By Barb Walker
I grew up in the ‘60s. Now much later in my life I often take a journey back to those sweetest of voices and some of the best music that was and still is part of the soundtrack of my life (it’s such a good line I had to use it).
Somehow I recently stumbled upon an interview with Art Garfunkel. Excellent read.
Garfunkel: “I took my singing voice as a lucky rabbit’s foot and built it into my identity at age five. I was a singer to myself. My best friend in life was my voice, and we went everywhere together. Every doorway into every room of strangers I sang to myself as I crossed the threshold. In that moment of insecurity – who are these people, what will they think of me? – I hummed.
Barb Walker, Double Date, 7×12 in., oil on linen
At a very young age, I felt a little touched. I knew that God gave me this lucky gift in my throat, and I stayed connected to God through it. Strong words, but how true. I never ripped it up, never drank Southern Comfort. I practiced and stayed responsible to the gift. This voice is my connection to the larger powers, and it’s been magical.”
How many of us can relate to the intimate way Art spoke when he referred to his voice? The line that really jumped out to me is: “I practiced and stayed responsible to the gift.”
Yep. I’ll sure never be famous, and even if I had a tenth of his voice I’m way too shy to get up in front of people and sing! But I do have a passion about art. Love looking at it, thinking about it, reading about it, learning from others about it and even collecting it.
Barb Walker, Acadia Day, 9×12 in. oil on linen
Creating art often has a bit of ebb and flow to it. We all know that life is big and sometimes simply busy or possibly overwhelming, requiring our time and attention. I’m reminded that it is important to find ways to practice and stay responsible to making art even during those stretches.
However. Having recently found myself caught in a torrent of one of life’s dust storms I can say sometimes we just have to lay our art down. Handle life and those we love well. Rest. Nurture yourself so that you can nurture others. There will come days again when you make your way back to the easel if even for a few minutes or hours. And you will find it. You will.
Rock on.
Reference: Class, J. (2023) Art Garfunkel, The Complete Interview:
Thoughts On An Iconic Career. Forbes.com. Aug 24, 2023)
Barb Walker is a plein air painter dedicated to capturing “those fleeting gifts in the busyness of life” that stop us in our tracks and remind us to stay present and alive to the moment. She takes
Regular trips to Cape Cod and the coast of Maine, where she finds endless subjects for painting between the ocean, the coast, the villages, roads, beaches, and meadows. Barb is a signature Member of the American Impressionist Society and an Associate Member of the Oil Painters of America.
Barb Walker, Camden Library by the Sea, 9×12 in., oil
Use These Three P’s to Perpetuate Your Progress!
Alain J. Picard, First Light, pastel 6×8 in.
By Alain J. Picard
Fear is a common denominator that we all face, myself included. It’s how you respond to the fear that defines you. You can be resourceful and activate a plan to overcome intimidation and make consistent progress. You are only one step away from moving forward on your journey!
Use these three P’s to activate your mission:
PURPOSE – Gain clarity about your personal motivation for showing up as an artist. What is your big “why”? This is the dream inside of you that motivates you to create. Write it down in a special journal. This will give you much needed clarity and resilience for your journey ahead. Then read it every day. When your purpose is anchored, you become an artist on a mission.
PREPARE – Now it’s time to prepare your creative space and gather the materials you need to get to work. This could be a corner in your living room or a plein air easel packed and ready in the car. Maybe it’s finally time to convert that extra bedroom into a studio. Prepare your creative space. This is not frivolous. An artist needs a base of operations to flourish.
PLAN – Now get out your calendar. Be realistic about your creative goals and give them priority in your schedule. Carve out a regular weekly time to practice your creativity. This will serve you well in the days ahead. Plan your creative schedule intentionally to ensure that you are ready to show up regularly and do the work. Share your calendar with loved ones who will help you protect this time from other demands.
Alain J. Picard, Wonder, pastel 16×20 in.
With a clear purpose, a prepared space, and a schedule to practice your art, you are activating a plan to turn your dreams into reality. You have no idea the impact this will have on your personal well-being and creative fulfillment, not to mention the world around you.
Your art matters, friend. This world truly needs the unique expression of beauty that you have to offer. Don’t put it off another day. Do one thing today to turn your creative dreams into reality. Be inspired!
Alain J. Picard is one of 25 of today’s leading pastel artists (from 15+ countries!) who will be sharing what they do to succeed at Pastel Live, an online event that just might end up immersing you in the most important three days you’ll ever invest in yourself and in your art.
Alain and his artist peers will help you drastically improve your skills by demonstrating the methods and techniques that have taken them years to master.
Pastel Live is September 18 – 20, 2024. More information is available here.
