In it with all my heart

It's 2018 and I'm excited. Another 31 paintings in 31 days and I'm looking forward to it. 
​When I have done this before, some days I get a little freaked out and "choke" - nothing works, I get frustrated, I get overwhelmed.  So I'm trying to go at it with a different frame of mind.  
​In essence, this is a month for experimentation, discipline, and exploration. I am going to try not to judge my work as harshly, allow it to stand on it's own, and let it be what it is. This photo of my painting is poor, and I know it. I've worked on it, and it's not improving. So 'I'm going to post it, and continue to work on it tomorrow, hopefully getting some advice from other artists. Before I would have not posted it. This time, I am reminding myself that I am striving,  learning,  and open to making mistakes while improving my game.
​One hundred and fifty some years ago, Vincent Van Gogh had decided to become an artist after failing miserably in the romance , as an art salesman, a clerk, and a much too "overzealous" minister in a dreary town. When he made his decision to paint, he said he wanted to "spread happiness by creating beauty." 
​He failed as an artist too, as far as he knew. He was constantly knocked down, made fun of, and told he didn't have what it took. Yet, he continued in the direction that he knew he must go. It wasn't like the other things he had tried. This - his art- was his calling. He didn't have a choice. So he persisted , no matter what life threw at him. 
​" I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart."  These were the words of a man who, despite not seeing the fruits of his labor, worked diligently at the one thing that continued throughout his life to call his name. The world became the fortunate benefactors of all of the blood, sweat and tears , as well as the joy, enthusiasm and beauty that gave each of his paintings such life and longevity. 
​So my motto for this year is the same as Vincent's. I want to put my art out into the world and give it life. I want to really  strive to do what calls my name, open myself to possibility, and give it everything I've got. I'm excited, I'm a little nervous, but I'm ready.
​Hoping you'll come along for the ride, friends. 
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