I love lollygagging. You know, not having to be cracking the whip at work, pushed by production. But instead, letting projects blossom in between morning meditation, coffee, research on pinterest and maybe a load of laundry. Things that some might consider “idle time”. But really, this idle time is the space in which the heart needs to be heard.

You sometimes have to go to your studio to get the ideas flowing, even when you don’t know what you’re doing.

I’ve been working on the 2017 Ouray Ice Festival painting. They’ll use the painting for all of their promotional materials, and well, I’m a great fit because I spent ten years avidly ice climbing, in a former life.

During this creative process, I was waiting for a vision to appear in my head of what this painting would be –which is usually how my paintings start – I see it or part of it in my mind. For this piece, I looked at a lot of art and ideas and ice climbing photos to get inspired, but it had been several weeks and the deadline was coming closer and still nothing. Hmmm…

Last time I did the Ouray Ice Fest poster, I just knew what I wanted to do and BAM– I painted Skelly and it was awesome and fun and a fantastic process.

The Ouray Ice Festiveal – January, 19th- 22nd for the 22nd in Ouray, Colorado

But long story short I FINALLY SAW IT! Just this week the image came to me, and I ordered supplies and I have it all laid out and know exactly what I’m going to do. I AM SO EXCITED! So stay tuned for some original ice climbing art coming atcha in the next two weeks.

It just goes to show, that the seed of art is really the enthusiasm for an idea you have. If it comes from the heart it has so much power and energy behind it. And it’s hard to paint or create anything worthwhile if your heart’s not behind it. I know you also have to just go to your studio and paint sometimes, to get the ideas flowing, even when you don’t know what you’re doing. Yes, yes – paint and draw and doodle whenever you can. Don’t let too much space happen in between your art and your art. Keep it flowing. That’s the key.

But for assignment work, and I’ve been doing assignment work for a very long time, it’s really important for the idea to appear in my head first. AND NOW I’M ON FIRE! Off to a BMX State Finals weekend for my son, and then Monday – look out art studio!