When I get home from a day of teaching it seems all my creative energy has
been spent. You know what I mean? I have several books that I re-read to fire
my jets and get past artist block.
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
Celebrate Your creative Self by Mary Todd Beam
The creative Artist by Nita Leland
Discovering the Inner Eye by Virginia Cobb
When I took a week-long workshop with Mary Todd Beam in Ashville, N.Carolina
(enough inspiration alone) and it changed my life and my painting. After
this workshop, I began to do experimental water media painting and got brave
enough to enter national shows and win awards! I really owe this success to
her. If you ever can do it, get away and take a workshop with a known national
artist, not just a local. They have so much to offer.
I have been painting professionally for 35 plus years and yes, I am older
than dirt. At 68 I am still teaching high school art, full time, and will try
to go to 70. Since my school is going into a NEW building, my art room will be
spanking-new. So, I want to enjoy some years in the room I designed. Why
retire now? (Smile)
