Never Stop Creating (Free Printable)

I never was very good at staying inside the lines.

I sometimes hear stories about people who decide to give up on creating art.  My first reaction is always one of shock.  How could they do that?  How could they just stop creating?  But I don't have to think very long before I remember just how difficult creating can be.

It can be difficult when you doubt yourself.
It can be difficult when you start overthinking everything that you do. 
It can be difficult when you let yourself worry about what other people may think.
It can be difficult when you keep comparing what you create to what others create.
It can be difficult when you second guess your ideas so much that you never even begin to create and find yourself procrastinating all the time.

So here's what you do:

Stop doubting.
Stop overthinking.
Stop worrying.
Stop comparing.
Stop second guessing,
and, for goodness sake, (note to self) stop procrastinating!

But Never, Never Stop Creating.

And if you want something to remind you of all this, you can click here to download my Art Fairies: Never Stop Creating Coloring Page for free to color in (or not) and hang it up in your studio or use it in your art journal or give it to a friend (but no commercial use - personal stuff only, please).  This design is also available as a full color poster and on other fun products at The I Believe In Art Shop.

My finished coloring page. 

Okay, one more time: Never Stop Creating.

No matter what.

Peace, Love and Art,
Victoria

Art Fairies: Never Stop Creating T-shirt by IBelieveInArt
Create your own t shirts online at zazzle.com

Never Stop Creating (Stop Doubting, Comparing...) Poster by IBelieveInArt
Check out more Victoria lynn hall Posters at Zazzle

Art Fairies: Never Stop Creating 3 Ring Binder by IBelieveInArt
Create custom printed vinyl binder at zazzle.com

I Believe In Artists: Dan Radcliffe

I Don't Know Much About Art featuring Holly Cow by Dan Radcliffe

I met Dan Radcliffe through one of my many muses, Holly Cow.  Holly is a kind soul who delights in creativity and all of life's simple pleasures, so I figured any friend of hers would have to be a good person and I was right.  It turns out he's also a pretty terrific artist.  Not only did Dan create Holly Cow but he illustrates many other colorful characters, all of whom express his good-hearted values, intelligence and sense of humor.

I'm so happy to share my friend Dan Radcliffe's creations and thoughts with you below.  Enjoy!

Artist Dan Radcliffe

Question: I know art speaks its own language but if you had to describe your work in only six words, what would they be?

Dan: Only six words?  Fun, friendly, comfortable, silly, happy, feel-good.  (Is that last one a word, or two words?) 

Great Teachers Inspire By Dan Radcliffe

Question: Who is your favorite artist (in any medium) and how do they inspire you?

Dan: There are a lot of artists who inspire me.  DaVinci inspires me, because of the unquestionable genius and precision that shows in everything.  Makes me want to try to achieve that kind of level, although I know that’s a long-shot.  Matisse, because of the bold shapes and bright colors, his work just makes me feel good.  There are tons of others.  As long as the end product shows me that the artist is passionate about the art.  Charles Schulz inspires me.  

Library Invasion Reading Poster By Dan Radcliffe

Question: What inspires you to create?

Dan: Hard to say, really.  I can see a plant in the yard and have an idea for a drawing.  I can see a commercial on television for cat food and it might spark an idea.  My wife inspires me to create.  Or maybe it’s more precise to say she encourages me.  I like when people tell me they appreciate my work, that inspires me to create more.

Holly's Friendship Harvest By Dan Radcliffe

Question: What is your favorite part of your creative process?

Dan:  I like the feeling I get when I start to create.  It’s a feeling of satisfaction, self-worth... positive good feelings.  I enjoy sitting in the middle of my living room floor with my drawing pad and a pencil, a cup of coffee on the table, and just starting to draw.  It’s really therapy for me.  It’s relaxing, the time flies, sometimes too quickly.  Ideas just start to pop.  

Pour By Dan Radcliffe

Question: What is the most challenging part of your creative process and how do you meet that challenge?

Dan: The most challenging part is making the time, or taking the time, to actually create.  Life’s events sometimes make it hard, not enough hours in the day, and all of that.  I’ve had someone tell me, “You have to find the time.  If someone were to pay you a thousand dollars an hour, you would be able to find the time.”  If someone paid me a thousand dollars an hour to draw, I’d certainly find the time... by quitting my day job!  So yes, making the time to create is the biggest challenge for me. 

You Can Never Have Too Many Friends By Dan Radcliffe

Question: And finally, what does "believing in art" mean to you?

Dan: Believing in art, for me, means believing that what you’re creating is important, and that it makes a difference.  Sometimes that importance or that difference is nothing more than bringing a smile to someone’s face.  If someone can look at your art and smile and tell you that they like it, you’ve accomplished something.

Thank you Dan for sharing your art and answers with everyone!

To see many more of Dan's creations on fun products, click here to visit his Zazzle shop.

Dan has also just published a delightful book, entitled "Not So Scary Stuart" that you can find by clicking here.

And a book about my favorite cow, Holly Cow, can be found here.

Until next time, happy creating!

Peace, Love and Art,

Victoria

Paint Happens (And What I Do About It)

Paint Happens To Shoes

Paint Happens.  If you're an artist, you know what I'm talking about.  You didn't mean for it to happen, you don't even know exactly how it happened, but there it is: paint on the floor or the walls or yourself or the cat or any number of places.  So what do you do?

Well, first of all I want to say that it's okay with me if you do absolutely nothing and just be your paint splattered self as you continue on your creative journey in your paint splattered garb, surrounded by your paint splattered world.  However, if you find that you do want to tidy up a bit, here's some ways I get (or attempt to get) acrylic paint out or off of things like...

Paint Happens To Hands

1. Hands

This is the easy one.  Soap and water usually work pretty good.  For dried on, caked on paint (the best kind) it helps if the soap has some kind of exfoliating agent in it.  I use Brown Sugar Oatmeal Soap by Bubble Owl Soap on Etsy.

 Cruelty Free, Artisan Crafted, Plant Based Bubble Owl Soap

2. And Other Body Parts

To quickly remove paint from my hands or elbow or big toe or whatever while I'm working, I keep some exfoliating facial wipes handy.  They work like a charm.

Create And Exfoliate

3. Or Hair

Paint usually comes out of my hair with a good shampooing but when it is 2am and I just want to get it out quickly so I can go to bed, I use a little water and a detangling comb.

Paint Happens To My Desk (Paint Water Cups Available At The Shop)

4. The Floors and The Furniture

Most paint will come up pretty easily with a damp cloth when it's wet.  If it's dried and thick enough I can usually scrape it up with a putty knife or a razor blade.  If it's more like a stain, a little rubbing alcohol often does the trick.

5. And Finally, Clothes

This is the hard one.  What I should do is always wear the clothes that have already been paint splattered or remember to put on one of my aprons but sometimes I don't.  I find I can get paint out of my jeans if I get to it right away with one of those exfoliating wipes, or out of a shirt if I soak it right away, but usually these things just end up as new additions to my painting wardrobe.

So what do you do when paint happens?  I'd love to read your paint removing tips in the comments.

Happy creating!

Peace, Love and Art,
Victoria

IBelieveInArtShop.com

My Many Muses: My Inner Child

I love this kid!

The other day my Mother was going through old photos and she sent me this one (above) of me as a little girl in the bathtub with my pajamas on.

I actually have a clear memory of this moment.  My Mom had just gotten me out of the tub and dressed when something urgent made her leave the room briefly.  I remember looking over at the tub, seeing my toy boat still floating in the water and thinking, "I was having fun in that tub, I should get back in".

And so I did.  With all my clothes on.

Of course Mom was back in a flash and found me there happily playing with my boat.  She told me years later that it had been a difficult day and she was a bit exasperated at first but she didn't let it show and obviously I was so cute and having so much fun that she quickly got over it and thought to capture the moment.

I'm so happy to have this photo now because whenever I think of my inner child, this has been the picture I see in my mind.  I see the image of the little girl whose first instinct was to do what was fun.  I see the girl who found her toy boat and her own imagination so enjoyable that she just had to get back in that tub, pajamas and all.

I see her whenever I am tempted to do something I think I "should" do when what I really want to do is play and create in my studio.  I see her when I start to take life too seriously or worry too much about what other people think or forget that my imagination is my super power.

I see her and I think, Victoria, get back in the tub.

Pajamas be damned.

Happy creating to you and your inner child!

Peace, Love and Art,

Victoria

IBelieveInArtShop.com

I Believe In Artists: Jessica Davies

Artist Jessica Davies

One of the many things I love about my I Believe In Art Facebook page is that it connects me with all kinds of talented and inspiring artists.  When I posted there that I was looking for artists to interview for this blog, Jessica Davies was among the first to respond.  I am so glad that she did and I think you will be too.  Enjoy!

"Day Dreamer", Self Portrait By Jessica Davies

Question: I know art speaks its own language but if you had to describe your work in only six words, what would they be?

Jessica: Realism, colorful, random, surreal, detailed, dark.

Question: Who is your favorite artist (in any medium) and how do they inspire you?

Jessica: I dont have a specific favorite artist, however, I enjoy works that are technically complex with hyper-realism that are often surreal.  An artist whose work springs to mind is Jaroslaw Kukowski.

"Self Portrait with Lily" By Jessica Davies

Question: What inspires you to create?

Jessica: Everything inspires me to create though as a child it was a love of animals and wildlife that got me hooked on making art. 

"Prayer" By Jessica Davies

Question: What is your favorite part of your creative process?

Jessica:  My favorite part of the creative process is when a painting is starting to come together and you begin to see the finished image start to take shape. 

Commissioned Painting By Jessica Davies

Question: What is the most challenging part of your creative process and how do you meet that challenge?

Jessica: The challenging part of the creative process for me is procrastination and consistency. To tackle this, I often go out to see some art in museums, draw outside , or even switch mediums to clay for example as this really helps to break up routine and get the creative juices flowing.

Commissioned Painting By Jessica Davies

Question: And finally, what does "believing in art" mean to you?

Jessica: To me Believing in art means a vast amount of things. From enjoying and recreating beauty to diving deep into dark places to drag back and share some profound feeling or intense experience. Believing in art to an artist, is believing in themselves, believing in their skill, in learning , in beauty and passion, in good , in nature, in humanity, in hope and transformation. 

Thank you Jessica for sharing your amazing art and your thoughts with us!

For more information about Jessica and her art, visit her web site at http://jdaviesartjd.wix.com/jdaviesart

FYI, I'm still looking for artists to feature in this series.  Click here for information on how to apply.

Until next time, happy creating!

Peace, Love and Art,

Victoria

IBelieveInArtShop.com

5 Art Quotes I'm Not Tired Of Yet (And Why)

Are you tired of all the art quotations on the internet yet?  Sometimes I think I am.  Some of them I see so much they have lost all meaning to me.  And yet there are others that always seem to spark something in me no matter how often I encounter them, kind of like a favorite song or poem.

So here are five quotes on art or creativity that still have the power to move me (and why):

An artist feels vulnerable to begin with; and yet the only
answer is to recklessly discard more armour. - Eric Maisel

I am not tired of the above quote by creativity coach Eric Maisel,  but sometimes I do become weary of the truth it expresses.  The fact that being an artist requires me to be vulnerable is definitely something I struggle with.  However, when I read this quote I realize that resisting it is futile and off the "armour" goes which, though scary, is also liberating.

Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties.
- Erich Fromm

I love this Erich Fromm quote because I actually find it a huge relief to realize I don't have to have everything figured out all the time. In fact, not knowing what the hell I'm doing can sometimes be an asset to my creativity if I just have the courage to experiment and let go of the outcome.

The worst enemy to creativity is self doubt. - Sylvia Plath

Identifying the enemy is important.  Sometimes I don't even know that it's doubt that is standing in my way until something like this Sylvia Plath quote reminds me.  Then I know what I must do: believe in art and believe in myself.

The object isn't to make art, it's to be in that wonderful
state which makes art inevitable. - Robert Henri

I want to be one of those people who wakes up and goes straight to the studio every day no matter what but I'm just not.  However, when I am inspired you can't keep me out of there.  This quote by artist Robert Henri reminds me that there are things I can do to get inspired - that getting myself to "that wonderful state which makes art inevitable" is my responsibility.

The creative process is a process of surrender, not control. - Julia Cameron

Why am I not tired of this quote?  Let me answer that question with another one: Why do I keep forgetting this?  Really, I can't be reminded enough of this simple but transformative bit of wisdom.  Thank you Julia Cameron!

Do you have a favorite quote on art or creativity?  Please feel to share in the comments below.

Thanks for reading and happy creating!

Peace, Love and Art,
Victoria

IBelieveInArtShop.com

I Believe In Artists: Rachel Lewandowski

Abstract Artist Rachel Lewandowski

I have been seeing the art of Rachel Lewandowski pop up in my Instagram and Facebook feeds for awhile now and I am always struck by the power and attitude inherent in her fascinating, abstract creations.  I was eager to interview Rachel and learn more about the story behind her paintings and her process and she did not disappoint.  Enjoy!

Rachel: This is a favorite of mine that I will probably never part with. A single raven soaring through the clouds. I love how the color blending worked out. 

Question: I know art speaks its own language but if you had to describe your work in only six words, what would they be?

Rachel: Only 6 words is hard. My best answer would probably be "Abstract art inspired by the elements".

Question: Who is your favorite artist (in any medium) and how do they inspire you?

Rachel: I can't say that I have a favorite artist. I love the aesthetic of Aiden Hughes, who does almost propaganda-style posters and prints. I've recently fallen in love with the work of Brian Kirhagis, whom I discovered on Instagram last year. He does a sort of abstract portrait...it's difficult to describe, but it truly gives an emotional reaction.

Rachel: Also a favorite of mine. 4 canvases stacked together (I used a staple gun and Gorilla Glue to make that happen), with diluted acrylic paint cascading over the layers. Modern yet not. Definitely eye-catching on a wall. 

Question: What inspires you to create?

Rachel: I draw inspiration from so many things...I have a fascination with the Northern Lights, how colors seem to blend in the sky, highlights and lowlights seamlessly flowing in and out. The patterns found in crystals and gemstones always capture my attention. The way that light will catch on a fissure in the stone, bringing a flash of brilliant color that was otherwise hidden.

I did what I called my 'Music Box Collection' last year, which were my visual interpretations of songs that had stayed with me.

There is beauty everywhere, but we need to be open to seeing it.

Rachel: A recent completion. I love all shades of blue...how even the most subtle shift in shade can completely change the dimensions. This is one of the more demure pieces I've done lately. I like the idea of how layers of paint can catch the light, creating hidden images that not everyone sees. I find it very inspiring that different perspectives can see completely different things. 

Question: What is your favorite part of your creative process?

Rachel: My favorite part of the creative process is sitting down with a blank canvas and arranging my work space. Sometimes I have a clear image of what I'm trying to achieve, and other times I just let the paint flow. Literally.

Rachel: This was a piece that I gifted to a dear friend. Black canvas, white, red and black acrylic. I discovered the wonder of sand gel late last year, and I used it to excess. I wanted everything to have that gritty texture. This was one of the few that turned out the way I wanted it to. 

Question: What is the most challenging part of your creative process and how do you meet that challenge?

Rachel: The most challenging part for me is knowing when to stop. Knowing when a piece is actually complete or whether it needs "just one more tweak". I've left paintings to sit propped against a wall for days, so I can continue to look at it until I'm satisfied.

This has, of course, led to more than a few 'do overs', but it's the method of my madness, so to speak. If I don't want to hang it on my own wall, it's not done.  

Rachel: This is the second piece I did for the mosaic collection I started this year. Black canvas, black acrylic paint, and black tiles accented with a few shimmering clear ones. Simple, modern, clean. I was so proud of this beauty. 

Question: And finally, what does "believing in art" mean to you?

Rachel: "Believing in Art", in its simplest form, is wanting to continue creating. I love putting paint to canvas. I love the satisfaction that comes when other people see beauty in what I've done. It makes me feel a little less alone in what I find pleasing to the eye.

Thank you Rachel for this insightful look at your artistic journey.

Rachel's paintings are available through her Etsy shop.

Would you like to be featured in an upcoming "I Believe In Artists" interview post?  Send an email with a link to where your art can be seen (website, etsy shop, social media, etc.) as well as your answer to the question "What does believing in art mean to you?" to mail@ibelieveinart.com for consideration.

Until next time, happy creating!

Peace, Love & Art,

Victoria