"Genius is eternal patience."

View the beauty of the Sistine Chapel from the comfort of your chair.
Click the link below and enjoy.
http://www.vatican.va/various/cappelle/sistina_vr/index.html

Just over 500 years ago a sculptor was commissioned to paint the Sistine Chapel. And what a job he did! It was accomplished in 4 years.Thousands have been inspired by his work. All done while standing. Not on reclined on his back. (That was just depicted in the movies.) Michelangelo Buonarrotti left behind a legacy.  He said, "Genius is eternal patience."

Mike must have been a VERY patient man. Commission work is not for the faint of heart. As an artist, your opening yourself up to eternal whiners and unreasonable demands. I tend to say no thank you to commission work.

Even while writing this blog, I am thinking about the time lost that I could be in the studio painting. Do we have time to be a genius anymore? Can we get paid for patience? Times have changed. We live in a rushed world. But shouldn't we be creating our best work? So how do we get a grasp on the ever elusive patience? I  try to work through my frustrations by trying over and over again. Then I usually feel the blood rushing to my head and the emotions beginning to boil and I have to stop, breathe and get away from it. Here are some pointers. (If you have the patience to read it)

http://www.wikihow.com/Be-Patient

 Share your secrets. What do you do to remain calm in stressful situations?

Destiny

des·ti·ny   Noun The events that will necessarily happen to a particular person or thing in the future. The hidden power believed to control what will happen in the future; fate. Do you believe in destiny? I believe that my life is controlled by my choices. There is guidance. Sometimes our choices should be obvious, but there are times that we are oblivious to the obvious. When I was in high school I was chosen to participate in a special arts program for gifted students. I laughed at the teachers that gave me the opportunity and said, "Thanks, but I don't think that I'm a gifted artist."They whisked me away to visit an art museum in Miami. Then to an opera taking place at the famous Fontainebleau. I slid out of the ear piercing performance and explored the upscale architecture.  I rode the elevator to the penthouse floor, hoping to get a glimpse of the rich and famous. Out to the balmy Miami night sky. I was taken back by the kidney shaped pools and swaying, up-lit palm trees. Then back to the opera for the final standing ovation. I was also allowed to meet a famous artist and attend a brief lecture from him. Of course I had never heard of him but I thought his work was cool. His name was James Rosenquist . Those teachers in that high school were guiding me but I was oblivious. I didn't appreciate art. I never dreamed that I would become an artist. I was too immature and wrapped up in myself to even see.  Looking back, Things are a bit clearer. I truly appreciate the chance that they gave me. So often its clearer to others than it is to ourselves. How many times has someone told you that you were talented in a certain way? Hello McFly!! It may be your density! (destiny) We all have our talents and desires. Desire actually develops talent. But until we are ready to take actions on our desires, they will only be dreams. Be it destiny or pure choice, chances are given. Assistance is offered. The door is open. We can't look back and regret things that we didn't accomplish. Not even to yesterday. Each moment is new. As of now, I am a grateful artist.

Do You Believe In Santa

This artist featured in the video link, does a yearly painting of Santa.
The works are not for sale.
Makes you want one doesn't it?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doR8cHgu8rU

What a great idea.

We always want what we cant have.

Limited additions become highly collectible.

It does not have to be a Santa subject, but after viewing the video, you can see how value can be added to a piece by portraying emotion and limiting availability.
Let's make some. Shall we?

Top Ten All Time Art Excuses

1. I’m not good enough
2. I’m too old
3. I don’t have time
4. I don’t know how
5. I cant afford it
6. I don’t have the space
7. There’s no one to buy it
8. I don’t know what to make
9. Other people need me
10. My dog ate my paintbrush

Not good enough
Practice makes perfect. But who wants to be perfect? You may be judging yourself too harshly. If you sit on a busy street and people watch, you will see how vastly different each individual is. This also goes to ones taste in art. Not everyone will like what you create, but someone will! And if you have gained something by creating it, be it self satisfaction, a pay check, or just relieved some stress, your on the right path.
Too old
"Grandma" Moses, Anna Mary Robertson was in her 70s when she started
Painting. This self-taught artist, became one of the most famous American folk artists of the 20th century and continued painting in her 90s.
Andrea Bocelli didn't start singing opera seriously until the age of 34. Some 'experts' told him it was too late to begin.
Stan Lee, creator of Spider-Man, was 43 when he began drawing his legendary superheroes and his partner Jack Kirby was 44 when he created The Fantastic Four.
Elizabeth Jolley had her first novel published at the age of 56. In one year alone she received 39 rejection letters but finally had 15 novels and four short story collections published to great success.
Mary Wesley was 71 when her first novel was published.
Harlan Sanders, the Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame, was 66 when he began.
Laura Ingalls Wilder began writing as a columnist in her 40s. The popular Little House books were written and published when she was in her 60's.
Phyliss Diller became a comedian at the age of 37. She was told by many club owners that she was "too old" to become a success.
Julia Child didn't even learn to cook until she was almost 40 and didn't launch her popular show until she was 50.
No time
As they say, there is no time like the present. If you think art is a priority, you will find the time. Even if it means losing some beauty sleep, missing your favorite tv show or shutting down the computer. Art take commitment. But with any good thing, its worth it.
Don’t know how
Learn. Take a class. Get a mentor. A lot can be learned by just asking, “How did you do that?” Books. Remember those things with the paper pages? There are still libraries open for your pleasure. When in doubt, Google it! How to_
Cant afford it
Look around at what you may already have. Most have a pencil and paper. I launched my ideas with a paint set that I got for Christmas and some paint brushed that I got from a thrift store. I brainstormed noodle art, twig art, and even garbage art.
There are grants. You can take out a loan. You can call your rich Aunt Betty.
There is was this movie that keeps going through my head. It wasn’t even a good one. It was down right depressing but inspiring still the same. It stars Jane Fonda. Its called “The Doll Maker.”
She was a dirt poor destitute woman that carved an old log…made a masterpiece, then chopped it into pieces and made dolls that sold. Sorry to ruin the ending but that was about the whole movie. Ugh! Anyways, she made something out of nothing. Art out of desperation. Inspiring!
Space
If your organized, your lap can be sufficient. Its where I began. Then I moved to the coffee table then to the kitchen counter.
Weather permitting, outside is grand.
No buyers
Expose yourself. Well, not literally! But that might help sales. Get out there and show them what you’ve got. Yard art, demos,
approach galleries, online sales, art shows, show everyone that you know. If your town has no recourses to sell you, travel!
What to make
This may come naturally in time. Do what you love and as your free yourself from the restrictions of worry it will come. The more you do, the more free you become. Relax and enjoy it. Some express art in baking, some in dance, just be yourself and stay in the now.
Others need me
Its nice to be needed, but being true to yourself will give them more to love.
It may be hard for the selfless type to indulge in what some consider just play time.
But if you are an artist then you must be an artist. Make time for it. Learn to say no sometimes.
My dog ate my paintbrush
Dip dogs tail in paint and back his hind end up to the canvas. Make him pay off his debt.
Do NOT personally attempt this with your new paint brush! It might sell, but I think it is far too dangerous.

Press Release

I was asked to compose a press release for a local gallery that my art is displayed in. It is never a fun event for me to write about myself. It is far too much like homework. With a little help from my editing friends, I was able to come up with something to send to print.
It is a great way to get free promotion. The papers are always looking for some good stories. So if your send yours off to a few, you might just see your name in print!

Here is a short "how to" to help get you pointed in the right direction. http://www.ehow.com/how_8793_write-proper-press-release.html

This is a link to my recent press release.

http://mountaintimes.com/art/articles/Laurel-Gordon-unveils-new-work-id-023575

Spiritual Artist

So often the subject of spiritualism is avoided like politics or religion.
So today I wish to speak a bit on the unspoken.
The world is full of unseen energies. There is a current that runs through us like electric through wires. That current can be felt by some. Others, can hear colors as song or see what cant be seen by all. Some receive visions. We all have gifts that can be developed. The world is full of mysteries and undercurrents.
Often with great art, people purchase the artist not just the art. They are drawn not just to their work but to who they are, what they represent, their back story, their spirit.
So perhaps the idea of becoming a great artist has more to do with who you are than just what color paints that you use or your application techniques. I also believe that
our creations relay what we put into them, kind of like a speaker projects music.

Meditation is a good tool for developing the "inner artist". It is also a way to unleash your creativity.
We can allow ideas to come rather than struggling to invent them. This can be accomplished by first asking for what you want. Then, relaxing and becoming the blank canvas. Breathing deeply can help you relax. A focal point can keep your mind from wandering. While searching for a video that could assist you in meditating, I happened upon this one. I found myself getting tears in my eyes because of how beautiful it felt.






"Sri Chinmoy was not only a prolific spiritual master, he also was an astonishing artist, working from within and renouncing any concept of the mind. This video is a tiny selection of his immense artwork that consists of more than 100,000 acrylic paintings and millions of so-called soul-bird drawings. Plunge into this visual feast of colors and forms... meditate with them and enjoy them!"
kedarvideo

Reuben Margolin Kinetic sculptor

Reuben Margolins work is jaw dropping. He is fully able to convey his spirit through his art. I have always had an attraction to art portrayed by movement.
Beautiful and mesmerizing. Explained in his own words....

A Thanksgiving Story

When I was around 7 years old, I remember creating a Thanksgiving masterpiece.

It was a turkey made from an apple. It was a difficult task to get all the toothpick legs placed evenly. It had fallen over about a dozen times until I gotten it balanced just right. The toothpicks were then covered in mini marshmallows. I never actually drew blood but I was poked quite a few times while performing the precarious procedure. I had colored a head with only the sharpest of crayons and cut it out with care not to snip off the jiggly red gobbler skin that hung from his neck. I poked the toothpick tail feathers in the turkey butt, forming the perfect fan shape. I slid on the marshmallow feathers, rewarding my artistic endeavors with sweet puffy delights. One for me, one for the turkey butt. One for me, One for the butt.

It was finished!  

I was so proud of my accomplishment. I was an artist! I ran from the bus excitedly and placed it on the preset Thanksgiving table next to the centerpiece. I couldn't wait for mom to see it. She would be home soon and she might just pass out with pride!

I was in my older sisters care until moms return so I unveiled my creation to her with little fan fair. I went up to my room to change and kill some time until mom got back.

I heard the dogs bark. I knew that any time now, she would be walking through those doors and see her little girls artistic genius. My heart leaped with joy at the anticipation of it all. I ran down to greet her like one of the barking dogs.

"Mom, I have to show you something. Mom MOM MOM!"

I took her hand and lead her to the table, smiling with delight....

My smile turned to tears. My evil sister had taken a bite out of my masterpiece and ate its tail feathers!!

Thanksgiving was ruined. She laughed her satanic, red faced, horns popping out self all the way out the door as I stood there crushed beyond words. Mom scolded her made her say "I'm sorry." 

At that age,I was never able to express how it made me feel. I could only say it with tears. 

 I still love my evil sister, and have tried my best to forgive her.I guess that I would not be who I am today, if it were not for her. 

The moral of this story is..Do not let your dreams be crushed by apple eating devils. Believe in yourself no matter what criticisms come your way. 

And be thankful for what you have. Critics can give you insight if you can take their suggestions without feeling offended. Remain proud of your work. And be supportive of your fellow artists. For they may have had their apples bitten too.

Art Therapy

We run deep. As creative individuals we may not always be as grounded as we like. Our imaginations can take us away from uncomfortable realities. We are the greatest of escape artists. Shut the studio door and the world will just go away. Or will it?
Great minds will tend to over think, over analyze and gets stuck in our own miserable thoughts. Old habits are hard to break.
As we grew from childhood, our imaginary world was put in the back burner and reality came in with a bang. I believe that most artists try to retain that childlike quality. As with
Anything, balance is the key. Acceptance and balance.
If your scales of balance feel a bit off kilter perhaps there are things weighing you down.
A simple visualization of balancing your scale might help. Imagine each problem in your life as one of the weights on the scale. One by one, remove your weighted problems from your scale. It may seem like a silly exercise, but your subconscious mind does not always know the difference. Small steps in the right direction will begin to release you.
Unleashing inner demons can help you become the artist. Becoming starts with letting go. Letting go starts with a thought followed by an action.

Dante and Vergil in hell

Eugène Ferdinand Victor Delacroix

Art therapy has become a useful tool for change.
You may wonder how an art therapy session is different from the average art class. "In most art therapy sessions, the focus is on your inner experience—your feelings, perceptions, and imagination. While art therapy may involve learning skills or art techniques, the emphasis is generally first on developing and expressing images that come from inside the person, rather than those he or she sees in the outside world," explains Cathy Maldiochi in The Art Therapy Sourcebook . "And while some traditional art classes may ask you to paint or draw from your imagination, in art therapy, your inner world of images, feelings, thoughts, and ideas are always of primary importance to the experience."
You may not have to sign yourself up for a class, but experimenting through your art might help. Try to create a piece of work using emotion. See where it takes you.

Warning: Please understand that I am only an artist. I have no formal training in psychology. Do not go jumping off any cliffs just because I told you to.

Whats Your Style?

Still trying to develop your style?

What makes you unique? Well, the answer is YOU!

Don't worry so much about what sells as much as what feels right to you.

When you discover the artist within, people will recognize that and you will draw attention to your work. If blue is the color that feels good to you, paint blue.

If you are drawn to bugs and fashion, then paint a bug stomping down a runway in a fabulous couture gown. No matter how silly, or off the charts, ignore the critics and do what you love. The more that you express your inner emotions and passions, the better your art will be. Be open to suggestions and experiments. Be aware of the "ah ha" feeling that you get when its right. Create with intent. Do you have a message to send out to the world? What are you trying to say? Who are you? What do you want to reveal? 

                                              My Contemporary Blue

Open yourself up to what is quietly offered from above. There is a flow of energy. I like to call it the "God flow." There are many names for it. The name is not what matters. Awareness does. It comes in a faint whisper. The more you focus on it, the louder it becomes. If you allow it to flow, you will find empowerment, inspiration, guidance. You will find you. The you that God intended you to be. The you that doesn't worry or feel insecure. The super you. 

You can hear the message, yet still not trust in it. Its so easy to slip back into our habits and to remain frozen in fear. Trust plays a large part in becoming. We must trust in ourselves. I am not saying to give up all free will and follow blindly. Just allow good things to come in their own time, and they will. 

Get Moving!

Art is an amazing way to make a living. For me, its a dream come true.
Of course you can think of a million other things in your life that need done. Your laundry piles up. Your grass grows and you do have to eat. Like with any task that needs accomplished, it may take discipline. Make time for your dreams to come true. Perpetual motion is defined as "a state in which movement or action is or appears continuous and unceasing."

In order to get in motion and stay in motion, you must DO! So you have dreams of making it big? Then you must train and retrain your brain and body to get busy! Routine is good. Some work better at night. Some sprint and rest. Some work slow and steady. Find what works for you and DO! Like with any new routine or life change, it may feel like a struggle at first. Then in time we can do it almost with our eyes closed. It becomes automatic and natural. What we do on a regular basis begins to feel right. Make art a habit and your goals can be reached with ease.

Art In Instablility

You have to admit, times are tough. Jobs are difficult to keep and even more difficult to obtain. Tourism is decreasing either from fear or gas prices. Even our food does not seem to taste as good as it used to. Crime is up and we are all feeling a bit unstable. Do not get it the mind set that this is how our world will remain!
 It is my belief that thoughts do change your surroundings. Perhaps it is pure perception. Perhaps thoughts create physical energies that create actual events. Optimist do seem to have it easier than a realist.
So, how do we change our world with a thought? Well for example, when you feel down and hopeless can you create? Heck no! At least not very well, if at all. No creativity, no art, no sales, and so on. Think happy thoughts and BAM the creativity flows like white water rapids. Change your thoughts. See the world in a different light and eventually it will come into existence.
You may not feel encouraged at the moment when so much of the world seems to be reflecting negativity. But there is always an alternate path. The choice is yours.
This video will show you that life goes on even when we are unaware of our own possibilities. Take the time to watch it and you might just get inspired in one way or another.

Contemporary Art

These are a few of my contemporary art pieces that sold this month.

Thank you for looking.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

   Have a very happy Halloween!

                                          A photo of me and a dummy. 

                             Do not dare to ask,"Which one is the dummy?"

Happy Birthday Bob Ross

In honor of what would have been the 70th Birthday of Bob Ross, here is a time lapse video of him. Thank you Bob for inspiring us, and keeping us entertained with those "happy little trees."

Magic Distraction

It is easy for us to lose our creative juices and become distracted by outer influences.
Today, I never made it up to the studio. It was beckoning me, but I just could not tear myself away. You see, I made this discovery. I had heard about it but had never actually held one in my grubby little hands until today. The Magic Eraser!! This is not a paid infomercial but I may sound like one. I was going from pans, to the sink, to the cabinets talking to myself. Saying in my best Australian accent, "OMG OMG this thing is friggin amazing". I am no clean freak. I am more the mad scientist type. But I found great pleasure in this squishy little white thing.  Ladies, if you want your house clean, buy your husband (or wife) one of these babies. Once you start, you cant stop!
I guess its ok to let yourself wander on occasion.  It makes the return to the canvas so much more pleasurable when you finally become reunited.

If you have wandered too far from your art, and are not ready to brave the traffic or bad weather to visit your local museum, please enjoy a tour of my virtual gallery .Get inspired. And perhaps create one of your own.

Virtual Gallery

Blue Hair

Earlier this year I decided to color some of my hair blue. Now being that I am forty something years of age, and starting to go grey, some found this rather strange. I have wanted to do it for years but never had the nerve. I was always too afraid of what people might think. Now, I really don't care. I decided to stop living for some day and start living for today. So blue it is.
I walk into places and catch people doing a double take. People turn there heads away when I attempt to make eye contact as if they were caught in the act of gawking. I often forget that my hair is blue and wonder why they are staring. I kind of makes me laugh when I get a fearful reaction like I'm crazed crack head ready to tackle them to the floor and force them into blue hair conversion. Don't judge a book by its cover. There can be some really awesome humans hiding out there hiding behind tattoos, piercings, shyness, nationality, belief systems, political views, and so on. Look underneath what is obvious only to the eye. Get to know who is inside. You might be surprised at what you will see.

Go to this link below and read. Then left click and drag your mouse over the picture. Hidden Picasso

Get In The Spirit

Art doesn't always have to be all work and no play. If your in the art business, it will help you creatively to mix it up a little. Take a break. Have some fun.
How about a little pumpkin carving?



Scott Cummins Pumpkin Carvings












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A Dying Art

I love living in the modern age of technology. All the world of information at your fingertips. New gadgets and gewgaws being released into the world, brings about that childhood feeling of Christmas. Waiting in long lines and being forced to wait with our faces pressed eagerly against the glass. Think of the things that you accomplish if you could only get your hands on that new iGlad phone! We want it and we want it NOW! We have become a society of highs and lows were we throw away perfectly good things for the next best thing. Can art survive this "too busy to recycle or darn a sock society?"


Golden Rose By © Beatriz Socorro

Where Does art fit in? Can we still stop to smell the roses? I say YES WE CAN!
Now art is everywhere and just about anyone can do it. We have been gifted with endless platforms and opportunities that few have ever had before. It has become affordable and accessible. As long as we don't get caught up losing quality for and easy sell.  I see this happening in movies and tv shows that follow the same boring format because it sells. Boy comes to city. He struggles. Meets a quirky girl.They love. They fight. Life sucks. Maybe toss in a puke scene for shock value.(ugh)They make up. Que touching music and they pan out and away into the sky. Blah!
I think that we can do better. Not that I am going out to today to buy a production company, but I have my right to an opinion.
The glorious world of art awaits you. Beckoning you to explore its capabilities.
Become the critic, the artist, the adventurer, the voyeur. Dip into new modalities that you have never tried. Press buttons that you are unsure of. Most likely nothing will detonate.

Right Brain Vs. Left Brain Creativity test

Another fun test. Enjoy!

Creativity Test

CSCGUVYHBRYJ 

Artist Or Ape Quiz

Great art can be found anywhere and everywhere. It's so easy, even a monkey can do it!
What happens when you give a monkey a paintbrush? Pick up your brushes and find your inner monkey....I mean artist.

Just for fun, lets take a quick quiz. Then come back here and Post your score in the comments.

Artist Or Ape Quiz

The winner receives a banana. (not really)

Leap

What's your biggest dream? If you succeeded in that dream, what would you do next? I believe that often the dreams may seem out of reach but at least we have something to reach for. Don't pooh pooh your ideas just because they seem elaborate or impossible. Brainstorming is a wonderful catalyst for good things to come. Get around people that are free thinkers. I always admired the kind of person that just got an idea and acted on it. Whether they had money or not, they just get a thought, do some research, and then strive to achieve it. I used to sit around on my ass and wonder what makes a person just try like that? Why are they able to do it and not me? What drives them? What do they have that I don't have? I have learned one of my biggest obstacles was fear. I was frozen with doubts. I could talk myself out of just about anything. "I don't have the money. I don't have the skills. I don't have the time. I am too lazy. Too tired. Too old." Fear is an easy way out of growth. We can stay in one place and watch life go by. Or perhaps we can face our fears with a sense of adventure. I used to tell myself, "Self, You may not know what the @#!* you are doing right now, but you will learn it eventually. If you mess up, SO WHAT! Nothing tragically bad will happen. Just try!" So I say, do something that scares you. It will help u to lose those fears. Imagine yourself as how you would like to be. If you want to be brave, imagine that your brave. Risk maybe involved, but when was the last time you witnessed an earth changing idea that didn't involve risk? Go for it! Look both ways, then leap! 

Gallery Approach

How to approach a gallery.
If your doing it through email and they do not state how they want you to present your work, ask. Some may want a Cd of your works. Some may want photos.Some might want your signature in fresh blood. Lets hope not!
You will most likely be starting locally. So, a phone call or email should do. Tell them who you are and ask for an appointment to present your art. I always scout out my location so that I feel comfortable when I return.  Try to be prepared and look professional. Don't act like a diva. Be yourself. If accepted, allow yourself some time to look over any contracts if any and make a good decision. Some may try to own you and restrict you from entering other surrounding areas or even want you exclusively. If you don't understand it or you get that creepy feeling in your stomach, ask for a couple of days to look it over before make a decision.

It may help you to have a set acceptable percentage in your mind. You know what you need to cover your time and pay for your supplies. They may or may not be able to "bend" a bit for you. Nothing is ever set in stone. The gallery is most likely judging if they can make money by representing you. So take that into factor.
If they are in a great location with a huge amount of foot traffic, you may benefit from accepting a smaller percentage just to get in. Shop around. Believe in yourself. And good luck!

Artist,Cedar Lee's Gallery Advice





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Start Selling

Ok,so you have made something that you are satisfied with, and your are ready to send it out into the world. You have done your sleuthing in your local galleries and museums.And have a general idea of where you would like your art displayed. I suggest starting small. If you have a few pieces of your work finished, good job! Now lets get down to business.

Here are a few suggestions. Not written in stone. Not the one and only way of approaching it. Keep Sleuthing! There are many resources out there on the internet. Stay open to many suggestions as your grow.

Sign and number your pieces and /or name them.
I number mine according to year, size, and consecutive number.
Get as fancy as you want with your numbering system. Whatever works for you.
Photograph your work.
I take a photo of each piece, usually in the same order as I number them. Then, after I load them on to the computer, I rename the files according to the numbers.
I print a sheet of thumbnail photos on a page and print up at least two copies. One,
for me, and one for the place that will sell my art.
Business cards 
I printed my own. As time went by, I changed and developed and became more honed in on how I wanted to present myself. A few cards at a time would prevent me from winding up stuck with a stockpile of 15,000 cards.
Portfolio
Get some nice Photos of your work. Put them in a professional looking binder.
Make them large enough that they show some of the details of your work. Though we would all dream of having our art professionally photographed, it just might not be in your budget. Make do with what you have for now. Don't make yourself a starving artist before you even begin!
Price It
Finding your price point is a personal matter. But If your just beginning, start lower and work your way up. You can always go up, but not down. Know your price point.(A point on a scale of possible prices at which something might be marketed)
Build a Bio
Take a peek at what other people write. It will give you some ideas.
Print it up. Maybe even frame it to hang by your works. http://www.ehow.com/how_2060971_write-artist-bio.html
Keep good records early on.
Keep files and receipts. I have an artists memory, so I have to write down everything.

     Best Of Western North Carolina. A juried show that I participated in.

Riverside Studios, Asheville, NC             

Now where to?
The world is your oyster!
A sidewalk with live demonstrations, an office, store, fair, gallery, bar, church, museum, your front yard, internet, coffee shop? You decide.
I had some of my early pieces in a local restaurant. I was able to display my work commission free and build some much needed confidence. Ask around. Watch the papers. Join your local arts guild. There is a wealth of information usually available through them. Look for Shows and events. Write down the dates. You might not be ready this year to participate in them. But come next year, you will know how and when to prepare. One of our local artists told me that she started out by doing events. She sat under a tent and sold her works directly to the public. She said that it ate up a lot of her time and now she is focusing on entering galleries. You may be a social butterfly and love that approach. You may have the money to invest in the set up and entry fees. The options are out there. Its your world. But mostly follow that inner voice that guides you. You will know what feels right to you. If you have some suggestions, please share them.

Voka Knows Freedom

This artist seems to grasp the concept of freedom of expression very well.
I find Voka very inspiring.





Please enjoy some of the other videos and links on the right under the "Pages."
There, you may find some hidden treasures.




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Color Outside Of The Lines

Art can be fun. Really. Its seems the older that we get, the more we over analyze

and seek perfection and worry about anything and everything. We get stuck in routines and do as we are trained and forget to express. I made a rule for myself. In each piece that I create, I allow flaws. Yep, I said it. I purposely allow imperfections. Not just in art, but in life. A stain on a shirt. Paint on my fingers. A head of hair out of place. Ever have a good hair day without even touching your head? Well, it can happen. If you let it. Just like great things can happen if you allow some room in your ridged ways of thinking for them to enter in. Its not always easy to let go of the "color inside of the lines" mind set. I challenge you to explore your freedom. Do something wrong on purpose. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but eventually it will feel very much like taking off a tight pair of shoes. I took off mine about 20 years ago and never put on another pair of binding, painful, fashion forward shoes again. Now I wear not so pretty, but oh so comfy Crocs. 

Mistakes can be beautiful and lead to great things. Allow them. 

Lets get to the fun part. throw some paint on your canvas.Try colors that you have never opened. Paint with your fingers. Drop things from a tall building (please not on anyone head). Just do something that generates that giggly feeling that you could get as a kid. It doesn't have to be art, its can be a adventure found during the drudgery of Walmart shopping. Throw on a gorilla halloween mask to wear through the banana section of the store. Just allow some fun to come. A bit of embarrassment can help you grow in leaps and bounds. Don't get arrested. But do have fun. 

                          I painted this one on a day that I was feeling free.

Would Ya Look At It

Look closely. You can walk through a forest and miss seeing a tree. You can walk through a crowd of people yet never know the individual. You can go through life and forget to live.
Be grateful. Look at the details. The layers of bark. The twist of a branch. The way colors of the sky change the everyday landscape. The way actions and emotions of humans can be portrayed in opposites. Anger can be a scream for help. Idleness can be depression. Over talkative, can be lonely.
Study your surroundings. Absorb life. See the angles of light casting shadows. Watch the movements. Feel with more than your fingers. Listen to whats being said in whispers.There are so many underlying currents that we can easily overlook.
The spirit of our world is there. You just have to remember to look at it. And laugh a little too.

Portrait Of A Poet

Do you believe in yourself? Do you believe the good things that others have to say about you and your work? I never used to. I thought people were just being nice.
I still to this day have to prove it to myself over and over. As if the confidence that I had last week fades away and I hear those old evil little voices echoing doubts.
Today I want to paint for you a portrait of a poet. As beautiful as can be. Full of vibrancy. She was greatness to me...
I once had a friend that I used to play guitar and write music with. She was one of those people that I felt was an extremely special gift to the world. I called her Poet, because that was who she was. She could fill your mind with visions with deep emotions from her rhymes and rhythms  Have you ever met someone that you just felt honored to know because they were just that great? Like if this person were put into the pages of history, they would certainly be idolized by the masses? She was an intellect and musician like no other. I witnessed her greatness. I saw it in her poetry. I heard it in voice. I was taken back by her ability to learn and lifted by her songs. She could play guitar better than the famous ones. She was sensitive and caring.
Abruptly my Muse was gone.
My poet took her life. Took herself out with the pull of a trigger. She didn't realize who she was. I know many had told her, but she didn't believe it. My soul was crushed. I felt like I was the one that had been shot.
I still grieve her regularly with every strum of the guitar and stroke of the pen.
How could she not have known her greatness? It was so obvious to me.
What did she leave behind? Her words. Her songs. But mostly, she was a mirror to my soul. Could I be like her? Am I created in the image of God and not knowing Gods greatness?
Am I a special being that can make an impact on this earth?
Are you? Now I am your mirror.
You are. Allow it and be grateful. Reflect.

Mr. Yuckies

I once went to a museum that had a pretty disturbing room full of not so good or tasteful art. I thought, "why did they let this guy have a giant room to display whatever he wanted?" (including his naked butt)  Why was a reputable museum choosing to take on this weirdo? I could hardly walk around the room. I speed- gawked at pieces that looked like they were constructed during some bad drug trip with material that must have been found from under his drooling chin when he awoke from his nap. It felt plain icky. I found it hard to enjoy the other parts of the museum and shake that creepy feeling. We all talked about it afterwards with a shutter. "Why? Why!!!?" I asked. 

Then it hit me.

This guy made me feel something. He provoked thinking. Hmmm....was he actually 

good? Nahhh....couldn't be. But I kind of get it now. How art is everywhere. Even in the uncomfortable places. And to tell you truth, that naked ass, creepy art, inspired me. I thought,"well if they can let Mr. Yuckies in this place and give him  a month long display, they maybe I could do this." Yes, even bad art inspires. 

And he did get his point across very clearly. And his points were good. It really isn't so easy to express emotion and views through your art. So, kudos Mr. Yuckies, for making us feel and think.

*The names in this post have been change to protect the identity of the subjects mentioned. There really is no Mr. Yuckies so don't bother to Google him.

Hippy Thoughts

I think a very important part of creativity and life is the path of least resistance.
Going with the flow. The way that life goes has so much to do with how your interpreting it. The world can come crashing down around you and you can still be ok.
I may sound like an old hippy with all of the peace love and happiness mantra, but maybe hippies had the right idea and the roots that they established were correct.

Hippies found happiness through protest, drugs, communal living and free love. Sound good to you? Lets compare. Shall we?
We need people around to laugh and share our ideas with. They are the mirrors of who we are. Buying local and taking care of your friends and neighbors is good. And expressing our values through action, also good.
Drugs..well they aren't all that they are cracked up to be. The temporary escape they provide is only met with addiction and a far more difficult task at dealing with reality when the time comes. Eventually you do have to deal with reality. But creating your reality does require some brain cells. Lets have a  moment of silence as I grieve the loss of many of mine....
Love, maybe the most important of all. To love one another, to love yourself. Part of finding the easy path is to love and forgive. Acceptance makes it all possible.
When we are fully able to accept people and situations, our resistance will diminish.
I still have daily struggles and I don't float on a cloud of happiness all of the time.
I still have those days that are longer than an old mans ear hairs. Knowing is one thing. Doing is another.
Art can take you to that zen place. By viewing it or doing it. When I am up to my elbows in paint, the cares of the world just go away. I can get into the flow..that meditative state, where there are no thoughts. Just being. Feeling right. The physical part becomes easy and time goes by so quickly. Getting to this place, takes some practice. When I walk up the stairs to my studio, I go with intent. And I leave behind the constraints of the world.
So never let creating be a struggle or a stress. Let it be a release. And open your mind to what comes from a higher place.

My First Attempt At Selling

Some artists have a difficult time sending their work out into the world. Either they dont feel that they are good enough or they think that they are so good that they want to keep it all. If your thinking of selling, there is plenty to think about. I was the "im not good enough" type. But one day, on a whim, I thought I would give it a shot.

I thought that it would be fun to see if I could create something that would be accepted in a local gallery. 

What seemed doable to me was folk art. It looked simple and colorful and maybe I could make enough to sell. I approached my niece that was working in one and asked,"whats a big seller here?" She answered," roosters and cows are pretty hot right now." So roosters and cows it was! I glanced around the gallery for current colors and went home to create. At that time, I was living in a 400 square foot basement apartment and it was dark! My first investment was a full spectrum light. Maybe it would scare away some of the spiders that wanted to share my space. But it did help me see. I had one foot of workable counter space and a light. whoo hoo! I began with scrap wood and an old crusty box of acrylics. I wanted to create dimensional art so I tried a wood putty that could be mixed with water. I formed that fat rooster into shape and painted rustic wood red with a cute saying on it. Then a cow and a couple of other pieces that I thought might pass as folk art. I lugged them in a suitcase and they were accepted! OMG I was in a friggin gallery! I though how nice of them to take in this newbie and give her a chance. I had no confidence in my work. I frequently called it "crap."And what do you know...it sold! I was really flabbergasted. I started thinking that maybe this could be done...I was starting to have that very small spark inside. Mind you, it was very deep inside. That small inkling of light that was entering into my darkness. Could I really be an artist? 

Then I got the call."Laurel, I dont know how to tell you this, but your art exploded."Exploded? Huh? "Yes the lady who purchased it watched it burst into pieces and fall off her wall."I had painted the putty before it had fully cured and my art busted and so did my bubble.

Spark gone. The spiders were laughing from the corners of the room, pointing at me and rolling in the web chuckling. Every bit of self doubt that I had rid myself of came back in full force. Truth be told. I was no folk artist. I wouldn't have hung those roosters on my own wall. Those pieces took me so long to make. I though folk art would be fast and easy. Don't get me wrong. Folk art is beautiful. I just didn't feel right for me. 

What I was lacking was the freedom to BE the artist. So after a couple of months of pouting, I approached the gallery with something new..some trees that I painted rustic and fast. They were not accepted.  

                   One of my earlier pieces

It took me a year to ever try anything again.  I moved out of the darkness of the basement and the depression and into beautiful Valle Crucis, NC. I felt that way that you do after a long hard winter and you finally get to open the windows and get in the fresh spring air. Ahhh! That tiny spark had returned. 

Listen for your spark..it is in there..sometimes doubts can overpower it. But its there. Trust me. It's there. Listen carefully to your inner positive, voice.

Start Sleuthing

Keep your eyes open. There is a whole world of art hidden in the least obvious places. You found this blog, so you must be pretty good at seeking and finding. Lets start by looking around the space that you sit right now. What do you see that can be an art inspiration? From where I sit, I can see several of my own art pieces. Some are finished, some not so finished and collecting dust. I see an old drum and guitar and seashell. 
Ok, if your sitting in an office cubicle you might not feel too inspired at the moment. But look closely. Art can be as simple as that paperclip on your desk that can be bent into a shape. Even better...a window!
My whole point being that that very fact of thinking of art will begin your momentum forward.
I began my sleuthing on the internet. I typed in, "how to become an artist."
Maybe you did too. I searched tons of stuff:

• how to make money as an artist
• how to approach a gallery
• Google maps, local galleries
• top selling
• what to charge for art
• where to sell art
• art supplies
• how to

and on and on and on....
So eventually with the blog, I intend to share with you what I have learned.
And I welcome you to share what you have learned.
I suggest visiting your local galleries museums and craft events. Look at placement, and prices, traffic flow. See what best suits your style. Seek a place that you feel that you might belong. Be it and art in the park, of a grungy ally with an easel and spray can. Ask questions. Seek the answers. Art is all around you.

Getting Started

First off, don't be afraid to be weird. When it comes to art, weird is good. So now you are free to be what ever you want. So often we are shut down and told to behave throughout our lives. Now I tell you to unleash you inner child. Get crazy! Have some fun! It used to be that a box of crayons would settle us down into a world of imagination and creativity. Adults its a bit harder for us to get there. So when you get the urge, act on it fast. Sometimes I will walk out into the studio at midnight, crank up some tunes and let the paint fly. Its that first step towards doing that makes it happen. How can you ever become the artist if you don't make art? Consider this you pep talk. Right now..GO! GO MAKE ART! Your talented and capable so GO CREATE! I promise you that this blog will be here when you get back.

Setting Goals ( Eww )

Lets talk about setting goals. That sounds so restrictive for a creative artist as yourself...how about we change it to "building your dreams."
I am a believer in the power of our thoughts. I think that a thought can become a reality in time.
So in order to become the artist, we must first believe that we can. I use the word believe very loosely because we may be riddled with self doubts and old criticisms but we can change that with a little brain washing. Allow yourself the fantasy of being the money making artist. See your art flying off of the shelves. Believe that your art is good. Believe in yourself. Or at least fake it until you do!
I try to convey thoughts of peace and love within each piece of art that I create, in hopes that that very feeling will be felt when someone looks at it or touches it. Because who doesn't need a little peace and love?
Again the God is in the details. Imagine where you want your works to be displayed. And dont let yourself become overwhelmed. Make it fun. Dream. Dream BIG!
Now you can begin taking your first step. Create something. Create something that you love. And remember to practice "dreaming" as often as you can.

Time Lapse Art

Removing The Blocks

So how do you rid yourself of the doubts? As with anything, it takes training.
Some pray. Some Meditate. Some do affirmations. I think what counts, is doing what you love. When you fill a room with light, the darkness goes away.
Lighten your load. Take a walk. I enjoy laying in the grass on a sunny day. Or standing on a cliff watching the horizon, feeling the wind on my face. Or sunsets. That daily miracle can be easily ignored in our busy lives if we don't take some time out to breathe in life.
Self awareness is important. You can replace a negative thought with a positive one if you pay attention. Sometimes it just takes the act of doing to prove to ourselves that we are worthy. We learned to stand up and walk from a crawl. Yes, we fell down many times. But now we can run!
A simple exercise can help. Get into a relaxed state. In your mind, fill a box with one of your doubts or troubles. Close the lid and Toss the Box into the river and watch it float away. It may sound like pure imagination, but your brain wont know the difference. And you just might feel better.
How can you be creative when you feel like crap? Well, for me, music helps. And setting up an area that you can let the paint fly and surround yourself with a few of your favorite things. (Did that last sentence make you hear the music?)
My other inspiration stands just outside of my window. A room with a view helps.

Your sanctuary is a place that you escape to to create. Just as a church can be a place of peace.You go there with the proper mind set. Make your sanctuary your special place of peace and creativity. Bring in things that inspire you.Twinkle lights, candles, photos, flowers, fabric.Whatever works for you. But most importantly bring in your mind set. What inspires you the most?

Losing self doubts

As a small child, do you remember comparing your creations to others and judging yours as good or bad?  I think we were far less critical of ourselves as kids than we are now. I really don't recall ever thinking poorly of my work until I hit high school age. It used to all just flow so freely from me. None of that "OMG it sucks! I'm throwing this crap out! Why did I think that these colors would work? I hate it!" I have actually thrown work over the railing into a river.
I know one thing for sure, if it meets your standards, then it is good enough. It may not be the best work that you have ever done or will ever do, but you may be surprised at how many people love the work that you don't. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. So let them see it. Don't hide your work away from the world.
Maybe it was easier when you could show your family and teachers your work and they would tell you how beautiful that it was. Now you may get critiques and suggestions. Don't listen to the negativity that may come from within or without. Now the roll of the kindergarten teacher is for you to play.You must be
kind to yourself and not over critical.Start to think of your works as a gift to the world. Nurture your inner artist. Growth will come in leaps and bounds when you are free from the doubts. Love who you are and what you do.
How do you nurture your inner artist?

Finding Your Inner Artist By Laurel Gordon: The Beginning

Finding Your Inner Artist By Laurel Gordon: The Beginning: In the beginning God created.....and so can you! When you were small, did you draw on the walls? Did you doodle your way through school? We...

The Beginning

In the beginning God created.....and so can you!
When you were small, did you draw on the walls? Did you doodle your way through school? Well, so did I.

I loved kindergarten. I remember the giant paint shirt and the easel, the giant pad of paper and the tempura paints that oozed down uncontrollably in fabulous colors!

I don't know why, but I was really into ducks. every day, ducks ducks and more ducks. Mother ducks leading baby ducks. And they all had a little sprout of hair on top of the head. I was so proud of my works. And I wanted to share the joy with everyone! I was the duck maker and no one could stop me!

Think back as far as you can, to the time when you first experienced art. Relive the joy that art has given you. Think about who you were. The simplicity of it all. The freedom of expression that you had.
Think of the details. The colors, the weather, the feelings that you had. Go over it all in your mind.
This is where we begin to find your inner artist.
What did you like to draw as a child?