Lady in Black Digital Watercolor and a Little Advice

This past week has been a crazy one. I will spare you the details but I will say I have learned to stick up for myself and what I believe in. My friend, who is also a graphic designer told me she heard someone comment on one of her illustrations. The comment paraphrased was 'if you do digital art, it is not real art.'

It is annoying when someone comments ignorantly on something they know nothing about. To you anyone who feels that way, I ask- Does owning a stove make you a chef? Or buying an scalpel make you a surgeon? How about buying makeup, does that make you a makeup artist?

I think not. Just like owning a computer does not make you an instant geek, having drawing software doesn't make anyone an artist. The years of education and practice of your metier make you an artist. It takes talent, love and creativity. Fearless creativity.

I can tell you that art is art. Whether is drawn on a cave wall or your nifty iPad, on paper or on a digital canvas, the medium doesn`t matter. The final product is the same, an image. The goal is expression and the seed that produces it, it`s the idea born out of inspiration.

If you are unfortunately the recipient of such comments, here is my advice to you-

Source: get-thinspiration.tumblr.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

They are the best mentors. Create fearlessly!

Madamoiselle Coco

I couldn`t help myself. She has been popping everywhere for me so I might as well draw her, her fedora and her multi-strand pearl necklace. So unconventional for her time, yet she set the standards for all of us.

Rue Vivienne, Paris in Chiarosuro

This was my final drawing in Chiaroscuro for my drawing class. It took about 16 hours but it was so worth it. This is the Rue Vivienne in Paris. Enjoy!

Garden Shoes

I am stewing in this heat. I wake up super early to draw and then go back home. My studio is way to hot. Regardless of that, it`s not going to stop me from getting my creative side on with this watercolor illustration. Keep cool!

Summer Colors

I have 6 more weeks to go before I get a little break from school. Summer is not going to wait and I am really craving some R & R. Here is two little colorful pieces I created since Summer hit town.

Keep cool!!

Advice for Success

I asked a friend and colleague whom I am a consultant for her business, 'Is my help helping you?' She tells me that I had given her great ideas, that she hadn't time to implement them. She took someone else's advice on an issue I had advised against, and she lost hundreds.

She goes on to tell me her great plans for her business. She wants her business to help charities she cares about and the fact that her business hasn`t taken off frustrates her. "But I won`t give up. I am 110% committed to my business."

I know exactly what she feels. We all go through slow patches, ebb and flow of things. The fact that my friend is so committed when everyone quits, is commendable. She knows she will succeed, that even though others may be doing the same thing she is offering on her site, her services are unique. She knows. Knowing is everything.

Very few people have that insight. That inner knowledge that it will work out. That same inner wisdom will let you know when it is time to let it go. As I write you today, I hope that you can rekindle the fire that inspires your art, your business and endeavors, that push that motivates you to keep going and see yourself successful.

Color Combination Inspiration

A Paris Dream