Thursday, September 17, 2015

20 Years and Counting!



"Saugatuck Revisited"
Oil
36x48
©Antonia Ruppert
2015
A few weeks ago, I went to the La Grange Art League in La Grange, IL so that I could submit my work to jury in. Their art jury committee was meeting to review art and select new artists eligible to show in their gallery space and other locations they manage.  At the gallery, I was asked how long I have been painting. I had to think...

20 years.

As I left the gallery, it dawned on me that it had been since before 1995 that I started painting. My baby was in diapers as I finished my final show for college.  Most people who know me well, know that it's been a labor of love for 20+ years. The paintings below are from 1993 and 1994. 

"Family Reunion"
Oil
24x30
©Antonia Ruppert
1993

"With the Gas Off"
Oil
24x38
©Antonia Ruppert
1994


After 20 years, I'm still attracted to color and story and pushing paint. I have met some beautiful young artists in the past few years including Camerina, Divya, Michael and Kayla H.. The tips below are for them and anyone else who desires a creative practice.

12 tips that help one stay with a creative practice:


  1. Make room for it 
  2. Be prepared to sacrifice 
  3. Allow change to happen
  4. Always be curious 
  5. Expect growth
  6. Prepare to see God in the mundane
  7. Be prepared for yucky stuff to happen
  8. Expect amazing things to happen 
  9. Practice and play often
  10. Be prepared to get lost
  11. Be prepared for detours
  12. Have a support system
Oooh one more - 

    13. No matter the outcome, be thankful for the opportunity to create.

Have you found other tips that have worked for you? Do share in the comments below.