“If you have a creative mind, it’s a little bit like owning a border collie. You have to give it something to do or it will find something to do, and you will not like the thing it finds to do. … Just give the dog a job, and you’ll have a much happier life, regardless of how it turns out.”
— author Elizabeth Gilbert, Fear is Boring, and Other Tips for Living a Creative Life, 24 September 2015, Ideas.Ted.com
Across the road from my studio lives a wild-haired bounce of enthusiasm and eagerness who goes by the name Misty. Not being particularly good at what was supposed to be her main job — being a crofter’s sheep dog — doesn’t deter Misty, and has never stopped her from trying to herd me into giving a neck scratch.
Keeping busy and keep trying; that’s the only way I know too. Strive to approach painting (and life) with enthusiasm and try not to focus or obsess on the aspects that are problematic (or at least, too much of the time). Keep at it, keep focusing on the joys of a challenge, the joy of colour. On hard days, do things that require less thinking such as tiding up or watch a favourite film. And never, ever worry about muddy paws or unruly hair.
That is about as timely as it could be Marion. I will read this post several times today and retrain my brain. Have a good week
Have a good week too!
Even something as small as a card with an inspiring image/painting put where you can see it throughout the day can be helpful I’ve found.
…so good!…
AWESOME! I call ’em “hamsters” running around my brain. 🙂
In my case, I have to give the squirrel brain a job.
Jude