Stepping Into the Unknown: My 30-Year Journey Without an Easel (Until Now)
For the past 30 years, I’ve never painted on an easel. Yep, you heard that right. My entire art career has been built around painting on walls, floors, and tables—any surface that allowed me to move freely and work on multiple pieces at once. This has been my artistic language. Even in college, I asked my professors for walls instead of easels. It’s what I knew, what felt right, and where my creativity thrived.
But this year, something changed. I felt the need to shake things up in my studio. So, I went out and bought my first-ever easel. That’s right—after decades of creating without one, I finally took the plunge. And to make things even more interesting, I bought a cart to keep only the materials I need for one painting at a time, forcing myself to focus solely on that single piece.
Why the sudden shift? Because sometimes, we need to step away from what’s comfortable in order to grow.
Breaking the Habit: A New Way of Working
This whole...
Unveiling the Artistic Odyssey: A Journey with Jim Dine
Discovering a Hero in the Scribbles: My Artistic Awakening
Hey fellow artists, gather 'round for a tale that might just spark the fire in your creative souls. Back in my college days, lost in the labyrinth of art history, I stumbled upon the enchanting world of Jim Dine. Abstract expressionism and pop art were his playground, and boy, did he know how to leave an indelible mark!
When I first laid eyes on Dine's drawings, it was like meeting a hero I didn't know I had. The mark-making, the way he wielded drawing mediums, the emotions he infused into mundane tools and intimate portraits – it was pure artistic alchemy. I was hooked, and my journey took a turn that forever shaped my artistic identity.
From Library Nights to Charcoal Mastery: A Tribute to Influence
Picture this – late nights in the local and university libraries, devouring every Jim Dine book within arm's reach. Screwdrivers, pliers, his wife, and self-portraits became my companions. Days blurred into...
Weathering the Artist's Storm: Finding Sunshine in Every Studio
A Personal Reflection on the Gloomy Days in Sunny Florida and Your Art Studio
As I sit down to share this message, I can't help but be drawn to the gloomy scene outside my window—a rainy day in the so-called Sunshine State. Isn't it ironic? Even in the land of perpetual sunshine, we're reminded that dark and stormy days are an inevitable part of life. But here's the thing: as I peer into the overcast skies and yearn for the lost sunshine, I'm struck by the parallel to our artistic journeys.
Gloomy Days in the Studio: More than Just Weather Patterns
Those days where fatigue, distractions, health issues, and the weight of life's concerns cast shadows over our creative spaces—they're the storms in our artist lives. Much like the biographies of the great artists, our stories are woven with these challenges. Because, truth be told, there is no glory without a struggle, and no victory without a race.
The Artistic Silver Lining: Sunshine Beyond the Clouds
It's tough, I get...
The Power of Values in Your Artist Brand
If you've been following with my journey, you know about the game-changing Artist Brand Framework I've been talking about. Today, let's dive into a crucial facet that turns your artistry into a powerhouse: discovering your values.
The Artist Brand Framework: Elevating Your Art
Remember those moments of artistic block, where you felt like you're stuck in a creative maze? The Artist Brand Framework is your escape route, and at its core lies the magic of identifying your values as an artist. In the Art NXT Level coaching program, I delve deep into this transformative process.
Unlock Your North Star: Identifying Your Values
Ever asked yourself, "What truly moves me?" or "What compels me to the studio?" That's your soul whispering about your values. These aren't just random preferences; they are the heartbeat of your creativity. Once you grasp these values, you've struck gold – a perpetual source of content for your artistic journey.
The Values-Work Connection: Unveiling the...
Revitalize Your Daily Routine: Starting Your Day Right for Artists
Every artist's journey begins with a fresh start every day. Just like a blank canvas waiting to be transformed, mornings offer that beautiful opportunity to reinvent, reimagine, and rejuvenate. I've always been a firm believer in the magic of mornings, where the world seems quieter, the air fresher, and the possibilities endless.
Finding Your Rhythm
I've got to admit; I'm 100% a morning person. As soon as my eyes open, my creative juices start flowing, my muscles begin to move, and I'm up like a spring, ready to embrace the day's potential. But, as in all great stories, there's a twist. My wife, Dr. Yanina, is the complete opposite. Mornings aren't her thing. She takes her time, and her day doesn't officially start until that delicious cup of coffee touches her lips.
Respect the Differences
Over the years, I've learned to respect her rhythm. I used to bombard her with ideas and conversations the moment she woke up, but I soon realized that her start of the day was different from...
From Frustration to Inspiration: Navigating Tough Days in the Studio
Are you an artist who's no stranger to those days when your studio feels like a battleground? I know I've been there. Whether your creative struggle lasts a few hours, a few months, or even longer, the creative process can be a rocky road. Paintings refuse to cooperate, tools seem to betray you, and sometimes, it's your own mind that gets in the way. That stubborn inner critic is often the toughest opponent to silence.
Why Do We Battle Bad Studio Days?
Ever wondered why we keep pushing through the challenging times in the studio? It's because we artists want to conquer the day; we want to leave the studio with a sense of accomplishment, knowing we've produced something meaningful. I get it, I've had countless days like that.
But here's the catch: sometimes, the more you fight those bad days, the more aware you become of their presence. It's like an uninvited guest who overstays their welcome. Instead of solely focusing on productivity, what if we shift our perspective to...
Embracing the Rollercoaster Ride of Creativity: A Message for Artists
By Sergio Gomez
Pull up a chair, grab your favorite sketchbook, and let's have a heart-to-heart conversation about something we all know too well: the ups and downs of being a creative soul. If I had a dollar for every bad studio day, I would be rich. I know, right? It's like we're all part of this secret club where creativity can sometimes be a wild rollercoaster ride.
When Inspiration Takes a Rain Check
We've all experienced it. That moment when we eagerly step into our sacred creative spaces, ready to dive into our art, only to find our minds drawing a complete blank. It's frustrating and disheartening, especially after completing a new series or a commissioned project, or returning from a rejuvenating vacation. And sometimes, it strikes when our thoughts are scattered all over the place. It's as if the creative "magic" has vanished, leaving us questioning our abilities.
The Comparison Trap
To make matters more challenging, we live in a world where social media bombards us...