The best thing about creating is that you can do it any time, any where, and with anything you happen to have on hand. Nothing ‘official’. A #2 pencil. A Sharpie. A blank scrap of paper. No paint? No problem. Crayons from the kids’ room? A bunch of old bottle caps sitting around? Consider them ‘found materials instead of waste. Upcycling, perhaps.
That’s the good news… now the bad news….
They say that when you have a hammer, everything looks like a nail. And when you’re an artist, everything looks like a material to use to create! But sometimes, okay, OFTEN, this never-ending urge to create just creates more, well, stuff! All collecting and not a lot of ‘art-ing’. So that’s where discipline comes in. Yes, dare I say ‘accountability’, which sometimes is hard to do by yourself, for yourself, with no hard deadlines.
As many of you know, I faithfully and joyfully attended a weekly art group, facilitated by the inimitable Virginia Dupre of Spirit Creating, for over 20 years My son is now 25, so you can do the math. That group got me through his elementary, middle, high school and college years. The death of my dad. The very emotional ups and downs of my husband’s diagnosis, many treatments, and death 12 years later from cancer. It saw me re-inventing my life, over and over and over again. We went our separate ways a year ago, some to the joys/demands of motherhood, others to work full time, to retirement, or to travel. Just the coincidences of life. I miss each and every one of the gals I created with the over the last two decades.
So as I anticipated the first ‘anniversary’ of my changed life, I was thrilled when a new opportunity presented itself. I met Anne LaFollette when I signed up for her free class “From Doodles to Dollars”, then got to know her better when I took her “Adobe Illustrator for Artists” Academy. We bonded over our love for Paris, our attorney husbands, only sons, and just good old fun. So when she announced her ‘Atelier’ (that’s ‘studio’ in French), a small mentoring group of artists, I knew I’d found my spot!
We meet weekly, across time zones and around the globe, from Sweden, Italy, the Netherlands, and the UK, to all over the US. Women who are endlessly creative, turning their dreams into reality, every single day, one step at a time. WOW! You KNOW how this speaks to my heart and soul. And to have the chance to brainstorm, ask/answer questions, and hold/be held accountable by women who each live the creative life, is invaluable.
I began the year by posting that I would ‘create every day’, mostly just to have witnesses, but also to help me hold myself accountable. I AM doing that, and having a blast. But now, I’m not alone! The members of the Atelier and I are helping each other. Sharing ideas, feedback, resources, and yes, holding each other accountable for doing what we say we will do for ourselves.
And that, as they say, is priceless!
I love reading, hearing this from you. Now I know why you’ve been so excited about time with Anne. She’s the new V and meeting up with your new friends doesn’t involve getting on I 285 or rising at dawn to be creative with your like minded tribe. I think it’s wonderful and I’m so excited for you. 😍😍😍
Yes, Marsh. It was true serendipity! I’m learning so much and have new art buddies around the GLOBE! What fun is that?!?
That is so wonderful! I have a group of watercolor journaling artists that meet every Friday and paint together! During Covid it has been hard. We meet outside at parks and such and sit socially distanced and paint. I just love the company and the learning. Good for you!
I hope you’re still meeting and painting, Dana! What a gift to have the California weather to help. Dark winter days here require ZOOM but thank goodness for it. LOL
This is such a lovely post and so true. Anne has that effect. She’s joining these amazing women from all over the world.
Have a great day.
That’s the miracle of technology, isn’t Pauline! We all know each other so well, and have yet to meet ‘with skin on’. But that WILL happen! I’m determined, once travel opens up again.
Loved your blog. Your art is fabulous! Actually this is the art I would love to draw. Your art reminded me of this plate I painted, but your style of art is fabulous!
I had pottery studios so once in awhile I would draw and paint.
I’ll send you a picture of the plate I did many years ago.
I’m so glad you joined Anne Atelier’s course. I also have a love of traveling to Paris one day. Hope travel will be back in 2022. So sad all of this virus is going on, but I probably wouldn’t have been involved with Anne’s Surface Pattern Design course. So that is the bright star 🌟 for me joining her group.
You take care keep in touch.
My Website is not designed yet.
You’re so right, Denise! Anne has brought us all together. New friends, with art as our common ‘language’. Best friends we might never have meant without her AND ZOOM! I’m so grateful that life brought our paths together.
You inspire me!
The feeling, Marlene, is mutual, my friend!