Part of a painting I’m working on.  Moses Parting the Sea.  I’ve painted this idea a couple of times, but it always comes out different,  making each one an original.  I saw one similar  by an artist from the 1800′s.  Now I can’t remember the name, or where I saw it. 

I wouldn’t consider painting a living/contemporary artist’s work.   That is totally wrong.  But occasionally I have used a well known artist from the past.  It ends up looking like my work.  I’m not good at copying/reproducing someone else’s art.  I have my own look, my way of seeing it.  Copying isn’t art,  it’s craftmanship.  And tacky. 

The biggest challenge in art is coming up with the idea, a good idea.  It’s a creative process. It’s hard work.  Sometimes it comes to you easily, like a wonderful present,  with a pretty bow.  That does not happen often.  There are those funky spaces of time that you’re convinced you were just lucky.  It’s gone, never to return.  Every artist has experienced it,  doesn’t matter what your medium is.  It’s not fun.  You never know how long it will last… you start to doubt yourself… 

Then again there are the fun times when ideas are coming at you from everywhere.  You can’t sleep because you’re doing art in your head.  Can’t turn it off.  I always want to work faster so I can get to more of the ideas.     Don’t want to take time to do anything but art.  Can’t be bothered by that everyday stuff. Ha!  I don’t take time for lunch… I eat while I paint or sand or sculpt or sketch.  I live in paint clothes,  and resent it if I have to change to look like everyone else.  Who cares anyway?    I’m always suspicious of a so-called  “artist”  that has combed hair, clean clothes, or jewelry on.  Oh, sure they’re an artist….

Go see what this artist has been doing…  PJ Hornberger Folk Art   Have a great weekend! Do something fun… share a smile with someone…  a compliment would be nice too.  Doesn’t cost a thing,  but is worth a lot.  xo