Vulnerability And The Big Challenge

Delicate Vulnerability 36" x 48", acrylic on museum wrapped canvas
Delicate Vulnerability
36" x 48", acrylic on museum wrapped canvas

“Armed I am with love. Disarmed I am.” 
― Manuel Alegre

Tomorrow I am going to speak about my #paint52 project for Alyson B Stanfield’s Art Biz Incubation group.  I have taken three of her workshops and been so pleased with the outcome and her standard of quality in anything she offers. 

Our topic will be on committing to doing a “big project”.  Doing two big projects in a row #paint52 and now Art20K has pushed me in many ways, just due to its natural progression and momentum.  I don’t want to elaborate for I will be talking about it tomorrow.  But, let’s just say talking in front of a group is pretty "big" for me.

The painting above was also out of my comfort zone.  I did something totally unpredictable and unexpected for me.  It felt very uncomfortable.  I posted it on Facebook and many people enjoyed the painting. I could have left it as is, but I needed to push myself further, even if it was a disaster.  I could risk and perhaps still did ruin the painting. Yet, the only way I learn and grow is to push myself.

Now what does doing big projects, talking to Alyson’s group and my painting has in common.  I guess first of all I am putting myself in a vulnerable situation.  I risk failing.  In the end I have to be all right with it not being perfect, exposing who I am and realizing I am still good enough.  Isn’t that always the bottom line, “Am I good enough”? 

What risk are you afraid to take and why?

*ART20K footage completed 6996 square inches.

*Painting above, Title: “Delicate Vulnerability", measures 36″ x 48″, Acrylic on museum wrapped canvas (no need for framing), Price $4320

*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!