struck me as I read through her chapter on happiness at work. (You can call me “List Lady” today.) 1. “Enthusiasm is more important to mastery than innate ability.” No kidding! My drawing students who are unexperienced but enthusiastic often […]
Happiness and Drawing a Book
The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun has captivated me. She is a writer who had a flash of insight: “The days are long but the years are short”. She realized that she wasn’t enjoying […]
Random Thoughts on a Friday
1. Nothing to report about Mineral King. You can look at the webcam. I’m drawing in the studio, and Trail Guy is probably skiing. I think he should be renamed “Ski Guy” this winter. 2. I used to have a Blog Roll, which is a list of blogs I read. I don’t think any […]
What is Motivation?
Last time I tackled the word “inspiration”. Today I am addressing motivation. Motivation: the desire and willingness to do something If I am mentally stimulated to do something creative, why don’t I Nike? (just do it) I might have the mental stimulation, or the idea, but inertia is a problem. Too many other things to […]
What is Inspiration?
Two blogs I read regularly addressed the subject of inspiration, and I realized that I am confused between inspiration and motivation. Today I will tackle inspiration. People often ask artists what inspires them, and it is good to have an answer at the ready. (That’s a weird way to say it!) Time for a dictionary. (Don’t you love […]
Various Thoughts from a Drawing Machine.
That’s me. A drawing machine. This California artist has reverted to her roots of drawing cabins in pencil. 1. Yesterday I finished Wilsonia cabin drawing #92 and began #93. I try to always have one going on the table when I quit for the day. Then, when I return to the studio, there is no […]
A Break From Blogging
It hurts my heart to do this. I LOVE to blog. Showing you photos, drawings, paintings, life as an artist, Mineral King, the good stuff of Tulare County and California, and yackety-yacking at you about it all, then getting your emails and comments just floats my boat. I know that people have other things to […]