Your Authentic Stroke

A word about finding your Authentic Stroke.  I have just finished reading the book “The Legend of Bagger Vance”, and although it’s a book about golfing, it also has a lot of wisdom for artists.  In particular, you read about the golfer’s ‘authentic stroke’ being something that is there before he/she is even born.  I can’t help but think it is the same for artists.

Have you ever painted something that felt so easy & natural – almost as though it painted itself?  These paintings are always my best.  The times that I can keep my analytical & critical thoughts at bay and just let loose to play on the canvas lead to the most profound results.

 

This doesn’t happen overnight though.

First comes the practice, practice, practice:  DISCIPLINE  (I know how much we artists hate that word!).

Then comes the study, study, study (of other artists’ works as well as critiquing your own & learning from books, workshops, etc):  WISDOM

All this leads to the final & most important piece … SURRENDER!   Such a scary thing to do, but so necessary in order to find your Authentic Stroke!

The more you continue this process of Practice (Discipline) – Study (Wisdom) – Surrender, the more authentic and powerful your paintings become.

 

 

 

 

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Never give up!  Remember that your failures (bad paintings) are your greatest teachers.  Dance with Fear…embrace emotional labour…this is where you will discover your Authentic Stroke.  You have a gift to share and the world is waiting to receive it.  Don’t let fear hold you back.

xo Jenn