Oh, the comparison game - it's always a struggle to not get too caught up in it. It's human nature to compare ourselves to others I guess. But your statement: "Comparing ourselves to others cuts short our enjoyment of life and thus diminishes self-care" is so true!
I know I shouldn't compare myself to other authors, but... I guess it's okay to compare if you're doing it as a way to motivate or inspire yourself. And, of course, if you want to learn from the expertise of others. If you can compare without the competition aspect, I think it's okay. But therein lies the challenge.
As an indie author, I remind myself all the time that it's not about how many readers I connect with at all. It's about the connections I do make with the readers I have. And social media, don't get me started on that comparison game. Ugh.
I like the changes you made to Grasses and Mountains. Good for you for making them even after signing your name. And I love the winter scape. The trees are just stunning. And yes, that plane exhaust is a nice touch for sure. Not sure how you thought of that!
Thank you, Nancy, for your thoughtful, insightful comment. Avoiding comparisons is easier said than done. In a way, it takes discipline to shut out the distractions of the mind caused by the comparison game. And social media is important but it often leads to anxiety on my end. I try to take it in and then shut it out. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Beth, what a wonderful posting today! I absolutely agree, there is room for everyone to creatively express themselves in the world without feeling daunted and shut down by comparing themselves to others. Staying motivated and inspired by the work of others is the key to moving forward. And I loved watching Bob Ross paint when I was growing up—a total joy!
Thank you so much, Gerry. You used the words "shut down" and yes, that's what happens when others critique our work. There's room for feedback, but none for criticism, the latter of which cripples.
The way you feel about Bob Ross and his steadiness is the way I feel about you. Beth. Main-stream culture has us believing in this fast paced life style, which may fit for some but not all.
I had the pleasure of witnessing an artist creating a piece of work at the lake yesterday. We frequent the lake often but to see this guy, probably younger than me, participating in such a beautiful scene touched my heart. It never crossed my mind as an option to partake in art this way. I am very happy to acknowledge that this is an option in life.
Hi Kristy, thank you so much for your comment and high compliment about how you feel about me. Thank you again! It's wonderful to watch someone creating a piece of art; it's a gift to witness it. Thank you so much for your kind words about my art. Like I tell my daughter, it's vital to do one's best. After that is achieved, it is time to let go and get the test or paper grade. I appreciate your readership and comment.
I love love love your winter scape. Great trees. The jet mark in the sky is awesome, it draws your eye up to that part of the painting. And I’m glad you were able to alter your painting post-signing. One of the mistakes I make with acrylics is signing and photographing my painting and then varnishing it before I get away from it for a while. I can always find things to fix, but you can’t fix it after you varnish it!
As far as comparison goes, you are right! There is no stone tablet with art rules on it, anything goes, and every artist belongs. When I go to galleries and see other artists’ work, I try to learn while admiring their work. Back when I first started painting over 20 years ago I once had someone
- a frenemy who is also no longer in my life- say, “don’t quit your day job” but she was serious and said it in a nasty way. Keep on going! You are on the right track!
Alene, thank you for your kind words on my winter scape. I had so much fun drawing the trees and jet smoke. Yes, once art is varnished, it's too late. We all make mistakes, and it is a good idea to step away from a painting for awhile before varnishing. I think one of these days I'm going to write a post showing paintings pre-varnish and how much better they look post-varnish. I'm slow at varnishing because oil painting is slooooow. I want to varnish several paintings at a time.
It's interesting -- I first started painting about 20 years ago, too! We have a lot in common. I love that art has no rules. Your frenemy was nasty, and I'm glad you no longer have her in your life. People need to shut up instead of being so critical.
Hi Beth,
Oh, the comparison game - it's always a struggle to not get too caught up in it. It's human nature to compare ourselves to others I guess. But your statement: "Comparing ourselves to others cuts short our enjoyment of life and thus diminishes self-care" is so true!
I know I shouldn't compare myself to other authors, but... I guess it's okay to compare if you're doing it as a way to motivate or inspire yourself. And, of course, if you want to learn from the expertise of others. If you can compare without the competition aspect, I think it's okay. But therein lies the challenge.
As an indie author, I remind myself all the time that it's not about how many readers I connect with at all. It's about the connections I do make with the readers I have. And social media, don't get me started on that comparison game. Ugh.
I like the changes you made to Grasses and Mountains. Good for you for making them even after signing your name. And I love the winter scape. The trees are just stunning. And yes, that plane exhaust is a nice touch for sure. Not sure how you thought of that!
Thank you, Nancy, for your thoughtful, insightful comment. Avoiding comparisons is easier said than done. In a way, it takes discipline to shut out the distractions of the mind caused by the comparison game. And social media is important but it often leads to anxiety on my end. I try to take it in and then shut it out. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Beth, what a wonderful posting today! I absolutely agree, there is room for everyone to creatively express themselves in the world without feeling daunted and shut down by comparing themselves to others. Staying motivated and inspired by the work of others is the key to moving forward. And I loved watching Bob Ross paint when I was growing up—a total joy!
Thank you so much, Gerry. You used the words "shut down" and yes, that's what happens when others critique our work. There's room for feedback, but none for criticism, the latter of which cripples.
The way you feel about Bob Ross and his steadiness is the way I feel about you. Beth. Main-stream culture has us believing in this fast paced life style, which may fit for some but not all.
I had the pleasure of witnessing an artist creating a piece of work at the lake yesterday. We frequent the lake often but to see this guy, probably younger than me, participating in such a beautiful scene touched my heart. It never crossed my mind as an option to partake in art this way. I am very happy to acknowledge that this is an option in life.
PS- Your art is stunning!
Hi Kristy, thank you so much for your comment and high compliment about how you feel about me. Thank you again! It's wonderful to watch someone creating a piece of art; it's a gift to witness it. Thank you so much for your kind words about my art. Like I tell my daughter, it's vital to do one's best. After that is achieved, it is time to let go and get the test or paper grade. I appreciate your readership and comment.
I love love love your winter scape. Great trees. The jet mark in the sky is awesome, it draws your eye up to that part of the painting. And I’m glad you were able to alter your painting post-signing. One of the mistakes I make with acrylics is signing and photographing my painting and then varnishing it before I get away from it for a while. I can always find things to fix, but you can’t fix it after you varnish it!
As far as comparison goes, you are right! There is no stone tablet with art rules on it, anything goes, and every artist belongs. When I go to galleries and see other artists’ work, I try to learn while admiring their work. Back when I first started painting over 20 years ago I once had someone
- a frenemy who is also no longer in my life- say, “don’t quit your day job” but she was serious and said it in a nasty way. Keep on going! You are on the right track!
Alene, thank you for your kind words on my winter scape. I had so much fun drawing the trees and jet smoke. Yes, once art is varnished, it's too late. We all make mistakes, and it is a good idea to step away from a painting for awhile before varnishing. I think one of these days I'm going to write a post showing paintings pre-varnish and how much better they look post-varnish. I'm slow at varnishing because oil painting is slooooow. I want to varnish several paintings at a time.
It's interesting -- I first started painting about 20 years ago, too! We have a lot in common. I love that art has no rules. Your frenemy was nasty, and I'm glad you no longer have her in your life. People need to shut up instead of being so critical.