Rules for Writing/Painting...
“West Maui Evening” 6×8″
This was the first painting I did when I got to Maui. This was a quick one I did to loosen up a bit before the plein air event started the next morning.
Listening to a Slate magazine podcast the other day I heard some fun bits of advice to writers. The podcast hosts were discussing an article from the Guardian, in which writers give advice on writing. Much of the advice is really just about how to be a creative person, and seemed fitting to my experience painting. Below are some bits that I liked, or you can link to the Guardian article and read the whole lists from the writers. Read both part 1 and part 2
The first 12 years are the worst.
Remember: when people tell you something’s wrong or doesn’t work for them, they are almost always right. When they tell you exactly what they think is wrong and how to fix it, they are almost always wrong.
Style is the art of getting yourself out of the way, not putting yourself in it.
Keep a light, hopeful heart. But expect the worst.
A problem with a piece of writing often clarifies itself if you go for a long walk.
Do it every day. Make a habit of putting your observations into words and gradually this will become instinct. This is the most important rule of all and, naturally, I don’t follow it.
Posted on Saturday March 6, 2010 | 4 Comments
4 Responses to “Rules for Writing/Painting”
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Anyone who reads the Guardian can’t be all bad, or totally sane. (Nearly put an exclamation mark at the end)
“Keep a light, hopeful heart. But expect the worst.” Seriously, this is how I live my life!!!! I love it – what a great article! Thanks for sharing, and this painting absolutely glitters!
I’m with Kelley
these are great insights.
What you DO do is dedicate yourself to painting enough that you have the knowledge to create these paintings.
This painting is complete.
I agree whole heartedly with these! The first 12 years might go on longer than that too especially if you don’t paint everyday or close to it. I am always reminded by artists (of all kinds) who I admire, to remember how much time one needs to put into it…it gets easier when you are at the point when it isn’t so arduous and is more instinctual…but for me that state ebbs and flows and you just need to keep going….with a hopeful heart!