ENCOURAGEMENT

Author: BLYTHART
Word Count: 893
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ENCOURAGEMENT

ENCOURAGEMENT belongs to the following groups:

1 on 1: The Fine Art of Portraiture , ! 100% !, "Exceptional Ekphrasis", "Real" Life Artwork (No Photography), All Around the Styles, All the Colors of the Rainbow, Birds and Creatures of Flight, Bits and Pieces , Collective Collage, Dimensions, Ebony and Ivory, Escher and Perspective Art 5/24, Fine Arts, For the Love of Cats , 1 image a day , Freedom to Shine, Green!, If it doesn't belong, Ireland , Living Christianity, Melbourne & Victoria, North East England, Painters In Modern Times - TWO PER DAY, Safe Haven, The Patchwork , This is England, Unconventional Artistry - 3 per day, United Kingdom, Vibrant and Vivid Color, Who are YOU to Judge? and You're Accepted

There are many skills that lead to being a good artist. Some of us (like me) have a few of those skills, but have to work hard at cultivating the skills we lack. Others have all the skills, but cling onto them, not wishing to share them with anyone. Many people are competitive and take this to the extent of playing dirty by undermining anyone they feel may be competition. Still others have the skills and wish to pass them on.

Yes, in this world, people are all different and often we cannot change this fact. Okay, some people have life-changing experiences, often as a result of some form of counselling or a religious experience, or an accident, etc. Most just stay the way they always were. We must try hard to steer clear of those who would (as Bob Dylan said it) bring us down into the hole that they are in. Instead, we should learn to cultivate people who will lift us up and we in turn can lift them up when they need it.

Most artists are content with their lives, and as a result of this contentment they wish to share their skills and enthusiasm with others. These contented people are the ones we should be cultivating as friends, associates, colleagues, etc. Very often, just communicating with a contented person can have a beneficial effect on us.

I myself have reached an age when I no longer dream of a professional career in art, but I suppose I still have ambitions. I dream of power – no, not power over others – power over my own failings. I’d love to conquer my procrastination and my lack of self-confidence. I’d love to take my art as far as I am capable of taking it.

I’ve always wished to have some of the skills I see demonstrated every day on Redbubble. As I grow older though, I am accepting that instead of wishing and hoping for skills I do not have, maybe I should be learning how to make the most of what skills I do have.

I don’t rate my “style” as being great, although my work frequently gets favourited and featured, so it must be slightly better than I perceive it to be.

What I have gained from Redbubble is the ability to occasionally see my work as others see it. I read comments about my pictures and realise that many people often spot something good about one of my paintings that I had missed out on. Instead of bewailing my lack of talent in certain aspects of art I now find myself occasionally seeing my pictures as others see them and trying to develop the aspects of my art that do seem to work.

My title for this piece of writing was “Encouragement” and I wish to thank everyone on Redbubble for the encouragement they have been giving me over the last two years. I hope I too have been able to offer encouragement to others now and then.

A few embittered members of Redbubble have grumbled about Redbubble being nothing more than a “backslapping” club, but hey, we artists are often sensitive, insecure people, who need to be encouraged and pushed forward a little. I absolutely hate insincerity and boot-licking, but where is the harm in offering a little praise and encouragement to each other when we feel it is rightly deserved or even needed?

I like to be honest when I am praising people. Insincerity is soon sussed out and bang goes one’s reputation as an honest person. As a young man, I remember reading a book by Dale Carnegie. He spoke of complimenting people to build them up. He stressed that we must be sincere about this. He said he’d never found anyone who had no redeeming qualities at all.

He cited an example of how he was entering a hotel once and the lift-attendant (or elevator attendant as some call them) looked really miserable. Dale tried hard to find something to compliment the guy on to cheer him up. He saw that the man wasn’t exactly handsome, but he realised that the man had a fine head of hair for someone of his age. He remarked on this and the guy’s face lit up with a smile. No doubt that compliment affected the lift-man’s attitude to people that day.

Yes, we aren’t all budding Picassos or Rembrandts, but each of us has something to offer, however little, and by giving recognition to someone’s talent, however small it may be, we often imbue them with the will to continue creating and to expand the talent they already have.

Art is a form of communication and when we communicate successfully with someone it encourages us to keep on trying harder.

We shouldn’t be copying each other, competing with each other, or envying each other – we should be learning to be content with what talents we do possess; striving to improve upon and expand them and helping others to do likewise.

I’ll never be Picasso, Dali or Van Gogh, but hey – I want to be the best Dave Edwards I can be.

So let’s all continue with the great job we are doing on Redbubble of encouraging each other to make the most of our gifts.

Cheers,

Dave.

dawndavies

well done dave, i agree with you, we all should offer encouragement, you offered me that when i joined redbubble and did not quite believe that any of my art would be liked and that gave me tremendous confidence in what i was doing, keep doing what you do dave, your a star already, and take that dream as high as you can, thats what i am trying to do too, i dont want to look back and say, I wonder if? i want to do and then i will know that i tried, dawnx
BLYTHART replied

One look at the stream of comments your work receives is enough to prove to anyone that it is good. I look forward to seeing more in the future.
Isa Rodriguez

so well said…..... thank you so much !!!.. I needed that. bless ..
BLYTHART replied

Thank you Isa.
nancy salamouny

Thnks Dave for posting this… It really makes some sense out of why i am sitting at my laptop opened to redbubble so often lately… Hey, the whole thing about being the best you can with the skills you have… well, I believe the more you do the more you will gain and improve, you will never be your best self until far along in the future…near the very end, and let’s all hope that is in the far distance… that we still have the time and passion to create our art and hopefully improve!!!
BLYTHART replied

I agree with you Nancy.
Astoreth

I so agee with you Dave. Well said. xx
BLYTHART replied

Thanks Astoreth and may I say that your Tully is the double of our Mao … see here
MyheART

This is wonderful…so well said and I totally agree.. Redbubble has not only helped me with my confidence as an artist for I do so love to create .. it has also been such a wonderful source of inspiration. I’ve met so many wonderful people here…
BLYTHART replied

Yes, there truly are many lovely people on Redbubble.
Paul (Quixote)...

Well said Dave. This community is an opportunity for all of us to learn and to build confidence as we develop our art. No we can never be Picasso, or Gaugan etc., but if we put in our best effort, we can be successful in what we do, and this is all that its about really. My grandfather told me as a child: He said. “Always do the best job you can, not for anyone, but for your self; whether you are digging a hole in the ground, or flying a plane, or making love.” I know I have learned a lot since being here in the RB community and my confidence, though sometime shaken, have been fairly solid. Nt skill has improved and I have met some wonderful friends.
BLYTHART replied

Thanks Paul – you are so right.
carss66

well said dave,i will always try to help anyone that i can,but with limited skills can only do so much.I would rather see people achieve and have success in art,rather than beat them down so only i will succeed.Art sites like RB have opend doors for artist’s around the world and help is there for everyone,from artist like you dave.best wishes chris
BLYTHART replied

I would certainly never describe your skills as limited in any way. I find it inspiring to meet artists such as yourself here on Redbubble.
GEORGE SANDERSON

Well said, Dave, I have never considered my work anything but mediocre, but I enjoy it and if other artists can appreciated it then I am happy. Redbubble has been a big boost to my self image as an artist, and long may it continue. I have had fellow artist asking me for advice and if I can help l am more than happy. Art can be a lonely experience but with RB, one never need to feel unwanted and if the comments on ones work are give sincerely then so much the better
BLYTHART replied

Thanks for your comment George. I must disagree with you when you say your work is mediocre. Your latest drawing (St. Mary’s), for example, is excellent.
Catherine Howell

very well said, Dave!! Did you ever think about writing a book??? I would buy one. There is a lot of wisdom here.
BLYTHART replied

You are very kind Catherine.
Katerina Willi...

Dear Dave- I am in total agreement with you. That is one of the wonderful things about being on RedBubble-the encouragement that we give to each other, pretty much all of us. My own creativety has doubled, or rather I should say that just by putting things onto Red Bubble and knowing they would be seen by others…has doubled my inspiration to create, if not enhanced whatever talent I had before. We artists need to be involved within a community that allows us to encourage and sort of give each other a little “push” in the right direction (direction being intrinsient to each of us)~~but also to be able to observe others work, feel encouraged, inspired (not to the point of copying or plagurizing though)-Anyway~~ Bravo to you for writing something all of us SHOULD be feeling, if not thinking about writing! I, for one am so very glad I found Red Bubble…oh by the way, I have an upcoming show scheduled (thanks to Red Bubble, I asked the gallary people to consider me for a September show-and they just notified me a couple days ago that I will be “going solo” inAnavatos from Sept. 1st to 15th. I say this not to give myself a hooray, rather to bring home to all who read my own passage the fact that it was through the encouragement of other artists here on RedBubble that “jostled” me into asking to have the show…THANK YOU!!!
BLYTHART replied

Thanks Katerina and best of luck with your show.
Colin Cartwright

Yes this site is superb! Very little negativity (if any) and lot sof encouragement.

One of the few things left to me, as my health deteriorates, is to build on the basic skills I’ve learned since first painting 3 years ago.

I’m doing a beginner’s gouache course at the Shipley art gallery, at present, it’s painful to see how bad I am in this new, alien medium! I see why most give up, and say they can’t paint after a limited practice. I’m pleased to have some fine watercolours I’ve painted and submitted, under my belt to give me confidence.
BLYTHART replied

Your skills as a watercolourist are superb and I am sure that very soon you will be enjoying gouache too. Thanks for your comment Colin.
Songwriter

I am encouraged just by reading your piece. Thank you so much. I am new to rb but so far I love it and feel uplifted by the comments. Your work is great. :0) Song
BLYTHART replied

Thanks for your comment. I particularly like your photo of the swans and cygnets. I’m amazed you were able to get so close. I tried to photograph a swan once and it became furious, stretched out its wings and chased me. I hadn’t run so fast in my life.
dawndavies

aww many thanks dave, i am extremly lucky and so proud to belong here, but truly when i joined i did not think for a moment that any of it would be liked, so its allways a thrill each and every comment i get, luv ya too,dawnx
BLYTHART replied

I don’t know how you could ever have doubts about your work. Your Sunset Seas painting is one of the best seascapes I’ve seen.
Songwriter

I had the good fortune to get a good view from the outside of the thicket where their nest was so I don’t think I disturbed them. I did have a few others chase me during that day though! Not a fun experience…
BLYTHART replied

I’ve heard they can break an arm with their wings … I don’t know if that is true though.
Songwriter

Years ago I was near the River Thames in Berkshire and a swan came up to me and bit through the toe of one of my leather booths. I felt lucky to come away with toes intact, if a bit sore… Still love them though…
BLYTHART replied

Phew – incredible that any creature so beautiful and graceful can also be so vicious.
AnitaInverarity

A great observation and lesson therein- It is so true that as artists we want to reinvent, to be able to do what others do, we look in wonder- I too have reached a stage of contentment where I know my skills dont lie in painting, or with colour or other mediums and instead of feeling “limited” the lovely artists on RB have helped me accept my art for what it is- its a great feeling to see your work through others eyes as you describe- because yes, we are our own worst critics and for a long time I have found it hard to value my work- RB has helped quiet those thoughts and help me just enjoy what I do more- have fun, feel encouraged and inspired.
I would recognise your work anywhere and I think thats a special, special thing (many artists are technically brilliant and use a variety of mediums in ways I find astounding, but to have a recognisable style is something to feel very content about, I’ve come to learn and appreciate that).
Thanks for sharing your most honest and open feelings Dave, I’m sure many will relate and feel encouraged by this. xxxx
BLYTHART replied

Tee-hee – Anita – stop being a naughty lady by saying your skills don’t lie in painting – your Elf and the Dormouse painting compares favourably with the Victorian fairy artists; it is one of my favourite of all your pictures. Your pen and ink work of course is flawless. Surely you must know how good an artist you are – we know you are good – so believe in yourself.
AnitaInverarity

PS- I would challenge anyone who saw RB as a back patting excercise- the people I have come across all act with honesty and integrity and genuine enthusiasm for others work. I think it would be very patronising for anyone to suggest otherwise. I know I appreciate viewing as much as doing :)))))))) x
AnitaInverarity

Gee Thanks Dave- I did that work a looooong time ago when I had to try things at college- Its either a happy accident or complete disaster when I try these things now (honestly). I think I’m OK, I guess I’m content with what I can do in my style- Thanks -and ditto to you my dear friend and best architectural inker by a mile :))))) xx
AnitaInverarity

.... Had to mention that- its that sort of skill that makes my jaw hit the floor.
catherine walker

well said dave..I agree with all of it

xxxooo
BLYTHART replied

Thanks Catherine.
Linda Callaghan

hear hear Dave….so very well said and written! you are indeed a warm and caring man ..it shines through in this piece. Your encouragement to others is highly valued and your amazing art on bubble stands out in your unique, talented, gifted style. Here’s wishing you days just as bright and happy as your creative works of art are. Keep on creating and enjoying laddie!
BLYTHART replied

Thanks for your comment lassie :P Tee hee!
Lynda Robinson

Dave – What can I say? You are an absolute LEGEND! You have written this so eloquently and I agree with everything you say (and I also agree with that person who said you should write a book)!!!! Encouragement is something we all need and something we can all give, and it’s FREE! Artists are often their own worst critics and lacking in self-confidence (I know I fit into that category). I have made some wonderful friends on this site and I definitely feel that they have ‘raised me up’ to more than I can be!!! There is another song going through my head – ‘Accentuate the positive, Eliminate the negative’! Thanks for a great article Dave.
BLYTHART replied

Many thanks Lynda. I assume you mean I am a “living” legend – or do you have marksmen lined up outside my gate at this very moment :) Seriously, you are so right – I think many of us are self-conscious and insecure about our own creations, because they are a personal thing – almost part of us and so we tend to take criticism of them very personally too.
helene ruiz

and u should write a book, i think this is another skill u may not realize u have!
BLYTHART replied

Many thanks Helene. I often feel like writing a book, but I am discouraged by the fact that every other person on earth today seems to be “writing a book.” I have had poetry published locally and have had lots of letters printed that I send to newspapers, but a book – aside from vanity publishing (which is only for the rich wannabes) who would publish it for me?
Terry Krysak

Wonderful writing Dave, your thoughts strike a chord that resonates within the hearts of all artists.

Sincere encouragement “given” can be the nourishment that takes the seed of creative intent through to it’s final manifestation of artistic expression.
BLYTHART replied

Exactly Terry.
Lynda Robinson

Well of course I meant a ‘living’ legend Dave! – (O.K. you marksmen – you can come home now)!!! There may be some slight misunderstanding though, as in Australia you do not have to be deceased to be a ‘legend’! To call someone a ‘legend’ is paying them a compliment.
BLYTHART replied

I was teasing you Lynda; we use the term legendary for living people too. My wife lectures me for teasing people, so don’t breathe a word, or I’ll be scrubbing floors for a week as a punishment – haha :)
Pam Hunt-Bromf...

Thanks Dave. You always encourage with wise words.
BLYTHART replied

Thanks Pamela.