::VERONICA FUNK::
  • Journal
  • Portfolio
    • Curriculum Vitae
    • Portraits >
      • Woman's Work
      • Extraordinary Women
      • The Grandmothers
      • Wunderland
      • Nasty Women
      • Heroes
      • Ahead of Their Time
    • 52 WEEKS >
      • Wildlife
      • Wildflowers
      • Storytellers
      • Gratitude
    • Fashion Plates
    • Sacred Vessel
    • Simple Pleasures
    • Altered Books
    • Free Art Resources
  • Galleries
  • eCourses
  • Login
    • Painting Animals
    • Painting Art Journals
    • Painting Backgrounds
    • Painting Bees
    • Painting Canoes
    • Painting CityScapes
    • Painting Flowers
    • Painting Hearts & Houses
    • Painting Landscapes
    • Painting Portraits
  • Contact

In Progress.

4/25/2013

 
Picture
I keep thinking of my work as in progress but realized that while I do this thing I do, I am also a work in progress.  To help me along the way, I definitely rely on the wisdom of many others...of friends and artists, of family and aquaintances, and of the authors of the books I read.  Here is a list of wisdom that I've enjoyed over and over along with a new one...

1. The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
Reading this book was a major lightbulb moment for me...as I believe it is for so many.  Two of the lessons I still practice today, after many, many years, are artist dates and morning pages, though I don't always write them in the morning.  Developing those good habits spilled over into my studio where I spend time every day.

2. Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
This is a tiny little book that I used to carry in my purse so that I'd have something to read with me at all times...let me tell you, I wait much more patiently when I have something to read with me.  It's about writing but I found that it also applies to painting, and really to all of life. 

3. Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
This book was originally published in 1955 and rings true even today.  She was a brave woman who spent time alone every year, something I really believe we should all do for ourselves.  Though it was an earlier time, the writer discusses the busyness of life and the need to recharge.  It sounds like life today.

4. The Art Spirit by Robert Henri
Now this was a college book that I still refer back to...great advice on the art of creativity.  It can really be opened and read anywhere in the book.  A great reference and regular go-to book for me.  Feeds the creative fire.

5. The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp
Twyla is a choreographer in New York City and offers fabulous advice on creating good creative habits.  Another book that can be picked up and read at any point but I've read it cover to cover many times.  Extremely inspiring.

6. Portrait of an Artist: A Biography of Georgia O'Keeffe by Laurie Lisle
My copy of this book is so dog-eared as it's been read and has travelled with me many times over the years.  This is a great portrait of one of my favorite artists.  I loved how feisty and unique she was...and always found it interesting that she passed away just as I was learning about her in college.  I love to learn about the life and practice of successful artists.  I'm a bit of a stalker that way. 

7. Ninety Years Wise by Doris McCarthy
I love Doris McCarthy and have read everything by her.  Though she doesn't like the comparison, her large iceberg paintings are reminiscent of Lawren Harris, another of my favorite all-time painters.  It's great to read about an artist's life by an artist.

8. Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
A book I stumbled upon recently through the library and I think I'm going to have to purchase it, it's that good.  A quick, little read but full of great information with chapter titles such as 'Don't wait until you know who you are to get started' and 'Be boring (it's the only way to get work done)'.  I read it in one sitting and I'm planning to read it again....soon as I pick up a copy.

9.  Rework by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson
A fascinating look at how we work...really a business book but a good guide on being productive, no more starving artist.  I love anything that reinforces that there is nothing wrong with how I do things, so this is a keeper for me.  I totally agree with their adage that easy-is-better.  Huge believer in that.

10. The Fire Starter Sessions by Danielle LaPorte
This book was written by a Vancouver girl with a fabulous attitude.  Another business book but really focuses on how you want to feel rather than on doing stuff.  Danielle shares that balance is a myth and that you can't have it all, but that you can focus on what's really important...to you.  She has a great blog, too.

Comments are closed.
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Journal
  • Portfolio
    • Curriculum Vitae
    • Portraits >
      • Woman's Work
      • Extraordinary Women
      • The Grandmothers
      • Wunderland
      • Nasty Women
      • Heroes
      • Ahead of Their Time
    • 52 WEEKS >
      • Wildlife
      • Wildflowers
      • Storytellers
      • Gratitude
    • Fashion Plates
    • Sacred Vessel
    • Simple Pleasures
    • Altered Books
    • Free Art Resources
  • Galleries
  • eCourses
  • Login
    • Painting Animals
    • Painting Art Journals
    • Painting Backgrounds
    • Painting Bees
    • Painting Canoes
    • Painting CityScapes
    • Painting Flowers
    • Painting Hearts & Houses
    • Painting Landscapes
    • Painting Portraits
  • Contact