I was inspired to make the giveaway this week about the painting, "Hope Garden". Even though it's an older work that has sold, it just sums up how I've been feeling lately. In fact...I know a lot of people who are feeling the same way. We are all trying to stay positive and happy, even though the world seems to be filled with much bitterness and negativity. It leaves your head spinning.
Mine has been spinning a lot. My schedule has been crazy, and life is throwing it's fair share of challenges my way. I won't bore you with the details. But, in an effort to keep myself from falling down the dark hole, I started journaling. It's a way to keep my thoughts clear, and keep myself moving forward. I decided to do the journal online, because if you put a pen in my hand...I won't write...I'll draw. And who knows...it might also help a few artists who are struggling with juggling it all...just like me. You can read it here...or at the journal link in the right top corner.
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Another one of the reasons that I chose "Hope Garden" this week was a permanent exhibit at the University of Florida Shands Hospital, here in Jacksonville. The installation is called "The Healing Gardens". I just got back this evening from the opening. I'm very proud to say that my talented son, Luke was a part of the exhibit.
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His, drawing and painting class from the magnet school, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, donated the artwork to the hospital for their main lobby. It is comprised of 46 individual paintings, all working together as one piece. It is quite impressive, and my iPhone photos cannot capture the magic..jpg)
On the way home, I told him how proud I was of him. But, my son felt that his painting was not as strong as the others. He referred to his plants as strange"Avatar" plants, instead of the realistic paintings by the other students. It was very hard for me to explain to him that different is GOOD! Although the entire piece of art as a whole was gorgeous...there were many paintings that blended together. They didn't stand out. His piece stood out as a focal point, and I say that as a trained art professional...and not just a proud mom. The teacher would not have placed it in such a standout spot if it wasn't.
But, this got me thinking. Why do we doubt ourselves as artists? Why do we feel that our artwork has to look like someone else's to be good?
Why do we expect others to believe in our talents first...before we believe that we have talent.
so sad......
The truth is we all have talent. It comes in all shapes and forms. And as artists, we need to believe in ourselves first, because that is the only way others will believe in us.
So, this week...I challenge you to create whatever makes you happy. Not to worry about whether or not someone else will like it...or buy it...or comment on it. Keep telling yourself how good you are...and really, really start believing it.
This week, I'm giving away an 11" x 14" giclee of my painting, "Hope Garden".
Here's everything you need to know to win...
Leave a comment on this post and your name will be entered. Only one comment per person, please. I'll use the random number generator to pick a winner the following Tuesday evening at 11pm EST. I'll announce the winner of the previous week's giveaway, and we will start the next giveaway. Just enter a comment below...and send lots of positive thoughts and prayers my way. That's all you have to do. And if you want to know more about the giveaway and how it came about...click here. But remember....you need to leave a comment on this post to be entered in the current week's contest. :)
Let's get the love, hope and inspiration flowing this week. Give to yourself the gift of believing in yourself...and you'll be giving yourself and everyone around you...a huge gift.
Love,
Wyanne
PS. Here's the video of the painting that was done January 09.