Balance

A variety of tints can change the mood, as well as the interest evoked, in any image.

Competition

"The only competition worthy of a wise man is with himself."

~ Anna Jameson (1797-1860)

Entering contests is one of my favorite things to do. Challenge (whether personal or public) pushes me outside the box and offers the opportunity to take risks, to stretch and run the distance. When entering any competition, remember the other entrants are not your concern. What matters is that you do the best you can with the skills you have. Simply do your best. So, if an opportunity presents itself, Go For It. Take the chance. Enjoy the rush of adrenaline and... Be proud of yourself. You did it. You jumped in. You asked to be judged and accepted the outcome. (Also, if you do not win...study the winning entry. What can you learn from from the winner? What can you do to be better at what you do?)

Through competitions (with self and others) we strive, learn and grow. When things are easy, we coast. The toughest and most powerfully remembered lessons are learned through experience and adversity. Adversity and challenge teach us discernment.

Today: Challenge yourself. Create something new. Then...stand back detached (be an observer) and view the results. Be honest with yourself. See what you could do better and also look for what you like. Give yourself a critique seasoned with praise. Both are necessary for balance.

Artist's Day Out

Creative folks ride a roller coaster car filled with either a plethora of ideas or a void. Both ends of the spectrum are important. Balance lies somewhere in between. Achieving balance on a regular basis has eluded me. After putting out words and images, my mind shuts down. Where did I put those signs?

Out of Order

Closed For Repairs

or perhaps

Gone Shopping?

Today is my Artist's Day Out...

Time to Refresh, Rejuvenate and Refill Myself.

"Nature abhors a vacuum." ~ Aristotle