Do Your Art!

Yesterday was busy. Almost every minute was scheduled out. And then somewhere along the way, I realized that I needed to put all of that scheduling aside and go with my gut.

“We think, mistakenly, that success is the result of the amount of time we put in at work, instead of the quality of time we put in.” – Arianna Huffington

Yes, it helps to prioritize and schedule. But creativity doesn’t always play fair. The muse was calling on the other line and I had to take it.

This was my first opportunity to work with Sophia. She came to sit for a portrait and in just under three hours I had three paintings and a half a dozen sketches. They had a fresh energy that only comes when we listen for the whispers of inspiration, and respond. I left the studio invigorated and inspired. By the end of the day I still managed to tic off all of the boxes on my list.

Portrait of Sophia – oil on panel – 18”x14”

As artists, it’s easy to rationalize the many reasons why our art doesn’t deserve our time. Responsibilities, loved ones, “real work“, etc. Still, if we let this kind of justification go too long, it’s surprising how little we really have to offer our world.

Give yourself an hour or even a half an hour each day to create. Honor that time as sacred, it will recharge your battery. Justifications can disguise themselves as altruism. Good reasons to put yourself second. It just doesn’t help anybody when you don’t honor your creative path. That path is a huge part of who you are and what you are here to give.

The next time you do something that inspires you, notice how the rest of your day feels. Do you have more energy? Do the chores and lists seem to go by faster? Did dinner make itself? Big generosity comes from living an inspired life. Do your art!

When do you put your list on hold?

How do you show up when you’re tapped out?

When do you do your art?