How I fell in love (with a boat)
The chances that I can convince my husband I need a sailboat are slim to nil. But I’m blessed to be able to go cruising anyway.
The value of system
Systematic paint gets the mechanics out of the way and makes room for true creativity to emerge. It also helps when time and pressure threaten to derail you.
Don’t take it to heart, or so they say
Experts say that we should see criticism as an opportunity for growth, a spur to improve. I’m 64 years old and I’m not quite mature enough yet.
Let’s paint some duds!
Am I willing to experience the rejection and discomfort that comes from pushing limits? I don’t know, but it seems to me that growth demands it.
What is talent?
Our lives are the sum of all the choices we make, and our talent is where our determination and desire collide.
Your daily rejection
We hate rejection, but it’s a fact of life in the arts. What’s important is what we do with it.
The little things in life
Painting can take itself way too seriously. Small paintings are a place to experiment with our odd ideas.
Artisan in an age of mass-production
Perfection is a great goal, but it’s never been possible in a one-man, artisan operation.
Dealing with criticism
Constructive criticism is one thing, but snark has more to do with the critic’s internal settings than any real problems.
In control
Every day, in every way, things are not necessarily getting better. In Control (Grace and her unicorn), 24X36, is one of the paintings that’s going to Rye Arts Center’s Censored and Poetic: the works of Carol Douglas and Anne de Villemejane, March 2022. A visitor to my studio recently asked me about the gender disparity in painting. …