Filling The Creative Well

Happy Hour

© Norma Wilson, original oil on canvas 18" by 24"

Available Through Gallery

So how do artists fill their creative well and stay engaged with their desire to create art day in and day out?  Last week, I wrote about the importance of showing up at your easel on a regular basis, but there are also things outside of the studio that help contribute to keeping things going.  I have been painting now and showing my work for going on sixteen years.  It was easy to stay excited in the beginning as there were so many new subjects to paint and so much to learn. Well, the truth is that there are still many things to paint and much to learn but there are times just like in so many areas of life, that you hit a slump or moods take over and you feel anxious about painting. It can become routine. Exercise is really huge for me. Taking a walk, a bike ride, or a yoga class really helps me have a better frame of mind but there are other things I do as well.  Visiting favorite artists sites to enjoy their works, going to a museum and soaking up the master's works, spending time doing something fun with a friend not art related, painting with friends and soaking up their enthusiasm, giving art lessons and sharing in a new painter's delight as they complete their first painting. I used to go to Barnes and Noble which was close to my house for coffee and flip through all the art magazines I could find. Becoming immersed in all the colors and styles of painting helps to reignite the desire to face a blank canvas and get busy! Sometimes it is just a color combination, great texture, light or a feeling of gratitude for life that can make the shift.  Here are a few examples from my neighborhood walk, my living room that has awesome light, my tastey lunch plate, 

What kinds of things work for you? If you are stuck, you might try some of these things. If all else fails....there's always.....

Looking Back AND Looking Forward

Another Red Please!

© Norma Wilson, original oil on canvas 14" by 18"

Available Through Gallery

Another Red Please is part of my series inspired by a trip to The Barns vineyard in northern Virginia.  It is available through Stravitz Fine Art Gallery in Virginia Beach. For more information or purchase, contact 757 305-9411.

For the past year, I have been working with my awesome coach, Lisa Call.  During that time, I have been exploring my values and expanding my vision of my life and art business. It has been an amazing journey of looking back AND looking forward. 

In January this coming year, it will be ten years since I wrote and shared my first blog post and began my journey of online art sales.  My first post began very unceremoniously with a few lines and absolutely no introduction to who I was or what my blog was all about.  I just knew everyone needed a blog.  I still cringe when I write the word. What a weird name! No wonder I didn't know what to do with it. I have to admit that I am still searching for a direction and will be focusing more on that in my year long masterclass which began in March.  It combines coaching with a group of artists with varying mediums, all working to grow their businesses. We began the year with our top three goals which is new for me to narrow down to three goals and then to learn to break that down into monthly goals, weekly, and daily. Then, we can choose to share them with the group which adds great accountability. 

Ten years ago, I wrote that first post in my room over the garage on a computer that I barely knew how to use, spending hours searching, poking around any site I could find on online art sales, not knowing the how as much as being determined that somehow I could figure it out. During that time I sold over 1,000 paintings and have learned so much. 

Now, looking ahead, I know that there is still so much more to learn and I am excited to do just that. I would love to continue to share that journey with you and catch up on all the paintings I have been working on. Check back with me on Thursday when I will share some of the changes I have already made with my class!  Thanks so much for stopping by. 

Norma Wilson Original Oil Wild Horse Corolla Beach Seascape Portrait Art

Wild Mare

  © Norma Wilson, oil on canvas 6" by  6"

150.

Purchase Information

Down in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, horses can be seen roaming wild along the coast in a town called Corolla. This horse is my own take on a wild horse running on the beach with the sea air in its mane.  

A Different Perspective

A Different Perspective

© Norma Wilson, oil on canvas 6" by 6"

150.

Purchase Information

Off to a great start with about five hours in my studio today.  I decided that posting one day a week is not enough so I am mending my ways.  This morning I began my day working in a sketch book using some old watercolors that have been stored away in a drawer.  Feeling the need to just play and do some creative journaling just for me.  It really did just what I hoped and got me in the creative mode and before I knew it, I was cranking up the tunes and working at my easel.  I think I am on to something!  I really like this "edgy" composition.  Thank you for stopping by!

Thirty Paintings In Thirty Days! - Day Twelve

Foxy Lady

6" by 6" original oil on panel

150.

Buy It Now

I am on a roll with the wildlife!  So much fun and lots of thick furry paint!

Thirty Paintings In Thirty Days! - Day Four

Barn Swallow

5" by 7" original oil on panel

150.

Buy It Now

Hoping your weekend was fabulous!  I look forward to lots of painting in the week ahead!  

Norma Wilson Snow Scene Cardinal Bird Landscape Painting Art

Winter's Magic

11" by 14" original oil on canvas

395.

Buy It Now

This piece was December's demonstration for my oil group.  It was a nice subject to paint for the holidays.   Last night, I watched White Christmas which has been my tradition since I was a child. Something so magical when they pulled back the stage doors and it was snowing!  I still hope for

   snow on Christmas!  Have a fabulous week!

Irish Bovine Beauty

Irish Bovine Beauty

8" by 8" original oil on panel

225.

Buy It Now

Hope your holidays are going well.  I have been pretty busy with teaching and a few commissions but plan to post a few more in the coming days to be available for Christmas.  I am also offering gift certificates in any amount that can be mailed out to you.  They can be used to purchase paintings as well as art classes for you or a loved one.  I teach oil at The Art Studio in Virginia Beach near Towne Center and also private lessons in my home studio.  Group classes are held on Tuesdays from 10 to 1 and Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9.  Please let me know if you have any questions by emailing me at normasfineart@gmail.com.

Thirty Paintings In Thirty Days! #30!! Yea!

Barney Steps Out Of The Shadows!

11" by 14" original oil on canvas

375.

Buy It Now

I painted Barney in a class as a demo.  I think he has a bit of a Halloween thing going sneaking out of the shadows like he is.  He was fun to paint.  The class enjoyed painting pigs and like always. they each come out looking a little different and unique.  Hope your day is a great one!  Thanks for following me on my thirty day challenge.  I will still be painting often and will try to keep painting some new subjects like more people.  If you have any pictures you would like to see me paint, write to me at normasfineart@gmail.com. 

Thirty Paintings In Thirty Days! #29

Yellow Pepper

4" by 4" original oil on canvas


SOLD

Only one more day left on my challenge!  I appreciate you stopping by!  Hope you have a great day.

Thirty Paintings In Thirty Days! #19

Greener Pastures

12" by 36" on gallery wrap canvas


Available Through Gallery Flux

Contact me for more information about this piece.  

This beauty lives on Valentia Island in the west of Ireland.  These cows can weigh up to 2,000 pounds.  They are such gentle creatures and dot the landscape everywhere.  

Thirty Paintings In Thirty Days! #17

Beau

10" by 10" original oil on canvas

300.

Buy It Now

What a face!  I had so much fun painting this guy who is a friend's grand puppy.  Such personality!

Hope you have a great weekend!