Brave New Year, 2011

Happy 2011! 


New Year's brings a flurry of resolutions, goals and promises to ourselves and others. 
Rather than get swept up in this activity, let us take a moment to regroup.


I like Zen Habit's blog article on achieving, without goals. The gist is that without hardline goals we can be excited about getting many things done, and flexible enough to recognize when we need to change course. The excitement creates the energy or momentum to get the projects done. The flexibility is key. Many people, when locked in on a goal, will continue along just to check that item off their list. Even if it no longer serves them. Or, even if the fear or shame of not meeting their goal, is debilitating. 


Instead, why not set an intention? Intentions are a way of stating with purpose what you wish to accomplish. But they take in a global picture. They allow for creative solutions during the course of action, rather than a pre-defined program where failure is built into every step not taken. It is the middle ground between the wishy-washy, "I need to lose weight" and the rigid, "I will lose 2 pounds every week". It is a firm, well-placed target, "I will lose x pounds this year". 

What intentions do you have? We may have many that in our heart of secret hearts we cannot share. Find someone that will support you, to share your intentions with and keep you accountable. I am so blessed to have an actively supportive husband and group of artists that I meet with almost weekly. They are all "believing mirrors" or people who actively affirm me back as positive and that my dreams and actions are worthwhile. 

My creative intentions for 2011 include:

1. I will announce the new series that I am committed to working on.
2. I will collaborate with people who can help me on the new series.
3. I will have an exhibit for the series.
4. A portion of the sales will go to a related charitable organization.

Stating them here holds me accountable and it's exciting to share my purpose! Writing is a binding contract, so if it interests you, put your intentions in writing to "seal the deal".

Happy New Year, 2011!

VP Miller

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What Keeps You from Painting?

I'm in the middle of a new painting and taking a break to write this. This wasn't always the case. I'm working on my fourth adult watercolor. My first one was painted last year, en plein air just to start something! I was with a friend for courage. She was absolutely new like me. The other two were painted this past August and November I believe (I'd have to check). Why does this timeline matter? To show you, if I can start - YOU can start. Hopefully you won't wait as long as me in between to get going!


So what keeps me from painting? 


Any distraction my subconscious mind will throw in front of me to keep me from my fears. 


Facebook. House cleaning. Errands. Volunteering. Letting other people's priorities becoming more important than just starting. What's yours? I do did it all the time. I won't let that happen anymore. Because now, I trick myself into starting.


See? It can work both ways too! 


You can pick up your sketch book and take it with you to appointments to pass the time. You can doodle at the dining room table. Your family will not only support you, but it might become your next favorite dinner activity! You can pick up your brushes and set them out to get them ready. You would be surprised to see where this might lead. 


So get out there and trick yourself! And report back to me.. I want to hear about it!

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PSA: The Central Florida Watercolor Society is Thriving

If you are in the local area - that wide swath of Florida in between the FSU Seminoles and the Miami Dolphins.. then I want you to know that a local, Watercolor Society exists and is ready to embrace you with open arms ! Floridians may want to look into art schools in Florida when they want to pursue more art knowledge. 


The Central Florida Watercolor Society (CFWS) may not have their new website up and running - but they are over 200 members strong and running and encourage new members to join. 


Why?


First and foremost, artists (even people who run screaming from that name, and will assure you they just "dabble" or "doodle") need to be around like minded people occasionally. Forget the stereotype of the poor, tortured soul who enjoys hours of solitary confinement slavishly working their canvas only to keep it hidden until their anguished demise. That's a Hollywood exaggeration, a romanticism. Sometimes we do get lost in the moment and forget time, but it's not because we abhor human contact. And we do love to nosh and talk about what we're doing, or what we wish to do. 


Or sometimes we need the courage to start and believe in ourselves. That's where a community of like minded artists helps. 


Secondly, virtually every monthly meeting offers a demonstration workshop! As I get ready to post this (and I am a new member), I know of only their annual December holiday party where there is not already some working artist lined up to demonstrate a technique, process or medium. Go to a few meetings, and you will have already paid for your membership. If you are new to painting, this experience will be invaluable to you. Even if you are not, it will surely serve as a way to fill your artistic well of creative ideas. 


Third, they have incredible workshops available to their members - usually at a very reasonable price. Very. I believe it is the group discount idea. I am hoping that next year I will get to utilize this invaluable resource. 


Fourth, they have a lending library of books, video tapes, and DVDs! Our Seminole County library system doesn't have the VHS/DVD lending ability - so this is HUGE. I am a firm believer in the try-before-you-buy system. 


Fifth, networking. Members run the gamut from brand new painters and hobbyists on up to professionals and national award winners. The CFWS was formed to promote the art of watercolor, not to be an exclusive club. It encourages growth and learning in a very social atmosphere. 


I am certain that if you don't live in the wide, middle swath of Florida you might have a similar painting society nearby. It's essential to connect with other like minded souls. To encourage others and be encouraged. 


But, I wanted anyone looking for the CFWS to know that we are alive and well - if currently a little mysterious on our website presence!









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