Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Healing Tea


Healing Tea
6" x 8"
Oil Painting 
by Cynthia Rowland
$250

The last few weeks have not left me much time to paint. I went to an Art Business Workshop in Denver hosted by Alyson Stanfield, Art Biz Coach. It was a fabulous two days and I got so much from her presentations. I would highly recommend the workshop if you can make your way to Denver next year. I believe she said the workshop would be in November of 2014. She offers so much and she is all about helping artists and their businesses. Alyson's website is http://www.artbizcoach.com/

When I got home, I came down with the flu, and am still under the weather. My friend and fellow painter, Ming Franz gave me a good Chinese recipe for the flu:

1. Ginger: peel the skin and slice in small pieces, cook in 3 cups of water for a half hour
2. Turn the fire off, add lemon juice and a slice of apple and pear and black tea
3. Cover for a half hour
4. When the water is warm or cool put honey in it.

It seems to be helping!

I painted this before I left for Denver. The blue and white teapot comes from my mother-in-law and I never tire of painting it. Who doesn't love blue and white? In fact, she gave me quite a collection of blue and white before she passed on. Somehow, getting sick and then with Ming's recipe for her healing tea seemed the appropriate time to post the painting. The paining is available at http://www.dailypaintworks.com/Artists/cynthia-rowland-4009

Saturday, October 5, 2013

The War of Art


 

I am a bookaholic. I love books. My husband is so patient with all the books I have scattered over our home.  I heard about the War of Art by Steven Pressfield, ordered it and this book really is a kick in the pants. We all have fear and uncertainty when it comes to our art. I've heard it said discomfort is an indication of growth. If that is the case, I must be growing quite a bit lately!

The War of Art is made up of three parts:
Book One - The Resistance\Defining the Enemy
Overcoming resistance, the enemy of our mind.

Book Two - Combating Resistance/Turning Pro
Showing up, staying on the job while making the commitment over the long haul.

Book Three - Beyond Resistance/The Higher Realm
Approaching the mystery of creation and invoking the muses.

These are battles we must win in order to succeed! I liked the metaphor, because I become motivated when I can name my enemy. I think it's one of the best books I've read on overcoming creative blocks and obstacles and I highly recommend it! I love sharing books! Let me know if you discover a great book! I'd love to hear about it!