You're My Valentine!
“Art goes as far and as deep as one’s love goes.” –Andrew Wyeth
February, is the month of love. Whether or not you think of it as being merely a Hallmark holiday, many of us connect Valentines Day with February. The fact that my husband, two of my three sons, my mother-in-law, brother-in-law and a few close friends all have birthdays this month, means that many people that I cherish are celebrated this month too.
I bet we all agree that we could use more love in the world right now. We need things in our lives that warm our hearts and connect us.
I am grateful to be able to do what I love. Painting gives me a way to express myself and connect with other people. I hope that my work reminds them of the people and places that are important to them.
Here’s something you might not know know. Most artists struggle with doubt, even after years of successes, we wonder if we can do it again.
While I couldn’t imagine doing anything else, sometimes I worry about whether my work is good enough. The fact is, losing my way and finding it again is part of the artistic process.
Which reminds me of something I read.
“You need to see money for what it is: a note of thanks rewarded for helping someone improve their life.”
–Christopher Browning
When someone buys one of my paintings it feels like getting a valentine. It’s someone saying they love something that is a part of me.
So what are the top 3 things that keep me in the studio, despite the doubt, you might ask?
3. Selling paintings is part of it, but not all of it.
2. I paint for myself first, with the hope that it will speak to you
…and Number One:
1. Heartfelt positive feedback. It helps me focus on what is working.
I have kept every card, email and text that you have sent over the last 16 years. For each one, I thank you. These thank you notes and stories about how my work has spoken to you remind me of my vision, my passion and my purpose. They replace doubt with love.
I hope you look for ways to celebrate what’s working!
Jennifer
Read More