Find A Way
I have only 602 square inches to go. I can’t believe I am so close to completing my Art20k challenge; painting 20,000 square inches this year. This challenge has created much momentum in my life. I thought that the Art20k challenge would only affect my painting and career as a painter, but found out "the more you do the more you do". I believe this creative energy has caused me to change many things around me with such force. I not only had a challenge to paint 20,000 square inches this year, but also stretched myself to have major remodeling in my home. Doing both has been quite demanding. What was once difficult has now become a natural way of being. Here are some of my enlightenments from doing this challenge so far:
Customers prefer a variety of sizes.
Galleries prefer larger sizes and found they want sizes that fit over couches (I hate to say it).
The more square inches the more sales dollars.
I have a tendency to be more free and creative painting larger.
Smaller paintings can be studies for larger paintings or a catalyst for an innovative idea.
I want to paint looser and looser.
Painting larger makes me want to paint what I enjoy, not what others want.
It can be difficult to complete goals when life has other demands.
I am committing to a higher production standard.
You need to take care of yourself when you do big challenges, eat well, plenty of sleep and take time outs.
Where there is a will there is a way.
Find a way.
I have stretched myself and now realize that I can do more.
What was once a challenge is now a matter of fact.
I can’t go back.
*Painting above, "Abundance" measures 36" x 48" acrylic on museum wrapped canvas, price $4320 *ART20K footage completed square inches 19398 *All art from Janet Vanderhoof’s Fine Art Gallery, maybe seen in Janet’s studio at Morgan Hill, CA. You may purchase through contacting my email jvander51@msn.com or phone (408) 460-7237. Thank you!
Connecting To Infinite Possibilities
The calmer the water the clearer the reflection~ Anonymous
I’ve decided to take up meditation again. For 13 years I would meditate regularly twice a day for twenty minutes. I even got my kids and husband to allow me to have this quiet time. It’s been 6 years since I have meditated regularly and have noticed that my health, stress and well being, have suffered because of it.
Meditation lowers blood pressure, heart rate, lowers cholesterol levels, reduces stress hormones, and increases anti-ageing hormone DHEA, improves immune system and restful sleep. I didn’t realize that it helped with creativity as well. Being and artist this becomes a great motivator.
The wonderful reasons why meditation should be part of the artist’s life:
Calms the critic.
Gets you in touch with your authentic self, to express your uniqueness.
Helps you to get out of the repetitive loop of thinking that suppresses new ideas and inspiration.
Increases brain activity in the parts of the brain involved with ideas, insights and connections.
Increases your ability to focus on the big picture instead of trivia.
Helps you to be focused in the moment and enjoy the process as much as the result.
Increases insight moments of inspiration and answers to problems.
Eases fear and anxiety, less fear more risk taking and freer thinking.
Experience “Quantum Leaps” of imagination.
Be in a higher state of consciousness.
Helps you get in touch with the flow, where time stands still and effortless creating occurs.
Let’s you step in to the unknown.
Increases the ability to use your whole brain for problem solving.
Connects you to the field of infinite possibilities.
Do you meditate and if you do what have you discovered?
*ART20K footage completed 13,782 square inches
*Above painting~"Meditation", measures 16" x 20", acrylic on canvas, price $800
*All art from Janet Vanderhoof’s Fine Art Gallery, maybe seen in Janet’s studio at Morgan Hill, CA. You may purchase through contacting my email jvander51@msn.com or phone (408) 460-7237. Thank you!
Commissions Suit Me
Commissions suit me. They set limits. ~Jean Cocteau
I know to some artist’s commissions are a nightmare, but I love them. I love to problem solve and figure out a way to create a piece that makes us both happy. The customer’s input always inspires me and widens my vision.
Recently, I finished a commission to paint a garden. Due to logistics, I had my customer take photos for reference. Currently, she wanted a smaller painting 16” X 20” and later suggested that I do a larger one.
The secret to doing a successful commission is to take a lot of photos and preferably when the sun is in the early morning or later afternoon. Taking photos at noon or close to noon will create harsh light, unnecessary shadows and distort the photos.
Next, I drew a black and white sketch for her approval, as seen below. I will usually edit the photo to help the composition and color. I focused on the stool as the focal point, creating a triangular composition and juxtaposing the stool. We then decided on the size, canvas or paper, museum wrapped or standard canvas, oil or acrylic, a warmer or cooler painting and what she would love to see. Creating became a team effort, allowing me room for my own creativity to emerge; a perfect match.
It must be that time of the year; I have another commission as well to paint a garden. Why don’t you allow me to paint your garden, savoring your memory, as my customer did? “I especially loved the garden stool. It is so well done. I sit there every morning and now I will always have this painting to remind me of my lovely beginnings to my days.” Now that is special and it makes me feel very good to bring joy to others through my paintings.
For commissions information contact me @ jvander51@msn.com or cell (408) 460-7237.
*ART20K footage completed 9700 square inches