Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Show Yourself

One of the artists whose blogs I follow is Nicholas Wilton, who recently wrote a post entitled 5 Ways to Thrive as an Artist. The first way:

1 Show Yourself
Show yourself. Let people see what you have made. Show your enthusiasm generated by your art. In return you will receive additional energy and illuminating feedback that will help sustain your momentum from those around you.
One of the best things I've done since opening the door to painting three years ago is to let people see what I've made. I started my blog in 2015 and started posting to Instagram a few months ago. I made the decision to put the good, the bad, and the ugly out there where others can see it, and I've never regretted the decision.

Admittedly, some days I hesitate or grimace before pressing 'publish' but I always go ahead anyway and often get a surge of energy from the sheer recklessness of doing so!

A huge gift, as Wilton points out, is the additional energy and illuminating feedback I get as a result of sharing. I meet terrific people around the world, learn in ways that fit my self-directed learning style, see amazing and unamazing art, feel abundantly supported and encouraged, and am nourished beyond measure.

Today I "show myself" enthusiastically via a little piece painted in the spirit of my current don't-have-much-time have-to-work-fast modus operandi. Had so much fun! You might notice if you look closely that, small as it is, it has already been cut in two. I'll take a few additional minutes on subsequent days to complete each half.

tiny art
quick art
work in progress



10 comments:

carol edan said...

I see a lot of energy in this small piece! Busy but it has lots of connecting features. The black scribbles, the echo of the purple and red shapes, and of course the masses of orange. Awaiting to see how this will work out! I also love Wilton's blog.

dotty seiter: now playing said...

Thanks for your energy-generating, illuminating feedback, Carol! I appreciate your attention to the visual language of this piece. It was such a fun piece to play with, very spontaneous, quick, intuitive, and satisfying.

Lola (Jen Jovan) said...

You've introduced me to a new artist! Yay! I look forward to following him. SHOW YOURSELF is the hardest thing for many artists, and I am SO happy that you do! Your pieces bring energy and illumination to me every day. There is such joy and curiosity in your art. And this piece! It sparkles with fun!

dotty seiter: now playing said...

Wilton has informed my painting life in a lovely, quiet way through his blog posts. Enjoy.

Well, I'm glad I SHOW MYSELF because it was in doing so in Leslie Saeta's Jan 2017 challenge that I discovered you and your life-enhancing malarkey! So many gifts : )

Thank you for your kind encouraging feedback above!

And a happy day to you, Jen.

Simone said...

Hi Dotty,
I am so happy too you started sharing your work! I completely agree. Showing your work is important, frightening, it helps you grow as a person and as an artist. It makes you proud of the things you do. And the best of all: you get to know the most amazing people! Thanks for coming in my painting life and supporting me all the way!

dotty seiter: now playing said...

Three cheers to both of us for showing ourselves online through our art! One of the best decisions I ever made. And three cheers to both of us for keeping the vital connection alive for over two years and transatlantically.

Janet Bradish said...

Great post Dotty! I discovered Nicolas Wilton a couple of years ago and find his thoughts on art so insightful. Yes...the good, the bad and the ugly. Somehow once it's 'out there' it feels good. Thanks again! AND.....happy painting!!

dotty seiter: now playing said...

Thanks, Janet. I love learning about art in little bits and pieces as the need arises or as discovery presents itself. Happy painting to you, too!

Sheila said...

A new artist, YAY, thank you Dotty :) I lOVE this. There is energy, and warth. A bit of open arms comfort in the purples. The lines make me think map-trip-adventure! And the black!!!! That black is Tigger bouncing around JOYously and with wild abandon! And you know the most wonderful thing about Tigger's don't you? Tigger's are lots of fun. And so is the Acclaimed Artist Dotty Seiter!
I think I see two faces, one a bunny, or person with hair blown back. And one looking up a bit, ear, eye, nostrils. LOL

dotty seiter: now playing said...

Sheila, indeed: the wonderful thing about Tiggers is Tiggers are wonderful things! Clearly, the bouncy carefree joy I felt in painting this start was contagious and has you bouncing around, too. Thank you for all the playful-in-kind feedback on what you see here. You've got a terrific eye.

Post a Comment