Saying no

One of the most useful tools for simplifying my life has been to develop the ability to say no.

This is hard because there is always something that needs to be done, someone who needs help, a good cause, etc.

I have tried many “approaches” from saying no all the time to saying yes way too much. What I have learned that works for me is to parcel out my yeses to keep balance in my life. It is difficult, because I want to say yes, but when I say yes and I mean no, I do two things: I put myself in a position of not being able to help without stressing myself (and ultimately others) and, I take up an opportunity for someone else to say yes.

Another lesson is: I don’t have to do everything and things will get done without me doing them. So I say no…more than I say yes.

With this in mind, I am blogging less as well. Usually once a week on Mondays. Thanks for reading.

Just hold on

Just hold on
Oil on canvas
36″ x 40″
© Constance Humphries 2009

Artist Interview – Cindy Walton

Artist interviews – a monthly series intended to highlight the life and art of a contemporary artist.

CINDY WALTON
Painter

+1 ::: When did you first realize you were an artist?
I guess it hit me about 12 years ago. I decided to go back to school and brush up on some skills. I decided I needed to take myself seriously or get out of the classroom. At that point I actually began to call myself an artist.

+2 ::: Tell us about your work?
I’m a painter. I like to push paint around. My work tends to be energized with color and marks. A friend calls it “torment”, I think it’s just the way my mind works when I create. I wish at times I could be more “restful” but that’s not who I am. By the way I’m not tormented.

I am presently working in a contemporary landscape series titled, “Internal Landscapes”. Some may call it abstract but there is definitely recognizable subject. I have observed over the years that I enjoy environments and how the subject is placed in the environment. I decided to take a look at the environment in which I live and visit. I incorporate shape and colors to develop my own world.

Down by the River
oil on canvas
12″ x 12″

+3 ::: How did you find your voice/subject/process?
I find my voice in a great sunset or watching how light falls across the mountains. I like to look at God’s creation.

+4 ::: Which artists have influenced you, and how?

Let’s see, presently Georgia O’Keefe, Richard Diebenkorn, Joan Mitchell. They interpret their environments differently but there is innovation and energy in each of their paintings. I especially like the marks Diebenkorn and Mitchell make with their brushes and paint. There is a sense of freedom or spontaneity. I know that the gestural quality is created by the artist through lots of work and paint. This quality encourages me to keep on painting.

+5 ::: What do you do for fun (besides creating art)?
I enjoy working in our yard and spending time with my husband. We have two grown daughters so when they are around I spend lots of time with them. I read a good bit and like to check out Johnny Penland’s auction on Fri nights searching for cool stuff for the house. Travel is one of my favorite things to do but I don’t get to do it as often as I like.

Sojourn
oil on canvas
36″ x 40″

+6 ::: What inspires you to create art and how do you keep motivated when things get tough in the studio?
A couple of things: First, I have been allowed a second chance at being an artist and I feel it’s a true blessing from God. With His strength I go back to the studio when things are hard. Second, I have some great friends, artists, non artists and family who encourage me to get in that studio. Third, I just have to paint! It may not make sense what I’m doing but sooner or later something will emerge.

+7 ::: How have you handled the business side of being an artist?
I hate the business side of being an artist as do many other artists, I’m sure. It is something we need to do if we are to pay the bills. I feel that I am slowly getting the hang of things, especially with exposure to Internet marketing. There is a huge learning curve I have to tackle. A lot of the business is networking and getting your name out there, which I enjoy.

Pathways
Oil on canvas
30″x30″

+8 ::: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Making art!!!! Truly, I want to develop an artistic style that the public would see as being uniquely Cindy Walton. So, I must work constantly and as close to everyday when possible.

+9 ::: What’s the best and worst parts of being an artist?
The best part is living my dream. The worst is putting myself (the work) out for public comment.

+10 ::: What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?
Work as often as possible. I’d like to say I paint everyday but life gets in the way. You just have to keep working on a consistent bases. The other thing is don’t take yourself too seriously and “Have Fun”.

For more about Cindy Walton, visit her website: cindywalton.com

Is it nice there?

Is it nice there?
Oil on canvas
30″ x 30″
© Constance Humphries 2009

The critique – getting feedback

I routinely ask for feedback from artists I admire and trust. In return I am asked for my feedback on their work. I find both the getting and the giving invaluable to my process.

For me what makes a critique useful is that it comes from someone who can put aside her own aesthetic and put herself in my place. Doing this necessitates being able to see things from my perspective and understand what my aim is.

When I give a critique, I always ask what the artistic goals and problems are. Then I can enter into a dialogue with the maker about composition, color, other formal elements, as well as the conceptual ideas the artist is working with.

A good critique is worth seeking out good people to give it. And being able to give useful feedback not only serves my colleagues, but it serves my own work as it gives me the opportunity to practice seeing critically.

Mine

Mine
Oil on canvas
40″ x 40″
© Constance Humphries 2009

Studio stroll

More information

She is nowhere

She is nowhere
Oil on canvas
36″ x 36″
© Constance Humphries 2009

It’s that kind of a day…

Me and the dogs…sometimes, you gotta take a break!

My studio

This is Genie Maples’ studio in the Cotton Mill building in the River Arts District. I rent space here. I am lucky to have such a wonderful place to work!