Sometimes being an artist can feel hard, while other times it can feel inspiring and joyful. In trying to keep things more the latter, I try to keep the following five points in mind. All of them are available at anytime and there is no cost involved. I believe they all contribute significantly to building buoyancy, productivity and joy in one’s art practice.
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.
2 Be Generous
Be useful and helpful to other artists. Do not be concerned with being secretive about your art. No one can make work like yours if you are being authentic.
3 Stay Connected
Your success, energetically, financially and even spiritually is directly connected to those that support and follow your artistic journey. Never lose connection with those that express interest and resonate with what you are doing. Cherish them.
Your art is a visual expression of your authenticity. - Nicholas Wilton Share on X4 Be Discerning
It takes a tremendous amount of life energy and optimism to sustain your creativity. Do not spill any of it on people or situations that you already know are not in alignment with your art or you. Conserve all your energy for situations and people who support what you are doing.
5 Remain Exceptional
Your artwork is a visual expression of your authenticity. To have the courage to listen and show what is within you to the outside world is rare and tremendously brave. Making your art makes you feel more alive but also has the same effect on others. This is why people will desire and, even sometimes, buy your Art. Your art, if it is authentic reminds them of their aliveness. Your art is your gift to the world and you are the only one who will ever be able to create it. It is simply an opportunity of a lifetime.
Keeping these 5 points in mind will help keep your art and you steadily on course. In the end it might not be about arriving at any particular place with your work but more importantly how it felt as you journeyed towards it.
What guides you in your work? How do you keep yourself inspired?
In gratitude, Nicholas
29 Comments
Hi! I’m
Nicholas Wilton
the founder of Art2Life.
With over 20 years experience as a working artist and educator, I’ve developed a systematic approach that brings authenticity, spontaneity and joy back into the creative process.
Join me and artists from all over the world in our Free Art2Life Artists Facebook Group or learn more here about Art2Life.
OMG Have I told you lately that I love You ???
Thank you every day.
I work in solitude. Many many hours a day. Five days a week. I have a show..possibly 2 in a year. I am in 2 galleries and sell fairly good. I paint my heart . Sometimes you need to remind yourself that the authentic art is really what people respond to. Not always with their wallet but certainly with their heart. I have to paint whether it sells or not. I love your posts. They remind me who I am and why I do it.
Excellent points. I am going to keep these front and center! Thank you as always Nicholas.
Great tips and philosophy. I am printing this out to keep it by my desk! I am a fashion designer, these tips apply to all artists! Thank you for the beautiful words.
Shawnelle (plf)
Good advice. You are doing all this, and it’s inspiring .
I particularly like point number four. It’s so easy to get distracted by people or activities that are not in our best creative interest.
Nice. Thank you!
Thanks especially for the line, “Making your art makes you feel more alive, but also has the same effect on others.” To me, that is the key purpose, transmitting energy. Even ancient art objects transmit energy to us and communicate aliveness. Art generates an excitement that is picked up by others and plants the seed of an idea, an urge to create, too.
Thank you, Nicholas! I’m going to print your precious advice and paste it in my studio! It is great advice to all artists whether they are new at it or been creating for a long time. We sometimes get lost in the woods and your five points are like guiding lights along the way. I appreciate your generosity and enthusiasm and beautiful spirit! You truly practice what you preach. 🙂
As always, timely, focused and totally valuable wisdom. Thank you, Nick.
Just returned from a 2 week break and struggling to get back into painting. Just before I left, I had to have my beloved dog put down, he was only 6. I’ve painted my grief, painted my separation anxiety and now need to think about painting for an exhibition again. Your words are perfect. Thank you from the bottom of my deeply sad heart. So, so helpful. I am very grateful indeed. I will read those 5 inspiring lessons daily. Xx
So sorry for your loss. Be gentle with yourself and look for him where he is now. x
Ellen, thank you so much for your kindness. Xx
Ellen, your thoughtful words resonated and I’ve painted this which has soothed my soul. Thanks again. Xx
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Great blog thank you! Really helped. I meditate everyday which helps soooooo much. And the ocean is a Hughe inspiration for me.x
Great blog thank you! Really helped. I meditate everyday which helps soooooo much. And the ocean is a Hughe inspiration for me.x
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Lovely & inspiring words. This is poster worthy! Thank you.
Great points. I get my inspiration from the nature and any model sessions. It is a jump start only! My heart guides my work. I do not worry what others have to say good or bad. My inner force drives my art and I feel confident that one day it will take me where I really want to go with my art. It is authentic alright!
Good points all. Thank you. Learning from others, learning from practice, allowing for and being open to inspiration which can come from just about anywhere.
Thank you for these profoundly astute words. So helpful.
Juanita
Thank you!
Amen and thank you so much.,
These five points are a great reminder to come back to the center of who we are. Thank you.
Being in nature inspires me most. Today your words were the inspiration. Thank you
Thank you … I was sceptical to begin with about you but I must admit I am endlessly inspired by you and your words … Thank you <3
Many different things inspire me … world events , something I have read, nature … etc .
Thank you Nicholas for your generous sharing of art and heart felt thoughts. Your presence is a gift.
Best wishes
I need to inscribe these “on the tables of my heart.”
I tend to lack confidence although have been told my paintings are powerful ..I have become a more secretive artist as it so difficult to get into galleries in my part of the world… but these words – gifts of yours so resonate with me … i keep coming back to them … and because of them have now created a folder of everything you send to us and I will go back to it time and time again .. After a year or so of no painting , I paint sometimes … I have not got great health and have two teenagers so not always possible … I am going away shortly but next time may post something and ask for help as it is a painting I was not satisfied with and now I am stuck and it doesn’t look right
maybe I should have stuck to the original one – ha !😁