Have you broken your NY Resolutions yet?

Nearly at the end of the first month of the new year so...Have you broken your NY Resolutions yet? Here's an encouragement for you..."whoever will keep to the single way determined to follow the path to the end, shall come to the place of understanding at last " Derek Neville, 1949.

Its all about perspective, seeing clearly in the dark, EVERYONE will face failures both large and small in life, we all need to FIX our minds on the final goal, to run the race to the end! This is the big challenge of any self publishing artist, sometimes I can look back at a whole month (like this one!) and think where has that 30 days gone? WHAT have I done to further my goals in my business? It seems to take so long to progress, but one step at a time going FORWARD is the important mindset...Exciting times are ahead for me this year...Brand New 'ART-NICHE' websites, dozens more paintings, hundreds more sales! LET'S GO!

Crazy Christmas

Why Crazy?...well it seems the world goes a little mad, extremes in the divide between the rich and the poor expand, excuses to go mad with drink, stress from family, etc, etc ....all in the name of Jesus?...Surely not?

For me this is a time of Focus on my life, with crystal clear thinking of what I believe is the right path to take in this adventure of life. It is such a joy to see my family around me SO happy, why are they so happy? Well part of the reason is I believe I am expressing the gifts I have been given and this Joy and PEACE is infectious. Whatever your circumstances, I encourage you to step out in Faith like I have done, dare to be different and follow your dreams.

To all my readers I wish you a Happy Christmas and Peaceful New Year 2008
"... Felix Sit Annus Novus"

Skype to be added to Ebay

According to this PR from eBay Skype buttons are to be rolled out anytime
now:
http://www2.ebay.com/aw/core/200710.shtml#2007-10-30161831

I've been impressed with the technology so much I have now installed it on my laptop, which sits right next to where I paint. Free phone calls to the other millions of other people is very appealing to me. I like the professional aspect of the networking among others especially the fact that teleconferencing is also free with this system.

Although I love to paint, I also get a kick out of anything that can A - Save me time and B-Save me money! It has been great keeping in touch with my other artist friends and so far the software has worked beautifully, (not bad for what really is a P2P system)

Changeling - Mike Oldfield New Autobiography

Just finished a review of MIKE OLDFIELD'S new book "The Changeling". I have read other Biographies of this great musical artist but this is better as its written from the source, Mr.Oldfield himself!

Together with VANGELIS & JEAN MICHEL JARRE I would say these 3 Artists have helped me discover imagination in my paintings more than any others. When I get more time I plan to write a lot more about Vangelis and how this amazing musician has been with me in my life since I was 9 years of age!

Here is a snippet from the London article I wrote..."One of the major influences in my Art career of 25 years, mainly because I have followed his career and his music since I was a child and his music has always made me happy and inspired me to think about the deeper meaning of life." For more please read the full article here..THISIS LONDON.CO.UK

Competition Entry

The Fine Art Guild has held a small competition to win the following:

"25 shortlisted artists' images will be printed by a professional UK-based printer. One lucky winner will win a Canon imagePROGRAF 5100 large-format printer, worth £2000. The shortlisted entrants and winner will receive extensive coverage in Art Business Today and valuable promotion to the entire art trade. We plan to present the competition winner with his or her prize at next year's Spring Fair Birmingham."

As I am a member of the Fine Art Trade Guild (for 3 years), I have entered the Dynamic Painting Called "Ethereal Visions" (Opposite)...Lets hope David Jewell will win!

"The ZONE"

GETTING INTO "The ZONE"

In my weekly meeting with my fellow Artist Friend, Inspired words flowed from our conversation yesterday afternoon...
We discussed the experience that most artist have, almost a spiritual event, when one feels inspired and rewarded as the artistic talents are being exercised, We call it "The ZONE"
This is when we feel we are producing the best work we can at that moment in time.

Getting into "The ZONE"- How to do it with consistence:

1. We must prioritize the art first, any hobbies need to be seen as just that and shouldn't replace the creative artistic energies.

2. Sitting on your butt and working, that's how you get "IN" there, if you are in front of the canvas and putting in the hours, eventually you arrive at a point where the work is flowing.

3. A flow is a thing that hasn't got blockage.

4. Don't neglect your family, but make it hard to drop the brush (interruptions need to be controlled)

5. We need to plumb the depths, and create what we are meant to create.

6. Artistic gifting is a responsibility to be taken seriously.

7. Atmosphere can really help, inspiring music, energetic & pleasing surroundings, even the sense of smell (Fragrance Oil etc) can achieve an ambiance productive in the right kind of thinking.

8. Remember practise in the gifting only sharpens the talent and can only improve our work over time, we can also sharpen one another when we encourage excellence in each others work-
work your way INTO the zone TODAY!

Forever Autumn By Justin Hayward

Its Autumn & I'm listening to this song by the Moody Blues singer again. Click here...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CO9Qx7Kp_I8

Its one of the best songs from my past that always reminds me of my wonderful & happy childhood.

I was always daydreaming and when asked what I would like to do when I get older....the answer would always be an inventor! Well I came close as I now "INVENT" images using both realistic & abstract themes within my Oil & Acrylic paintings.

Its also so strange for me to know in my knowledge of self, that it is at this time of the year I always feel really inspired, full of energy and so positive in Life's Adventure.

I am really looking foreword to producing some great Art over the next few weeks.