Throughout your art career it's natural for thoughts of doubt, rejection and fear to creep in and impede your creative growth. This page contains images with quotations to inspire, motivate and remind you to be positive, confident, and stay on course. You'll find links to several different articles below. Enjoy, grow, and prosper! Most of the time when I begin coaching … [Read more...]
Ways to Increase Equality for Women Artists
Every year, since 2000, I have been curating "HerStory" exhibitions on the Manhattan Arts International website as one of the ways I take strides to increase equality for women artists. These exhibitions have promoted thousands of women artists from around the world. Before that, I curated several all women art exhibitions in public venues including the First Women's Bank, that … [Read more...]
The Rituals and Routines of Famous Artists
Reading about the rituals and routines of famous artists can be fascinating and enlightening and inform us about the creative human psyche. For example, every morning, before he started to compose music, Ludwig van Beethoven would prepare his own coffee. It was important for him to use exactly 60 beans per cup that he often counted one by one for a precise dose. That says a lot … [Read more...]
The 8 C’s in Art Career Success
We know that art education and creative talent alone will not guarantee a successful art career. As an art career coach and artist's mentor I've learned there are certain characteristics successful artists have that set them apart from others. In this article I offer 8 of these traits that work for many artists I know. I have also added some examples of how you can incorporate … [Read more...]
Positive Possibilities for You as an Artist
Recently, an artist posted a comment on this website in which she revealed her pain, frustration and negative attitude about her life as an artist. She shared a few complaints -- from her age to where she lived. An immediate feeling of empathy for her rushed over me and I hoped that maybe she was just having a bad day. However, I also know she is not the only artist who feels … [Read more...]
Artists Share How Their Fathers Influenced Their Artistic Pursuits
Artists Share Memories and Pay Homage to Their Fathers and/or Fatherly Role Models This was published in June, 2021 I frequently post questions for my artist friends on Facebook and I always attract the best answers! I was curious to know how artists felt about their father's influence on them as an artist. How did they encourage their artistic talent? In this post you will … [Read more...]
The Inner Dialogue that Transpires in Creating Art and Writing
As I was painting today, I became acutely aware of the presence of the inner dialogue that transpires in creating art and writing. It is fascinating how similarly these thought processes occur in both artistic expressions. Like writing, creating art is a language, a conversation we have within our minds and those relationships that occur among the forms, colors, and textures we … [Read more...]
Inspirational Resources for Artists
You can learn all the best tips and strategies for becoming a successful artist; however, if you lack the motivation to take action they won't help. Many artists have expressed to me they are so depressed to a point where they stop creating art. It's not always easy to maintain a level of inspiration that sustains you as a creative individual. If you're going through a … [Read more...]
Creating Bonds of Strength with Fellow Artists
Every year I curate the “HerStory” exhibition on the Manhattan Arts International website. When the exhibition is published, I notify the exhibiting artists to thank and congratulate them. In the email, I often include a few suggestions, such as: Add the exhibition to your resume; Share the link to the exhibition in social media; and Reach out to fellow exhibiting … [Read more...]
Advice from Artists Who Say “Follow Your Bliss”
If you're living your heartfelt dream as an artist you might be in the minority. Our world is filled with people who gave up on their aspirations and have settled for less. Several years ago I read an article in The New York Times that revealed: “Many of the people who seem to have it ‘all’ harbor dreams about "the road not taken” and referred to a study that claimed among … [Read more...]
Famous Black Artists Who Have Confronted Racism and Inequality
They Broke Barriers and Raised Awareness (Originally published on May 17, 2020 and updated in April 2022) As we try to cope with the horror of one pandemic we battle another deadly and appalling disease known as racism. Around the world, protesters are gathering peacefully to call attention to racial inequity and strive to achieve justice and reform. I join you in this period … [Read more...]
Interview with Denisa Prochazka, Award-Winning Sculptor
Denisa Prochazka, denisa-sculpture.com, is a classically trained figurative sculptor living in Ottawa, Canada, whose passion is creating portrait sculpture and clay reliefs. She has participated in over thirty exhibitions in Canada and the U.S. She has attracted many special commissions including creating Awards of Excellence for the Nelson Mandela Legacy and Ottawa University … [Read more...]
Artists Share Positive Ways They Are Using Time in Isolation Part III
I recently asked my artist friends on Facebook to share what they are doing now since the Coronavirus pandemic altered all of our lives. I was delighted to receive many replies from artists around the world. In this article artists share positive ways they are using time in isolation to improve their lives, art and careers. I encourage you to visit the artists’ websites to … [Read more...]
Artists Share Positive Ways They Are Using Time in Isolation Part I
It's important for us to stay informed about the ever-changing events related the Coronavirus Pandemic, in order to insure our safety. However, since so much of the news is negative, it is essential that we not lose sight of the good news and opportunities that are available. In this article artists from around the world share positive ways they are using time in isolation to … [Read more...]
Artists Who Are Sharing Positive Messages
Normally I write articles with advice for you about growing your art business; however, this morning I was inspired to publish this article about artists who are sharing positive messages. There are many of you who are communicating compassion and support for others during this difficult time. I've chosen three of you this week and I'll be sharing a series of similar articles … [Read more...]
Be an Expert in Knowing Your Strengths as an Artist
As a career coach and writer, I frequently surprise artists when I share my observations about their art. Or, after writing their Art Review they tell me I discovered many special artistic attributes they possess that they weren't aware they had. If you want to achieve your fullest potential, be an expert in knowing your strengths as an artist. As you identify your greatest … [Read more...]