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I got a quick picture off of this kid walking down the streets of southpoint mall. He couldn't have been maybe 14, but he was looking (and strutting) like he owned the place. He was definitely super fly.
Speaking of feelin super fly, I'd like to thank artist and instructor Larry Seiler for featuring some of my work (and blog) in a recent Wetcanvas live Webinar (and soon to be DVD). Larry's work and wisdom have always been an inspiration to me. In fact, the name of this blog is taken from his oft quoted mantra that it takes around 120 bad paintings before you know something about painting. Larry's beautiful work, advice, wisdom etc. are part what influenced me to commit to this little experiment in learning to paint. I can't really discribe what it's meant to me (which is everything). So, I wanted to say thanks to Larry. Thank you for sharing your experience, strength and hope over these many years. Thank you for passing it on to the rest of us. :)
Webinar Session #2 "120 paintings" is where Larry describes this idea that no matter what you are learning, the path to success is built on failure. You have to put in your time and show up. The bad paintings that you make on the way aren't unfortunate mistakes, they are equally necessary parts of the journey. The bad paintings are the foundational bricks on which the good paintings stand. It's all connected, the pain and the joy, the bad and the good, even if we can't see it at the time. Have faith that these seemingly random dots will connect and trust that the universe will take you were you need to be. So, relax, take a breath and pick up the brush again. You can't control or predict what will happen, but that's not your job anyway. Your job is just to show up and head in the direction of what you love.
I got a quick picture off of this kid walking down the streets of southpoint mall. He couldn't have been maybe 14, but he was looking (and strutting) like he owned the place. He was definitely super fly.
Speaking of feelin super fly, I'd like to thank artist and instructor Larry Seiler for featuring some of my work (and blog) in a recent Wetcanvas live Webinar (and soon to be DVD). Larry's work and wisdom have always been an inspiration to me. In fact, the name of this blog is taken from his oft quoted mantra that it takes around 120 bad paintings before you know something about painting. Larry's beautiful work, advice, wisdom etc. are part what influenced me to commit to this little experiment in learning to paint. I can't really discribe what it's meant to me (which is everything). So, I wanted to say thanks to Larry. Thank you for sharing your experience, strength and hope over these many years. Thank you for passing it on to the rest of us. :)
Webinar Session #2 "120 paintings" is where Larry describes this idea that no matter what you are learning, the path to success is built on failure. You have to put in your time and show up. The bad paintings that you make on the way aren't unfortunate mistakes, they are equally necessary parts of the journey. The bad paintings are the foundational bricks on which the good paintings stand. It's all connected, the pain and the joy, the bad and the good, even if we can't see it at the time. Have faith that these seemingly random dots will connect and trust that the universe will take you were you need to be. So, relax, take a breath and pick up the brush again. You can't control or predict what will happen, but that's not your job anyway. Your job is just to show up and head in the direction of what you love.
9 comments :
I love his warm skin tones against all the cools. This is super fly.
Will have to check out Larry. Great thoughts. Congrats Jeff.
very kind...thanks Jeff, you put in the hard work, and it has paid off. Such "proofs" of endurance, sticktoitiveness, as we can see in your work validate what I have taught.
It should be a poignant lesson to be learned for anyone that spends time on your blog! Keep it up...as I know you will! You'll be blessed more and more..
peace
Larry
Thanks Larry and Carol!
So glad I found your blog. I've just read some about your journey and love the post back in 2008 about your 120 paintings. I'm just beginning my journey of serious painting after recently retiring from teaching elementary school. I have much to learn. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and experiences.
You're welcome Sue! Enjoy the journey and let me know if there is anything I can do to help. :)
I love the utter simplicity... the colors and with just a few strokes managed to show off this cocky fellow.
I found your blog through Larry's webinar and have also committed myself to this journey....
Hey Jeff.
I had been a proponent of daily paintings for awhile, then got away from it. Larry's webinar, and your beautiful work, inspired me to commit to doing dailies again, to experiment, warm up the brain, and have fun! I have thoroughly enjoyed looking back at your journey, and all the paintings on the thumbnail page!
What great stuff! How you have grown is amazing. I know you're having fun - it shows. (that magenta is, well, incredible!)
Color truth... I like that idea...
would love to see a demo of your process as you work... looks like you often start on a black background????
congrats, and have fun on the journey.. I'm now on #8.
Long way to go!!
deb
I like the colors!
I think I needed to hear every word of your post. I I really had no idea that bad paintings actually paved a way to somewhere good. I'd better check out that webinar! Thank you.
I've enjoyed following your paintings and progress, too. You are a testament to Larry's advice.
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