On criticism (plus, new painting progress and a clearance SALE!)

“You can’t have courage and comfort at the same time” Brene Brown 

In the midst of life over the past few weeks, I had an important moment in my creative journey that I want to share. 

Recently I received negative feedback about my art from an unhappy customer, and it’s the first time since I opened my business that I’ve felt the weight of someone’s disappointment.

Of course I’m beyond thankful to have had so many happy customers first (thank you!), but there’s simply no way to avoid criticism completely. I knew the first time would sting just the same.

And I did feel the sting. Then, a fleeting urge to retreat and stop sharing my art with the world.

You can’t have courage and comfort at the same time. 

My instinct to hide was rooted in a desire for comfort. Rooted in a desire to feel safe and to fully protect my heart from the unknown.

Then I regrouped with a shower and some slow breathing. The sting softened, lingering quietly as a reminder that a courageous life will always require bravery, resilience, and deep compassion for myself and others. 

When we put ourselves out into the world, people will always have opinions. All we can do is keep showing up each day. We can stay true to the path that feels right.

When there is a lesson to be learned from criticism, may we have the courage to learn it and move on. When criticism is simply the reflection of another’s unhappiness, may we have the courage to send them forgiveness and love and move on.

Not easy lessons, but I’m committed to embracing them.

Here’s to living an open-hearted life! Living courageously looks different for all of us, and no experience is ever, ever a waste.

Sending a wave of bravery to all of us who need it today.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

I’ve started working on my new animal series!

I’m trying something new by painting on paper instead of my usual wood panels. I’m also sketching out everything first before adding any paint, which is a totally new experiment for me as well. Here’s the first painting from the initial sketch to the first layers of paint, though it’s not finished yet:

Painting on paper has a totally different look and feel, and I’m really happy so far with this new direction. In many countries the elephant is a symbol of power, dignity, intelligence, good luck, and peace. Love, love, love.

♥

Here are the other sketches I’ve started so far. I’m experimenting with different folksy symbols, animal close-ups, less of a landscape feel, no words, and more (all part of my goal to keep stretching myself creatively). 

More sketches / paintings to come in the next few weeks! Stay tuned.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

CLEARANCE SALE!

I’m retiring a number of designs from my Etsy shop to make room for lots of new art.

Before I remove any designs from the shop, however, they’ll be on sale! The sale begins now (Wednesday 2/3) and will run only while supplies last. To take advantage, head over to the SALE section of my shop for fabulously discounted prices on a selection of prints and original paintings.

Here’s a snapshot of the designs to choose from: 

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

My goal today (and always) is to keep stretching myself in the direction that feels true / good / aligned. If I’ve learned anything along this journey so far, it’s that we all start somewhere and continue to shift as we learn.

Here’s to the shifts that help us grow, one little lesson at a time.

With love,