Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy New Year!

Growing up I have always been told "you have a God given talent". I always thought that to be true. However, as I have grown older and especially in the past year, I feel that that phrase needs to be defined a bit. I would put it this way, "God has given me a desire or a passion in my heart". Its not something that is just handed over to me. Sure, I may think differently than another person as I use the right side of my brain (the creative or visual side) and another may use the left side more. That may be God given. The "talent" or passion has to be nurtured, kind of like a spark that needs to be kindled so it can grow into a fire. I am not going to get better and improve by sitting on the couch. It takes a lot of hard work and careful study.

Last year my New Years resolution was to nurture my passion for art. The desire was strong, I just needed to make time for it. The solution was to turn off the tv. By doing that, painting every day and starting this blog, I have learned and improved my skill tremendously. I have also learned how much my talent was fading and that I had so much to learn and improve on. Looking back to my first blog post to my last post I am excited about the improvement.

My New Year resolution for 2012 is to continue my journey as an artist and paint my heart out. I want to be the best I can be and the only way to do that is to practice and paint until I can't paint anymore. I am looking forward to 2012 and I hope you all have a happy and healthy new year.



First painting



Latest painting

9 comments:

  1. Such a thoughtful post Brad ...not to mention the beautiful apples! I agree, it takes the desire we're given and a lot of work!

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  2. This is a perfect post for the new year. When you look back at all the people who achieved great things in their fields, the one thing they have in common is the drive and the dedication to work really hard and push themselves beyond their limits without ever stopping. Sounds like you are going to do that! I look forward to seeing your work this year!

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  3. Thank you Katherine! I am looking forward to seeing your paintings and progress too!

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  4. Hai Brad. First; a happy 2012! I had the same; I quit playing computergames and now paint every day. Some people told me I made progress, but I'm still strugling with my style.
    I think you sure made progress and the most beautiful thing is; you see it yourself!!

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  5. Thanks Renate! I appreciate that. I do think you have made much progress in your painting. You have a wonderful blog and I like how you show your progress. The secret is to keep it up.

    I am also trying to build a style of my own. For a while I was even questioning acrylics. The more and more I paint the more my concerns are answered.

    I am sure your style will find you and I am looking forward to watching your blog.

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  6. That's really fun to see first and most recent! Wonderful work, both.

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  7. I loved this post, seeing where you've been and where you are now. It was partly encouraging (I'm just starting out with painting, trying to teach myself) and partly discouraging because you were so good to begin with!

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    1. Thank you Frances!

      I just looked at your blog and you are doing some wonderful work! The fact that you are painting every day and are passionate about it can only end in success. Keep it up. Do some research on other artists and their work. One artist that I have learned a lot from is Roger Bansemer. He is listed in the inspiring artists portion of my blog.

      I am looking forward to watching your progress Frances.

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