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Vinita Pappas

Boatyard Sketches

Published 11 months ago • 2 min read

Hi Reader,

Hope you're doing well and enjoying the arrival of spring! Even though it's been pretty chilly and rainy where I am, I've managed to sneak in a few sketching sessions at my local boatyard.

Since the weather hasn't been too cooperative, I've had to get creative with my sketching spots. I've found a few spots where I can paint from the back of my car, using the hatchback door as an umbrella for when it's lightly raining. And on those super rainy days, I've resorted to sketching from the front seat.

One of the reasons I love sketching dry-docked boats is that they're always full of quirks and fun details. It's a great way to let go of perfectionism and just enjoy the process. Plus, I always seem to notice something new and interesting every time I sketch a boat - like a cute little bell or a sticker that says "I love my bulldog."

By the way, it's been really nice to be out sketching again! I had to take a break last month after having a hysterectomy, but I'm feeling much better now and looking forward to getting back into the swing of things. Whenever I take some time off from painting/sketching, I experience a little hesitation and doubt at first. Do you ever have this kind of apprehension when returning to a creative pursuit after taking a break? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Recently, I revisited a 20 year old letter by the late Robert Genn where he shared an analogy of fear being like balloons that the artist needs to pop.

"...the loss of [creative] power generally admits to some sort of fear: Fears are balloons that float up in the mind and obstruct the free flow. Creative people need to dig around in their personal list of fears. Float them out into the air — and pop them. The following are multiple choice. There are more. Go for it.

Fear of failure. Fear of success. Fear of competition. Fear of play. Fear of joy. Fear of work. Fear of plagiarism. Fear of learning something. Fear of being an imposter. Fear of not being paid. Fear of being paid. Fear of being ridiculed. Fear of being noticed. Fear of not being noticed. Fear of being copied. Fear of making a mess. Fear of being wrong. Fear of the unknown. Fear of commitment. Fear of getting excited. Fear of wasting time. Fear of irrelevance. Fear of fear itself. Pop, pop, pop." -Robert Genn

Perhaps we all need a sharp tool in our art supplies for those fear balloons. Pop, pop, pop.


I'm excited about a few events I have coming up in May.

Creative Sparks: Let's Light Up Your Imagination is a playful two-week live online class with fun art prompts and inspiring exercises. Spark your imagination and learn tools to keep your creativity going. Join me for some guilt-free creative time, and let your inner child come out to play! Class is limited to 15. BONUS: get free access to the May Co-Create Sessions! Click here for more info.

Co-Create Sessions May -23 Come hang with me in Co-Create and get these creative juices flowing! We gather on Zoom for a lovely hour of focused art time on Thursdays, May 11, 18, 25. Click here for more Info.

Creative Path Coaching Spring 2023 I have a couple of spots available for clients this spring. As a client, you’ll learn to cultivate a creative process that sparks joy and inspiration, rekindle your imagination, and rediscovery your playful side and use it to fuel your creativity. If this sounds good to you, click here to learn more about Creativity Coaching.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.


I hope you have a wonderful week full of creative energy!

All the best,

Vinita

For the Painter Newsletter | Issue # 71: April 23, 2023 | Vinita Pappas

Vinita Pappas

I'm an artist living on the beautiful Oregon Coast.

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