I have two critique groups that meet once a month and  they bring their work for me to critique.  The group last week brought to mind that we as artists easily segue our thoughts without a blip in the radar.   One member of the group got up and showed her paintings.  We discussed them in great detail and as she was taking the last one off the easel she casually stated….now all I have to do is decide whether to get plan D or J of my medicare.  The group burst into laughter.  It all fit.  We all understood.   The segue from art to medicare didn’t seem unusual…..we were all in the flow.

Being in the “flow” while painting is essential.  When we are one with our painting the painting speaks to us.  One of the most important jobs we have as an artist is to listen.    When I am painting, the painting speaks to me through my gut and my heart.  I get that special feeling in my body.  Have you ever started a painting and it seemed to paint itself?  Why is that?  Why do some paint themselves and some never get off the ground?

What does it take to get into the “flow”.  I will share with you what it takes for me.  When I enter the studio I am filled with a calm excitement.  What do I mean by calm excitement?  I am in control of the butterflies in my stomach.  Why calm?  Well,  I am the type of person who gets excited about an idea and I want to get it done asap.  Decide to paint the bedroom…..no problem, I paint it that afternoon.    That ” get it done now “mentality has been taken down a notch since I have been remodeling my new, old home.  Nothing is done immediately!  I must have chosen this house to re-evaluate my patience.  Oh, it has been hard!!!………back to art.

I have done my thumbnail sketch, mentally selected my color scheme (warm or cool), decided on the size of canvas, sketched the design on the canvas, selected the brushes I am going to use.  I am all set up.

What I do now is sit back and relax.  I calm my mind, my body and allow the future painting to become one with me.  Little too woo woo for you?  Why not just get on with it and paint the painting?  I could do that and the painting would probably turn out just fine.  However, I don’t want a ” just fine” painting.  I want a painting with soul.  In order to get soul into a painting we need to go beyond the normal way of painting……we need to go within ourselves.

How do you think the Olympic hopefuls become winners?  They develop ways to go deep within themselves.  This place is their strength.  This is also the place where you find your real strength.

The world is watching the Olympics.  We watch young people who have dedicated their lives to accomplish their dreams.  It is always inspiring.  The stories of the cost to the families,  of giving up a typical childhood,  the cost of being different……but oh, the payoff.  I can only imagine the nerves of these young people as they approach the start of their event.  The butterflies in their stomach must be in total chaos.

To accomplish being among the best brings enormous self confidence.  The knowledge you have achieved the goal you set for yourself only enhances our belief in ourselves. This takes never giving up even when we want to quit.  It requires we totally focus on our goal.  It requires a dedication and determination that becomes part of our psyche.

Apollo Ono made a statement I would like to quote:

“Did you do everything you could today to be your very best?”

What a great quote to have on your studio wall!

The dedication of these young athletics  should inspire each of us to go for the gold in our lives.

The questions is:

• What is your goal?
• Are you clear on that goal?
• Is it written down?
• Do you see it everyday?

Today decide what is “your” very best…..set your goal….never give up……become your very best!