I’m excited to announce that I wil be starting a new series of free live…
Acadia National Park / Watercolor on paper
We’re four weeks into 2018. Can you believe it?
I started this blog in 2006 after a severe ankle injury left me couch ridden for three months. That seems like a distant memory now, and since then I’ve gone on to write nearly nine hundred blog posts and three books.
I never thought I’d become a writer when I started my photography career twelve years ago, yet I’ve embarked on new creative challenges that both scare and excite me.
Here’s what I’m doing this year.
- I’m continuing to develop the new CreativePath Workshops website by launching new online courses.
- I’m taking a 4-day plein air painting workshop in NYC in my quest (and experiment) to expand my creative horizons.
- I’m developing a photo workshop specifically designed to help you improve and refine your compositional skills.
- I’m finally hiring an assistant as I continue to expand my brand and business.
Growth only occurs on the edge of your comfort zone. Sometimes you need to go over the edge to see what you’re truly capable of. You might fail—in fact you should count on it. No shame there, it lets you know you’re on the right path, the creative path.
It’s the path where the destination is never quite clear, and the time of arrival is often unknown. But therein lies its hidden beauty, because unexpected surprises are always around the corner, if you’re willing to push through the fog.
The secret is cultivating and embracing a sense of deep curiosity. You’ll become less worried about where you’re going and instead appreciate everything you can discover in a single step.
Discovering what works and what doesn’t. Discovering exactly what makes you laugh, or cry, or feel deep gratitude. Discovering how you see the world differently from everyone else. Discovering how to make your voice a little clearer, a little more authentic.
What are you trying in 2018 that makes you scared?
How are you challenging yourself creatively?
What are you putting off because…?
Reply and let me know. I’m always happy to help.
Your painting is most interesting. Nicely done and shows how photography and painting do have a close relationship. Such pleasing art would easily find a place on my wall.
Thanks Gene, appreciate the generous feedback. Yes you are right that there are many complements which have helped me in both directions. The underlying constant, even during my music career, is having something to say with the medium. That’s the hardest to develop but the most fulfilling. I’m still working on it.
Hi Robert,
Thanks for the inspiration. I have recently started taking portraits. It’s scary and challenging and way out of my comfort zone. This Sunday I’m photographing my friend’s 95 year old grandmother who is a very active artist. We only have so many days on this planet. Sometimes when I’m nervous about doing something, I just say “we’re all going to die!” And it usually puts everything into perspective. Just do it!
Really Nice Robert. Did you do this from a photo or Plein Aire?
Either way is great.
Thanks Bill, appreciate it! This is from a photo but I try and paint plein air as much as possible – nothing beats being in nature, with a camera or a brush!
Robert,
firstly, I’m amazed at the number of blogs you’ve written. I know it takes a certain fortitude! I’ve only recently dedicated myself to writing a blog post once a week. It’s a lot of work.
My thing this year is getting my pet photography business noticed. I had a few clients last year but I’m terming this year “Year of the Dog”.
Creatively, I’d say getting a couple projects started and working on some that I’ve already started.
Warren