Art and Travel

People at work are surprised to learn that I paint.  It seems a bit incongruous with being a transmission right-of-way agent, where we spend a lot of time in left brain - analyzing, processing information and writing up reports. 

The focus of the left brain - according to some studies - is verbal.  The left brain processes information in an analytical and sequential way, looking first at the pieces then putting them together to get the whole.  The right brain focuses on the visual.  It processes information in an INTUITIVE and simultaneous way, looking first at the whole picture, then the details.  While we all have a natural tendency towards one way of thinking, the two sides of the brain constantly work together.

Balance is essential and doing something you enjoy outside of work is a very important part of living a balanced life.  I paint.  If I were joking, I might say that I paint to counterbalance an over-active left brain, which has become lopsided because of the job that I do 8 or more hours each day.  Balance is essential for personal effectiveness, peace of mind and overall health, both at home AND at work. 

I began painting - again - about 6 years ago.  I decided to take a Saturday morning watercolor class down at the local Art Center.  I joined the Watercolor Society of South Texas and became a member of its Board of Directors.  I helped organize annual exhibitions and workshops.  I attended meetings, workshops and demos.  At the same time, I continued to take my classes and to paint and enter shows.  I also continued my day job.

I am serious about my painting.  This is not a hobby, it is my "other" job.  I market my art.  I write the occasional blog and newsletter.  I enter National and International Competitions.  I maintain a website.  I am designing a curriculum and hope to begin teaching Pastels at the Art Center of Corpus Christi in the spring.  I am putting together a plein air painting package trip for 14 artists to Umbria in May of 2016.

It sounds like a lot of work, and I can tell you that it is.  It is work I do during my lunch breaks, or in the evenings and most definitely on weekends and holidays.  You can always find the time, if it is important enough to you.  And all of this work has brought so many, many rewards.  Here are a few:

  A Pastel Journal 2015 Publication Feature.

"Magdalena"

Honorable Mention

16th Annual Pastel 100 Competition

  A Trip to New York

"Cerrillos Cowboy"

2014 Pastel Society of America 42nd Annual Exhibition

New York, NY

  Part of A Corporate Collection

"La Perla"

One of 10 commissioned works in graphite

East Wildlife Foundation

  A Trip to Italy

"The King"

First International Contemporary Art Exhibition

in association with Pro Vobis Assisi Art Residence

There have also been other trips -- New Mexico, New Orleans, Pennsylvania -- all a result of a commitment to myself and my art.  Who knew?  I certainly did now know where those watercolor classes would lead. 

I know that a lot of artists have full-time jobs out of the studio.  I recently read a book titled Younger Next Year, by Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge.  The book is generally about getting healthy and fit and how the body ages, but there was a statement made in the book that resonated with me and I want to share it:

"There is no question that you have to make a massive commitment to your job.  But don't make it your only commitment, because it will go away one day.  You need to get a life that will last a lifetime.  It makes sense to start on that project as early as you can.  TODAY WOULD BE GOOD!"

Neva