Life Lessons From The Pursuit of Art

Lately, I've been reaching more and more for my favorite books - The Art Spirit, by Robert Henri, and Art/Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland.  I know why.  I'm searching for the perfect phrase, the words of wisdom which will make the suddenly long walk to my studio seem worthwhile.

Just recently, I came across this statement from Robert Henri: "A red flower placed in a window may expand its influence over all the area of your sight."

While Henri was speaking about a compositional plan, his words made me stop and realize how I was allowing outside messages to fuel my insecurity.   I could choose to place a red flower in my window, too, letting the positive influence spread throughout my life. 

I decided to go back to my journal and reread thoughts from a year or so ago.  Maybe I could see the progress I've made over the past few months, and find the fortitude to head into the future.  Here are some of the Life Lessons I discovered from my pursuit of art.

• Let go of expectations tied to your personal timetable.

• Trust in your talent and ability to create even in the face of the unknown.

• Do what matters to you.

• Have the patience to wait for the positive outcome.

• Live in the moment.

• Regret nothing.

Comments

[Cheryl McClure]

Thanks, Sue.........I needed this one right now.

[Sue Lewis]

Love thou heart and light up that inner-candle,
Let new life and inspiration will your soul to tackle that awesome painting you were so afraid to paint.
Let your heart paint even if you had no hands at all, never mind the outside world, distractions, or the money, just CREATE!

[TracyW]

What a simply fabulous post.

Your life lessons are so right on target. Thank you for bringing them up!

[JoAnn Sanborn]

I'm teaching this week and always start each day with a Henri quote, but have never used the red flower one. Today's the day! The image of placing a red flower on the windowsill will stay with me, hopefully to be used in moments of need. Thanks, Sue

[Cathy G]

Thanks for these calm reminders - let go, trust, do, no regrets... perhaps its the change of seasons that brings about this inner turmoil!

[Miki Willa]

Very insightful and inspirational. I especially need the reminder to do what matters to me. Thank you.

[Donald Diddams]

Every day we should each place that red flower in the window, trust, and have patience. An inspiratinal post.

[Janelle Goodwin]

Interesting post, especially the part about the red flower expanding it's positive influence. This is wonderful food for thought.

[Katherine]

Interesting reflections - you've articulated a few things I struggled to understand initially.

I think learning the ability to wait and see what happens is one of the most difficult things for our 'get on and do it now' culture