As I have journeyed down my life's path, there have been many offshoots along the way. The choice is of course our own, and the outcome can be surprising and life changing.
One such life changing path that has influenced me greatly is WLS (wieght loss surgery); in conjuction with diet and exercise. I have lost over 75 lbs in the past year and have dropped 12 dress sizes.
This has given me so much more energy; confidence and increased health benefits that all areas of my life are improving. My insulin (type 1 Diabetic) has dropped over 60 % -- that is huge! My Doctor's are overjoyed to say the least.
This increase in energy has helped me with my art, in the sense that I now have more energy to paint; have more drive and focus; can and do arrange photo shoots; field trips; and the will to try new things.
Not only trying new things in art, but life in general.
Don't be afraid to tackle anything and everything.
Don't hide behind inexperience and excuses.
Life is waiting to be lived.
Art is demanding to be painted.
Hugs,
Angela

What inhibits you? What is it that steers us off course, that we need to recognize to avoid and stay on our path?

A simple answer would be to say LIFE. Yes that about sums it all up in one word.

We know what we want and we set our goals (long and short term) to try to get to our goal. But who really knows what life is going to throw in your way. Try to prepare for as many obstacles as you can predict.

Think of our passion for something we like to do.

For me it is painting, along with coffee! LOL! I certainly make time to have a coffee and hopefully with a friend so I can chatter away at the same time. So why not paint with a friend or two, with a coffee on the side. You then will accomplish three of the things that you enjoy in a lot less time than you otherwise would of. With the added bonus of sharing ideas and knowledge to increase your personal and artistic growth.

In order for me to accomplish my goal of painting I need to find the time to do it. The best thing is to write it down on  your calendar. That means SCHEDULE it into your busy week. Just like going to the gym, if it isn't written down, it isn't happening!

Now find your own Space. This can be difficult for some of us, with all the knicknack's (junk) we collect. I have had to purge some rooms in my home in order to create a space of my own that I can retreat to and paint. If this is not possible for you, find a large container that you can keep all your supplies you will need in. This makes it easier for you when you are ready to paint, all you have to do is haul out one thing to your space of choice (kitchen table).

Now we can probably find a lot more roadblocks. One for me is PAIN. I certainly don't wish this on anyone, but I am not going to let it stop me. I make sure I take some medication prior to starting my project. I wear supportive arm bands and alternate hot/cold if it gets bad.  I could just curl up and do nothing, but why? My desire to paint out weighs the pressure of the pain. My attitude says I won't let it control me, I will do what I wish to when I wish to do it.

Now find your INSPIRATION. It is all around us. Capture each moment in time in any way and medium you wish. My preference is oil, although I do love watercolors as well as a few other mediums. We need to preserve the moment, before time passes us by. Catch the mischief in your child's smile; the busy bee on a fall flower; paint your portrait self imposed before we age and cannot see, what truly is meant to be.

PERSEVERE. If we stick with it, it will become a finished piece of work. Rarely do I throw something out. Learn from your mistakes. Figure out how to fix them, you will be amazed at the results.

Enjoy what life throws at you. You will become a stronger person and artist by dealing with these trials and succeeding. Even when we fail, as long as we have tried we grow.

Hugs and Happy Painting!
Angela