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
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