T is for Time and Technology

Tavern

For me, technology has given me a lot more time for my artistic endeavors.  I rarely leave the house without my laptop or digital camera these days.  No matter where I go or what happens, I’m prepared to capture the moment and take notes for future reference.

No longer do I have to schedule time for writing, I just pull the laptop out when an idea pops into my head and I’m off writing because I want to instead of because I have to.  I used to schedule time to go out and take photos whether they were for the actual photo or a reference for a painting.  With a digital camera by my side all the time, there is no disappointment because the sky was bad that day.

I now do a lot of digital painting.  With my trusty laptop by my side, I can now paint when the mood strikes me.  This freedom I’ve been given by having my tools at my disposal all the time has definitely increased my creativity because I’m doing it when the mood strikes me, not when I have to.

Rule #19 technology can help with that old nemesis, time. 

Q is for Quotas

Quiet

 

When it comes to the Arts, quotas have no place in them.  Art, whether it’s painting, writing or even acting come from a special place inside us and quotas of any kind will disrupt our creativity.  If it takes you two years to write a book, So What!  Six months to finish a painting, So What!

We are at our creative best when we are relaxed and enjoy what we are doing.  We will certainly be ready to jump in the saddle for a new project if the last one was enjoyable.  Want to get burnt out?  Write two books or sculpt to art pieces in the time you would normally take to do one.  How long do you think that type of schedule will be enjoyable? 

I know, I know we all need money and are looking for fame.  REALLY?  Is that the real reason you do what you do?  Not me!  I do it for the love of what I’m doing and I’ll bet if you think about it so do you.

Rule #16 Quotas, forget them and do it for the love.

P is for Playing

 
Peaceful

I'm going to cheat today and talk a little about Playing.  I'm going to be 56 next year but seriously I'm a big kid.  I rasied my kids in later life on my own so naturally I went to work everyday and then went home and did wash, cook and dishes etc.  But guess what I certainly didn't like it.  Many a day I'd look out my office window and wish I was in a park, at the beach or just napping along a stream fishing.

Now that the kids are older and work has learned it better learn to get along without me now and then I can play.  Who cares what it is, a video game (Don't tell my kids), or any other fun thing I can think of when I'm not a dad or a boss.  It charges up my batteries, clears the head and then my creative juices can flow.

Rule #15 Pretty simple learn to Play!

A is for Art

A Beautiful Philadelphia Skyline 20" x 30" Painting

The definition of art is a debate I’d rather not get involved with.  Is architecture art?  How about the art of negotiating?  In my opinion life and everything in it is art.  Hell, I’m from Philadelphia, put an Italian Hoagie or Cheese Steak in front of me and I’m going to tell you they are works of art.

I’ve chosen art as my theme for the A to Z challenge for a reason.  I personally am not a writer and therefore I am out of my league in this challenge.  Most of my fellow challenge members are writers.  That being said I do have some interesting opinions and comments about how one should pursue their love for art and will be presenting my own rules and theory’s on the subject no matter what your passion is.

If you’re a writer, photographer, painter or stained glass maker hopefully my rules will help you out.  Of course I'll be providing one of my digital paintings each day to.