Dear young(er) artist...

Dear young(er) artist, 

At mid-life, I teeter on a blurry line between my youthful past and the golden years ahead. In this moment I'd like to pass on a simple mantra, artists make art.  I heard it uttered by an art teacher as a kid, but didn't really get it until recently.  In 2010 when I decided to make art my work, stepping outside the daily lines of work wasn't easy. After taking an intense sketchbook studio course in 2014, I learned to value the work of sketching as a productive art-making process.

No matter where you are between young and old, begin with a good hardcover sketchbook. Gather basic art supplies: pencils, pens, markers, pastels, paints, etc. ...and tape, glue, whatever else you'd like to experiment with.  Then, consider these starting tips:

• Explore new sources for ideas such as murals & street art, museums & galleries, shops & storefronts, books & magazines, etc. 
• ​Observe with all your senses. For example, translate the sound of waves using lines, colors, shapes, texture, etc.
• Put pencil (pen, marker, pastels...) to paper.
• If it looks messy, look at it again; continue sketching until it's finished.
• Make new marks, drips, smudges and mistakes; use erasers sparingly.
• Draw freely. If you must, copy as a learning technique somewhere else.
• Keep working: start a new page.
• Own your work: sign and date each page (and eventual canvas, sculpture, art-work). 
• Learn from other artists but never copy their work. Show and earn respect for originality.
• Be yourself and stay focused on the work. ​

​​Soon enough, sketch-filled pages become sequential books reflecting work rooted in passion, discipline and dedication. With time your sketches will spawn new works of art. ​

finding #balance in #TrippingThisLife sketchbook

visual memory of Kochi, Japan, summer 2016 #TrippingThisLife2 sketchbook

water, sun, land - 60x72" mixed media on canvas (inspired by moments in Kochi, Japan) 2017

For viewing and learning, browse examples of my work available online:

• Reflections: What Do You See? (2014) - final project for UF Sketchbook Studio taught by Professor P. Grigsby for MA in Art Education (2013-2014). 

•  #TrippingThisLife (2015-2016) sketchbook- process & product photos. 
• excerpts from #TrippingThisLife2 (2016-2018) sketchbook - HYFA Facebook page. ​

Now about that blurry time line, it's pointless. You're never too young or old to get started.  Sketch freely and often. Make art ...because art matters. 
#TrippingThisLife (2015-2016)
With kind regards, 
older artist