Artists tend to be people that look for sources of inspiration, whether or not they realize they're doing it. I notice that many artists have quotations on their web sites or in their signature lines on Internet discussion forums and blogs. I naturally placed a quote on my blog here from Leonardo Da Vinci that I found to be inspirational.

I was recently trying to remember a quote, but I only had a fragment or basic idea of it. Basically it was saying that the word "try" was a negative word that lacked the confidence to move forward. The word "try" implies that you are open to failure or may even expect it. Anyway, I thought I heard Cesar Millan (The Dog Wisperer) make a comment about not trying, but doing. He must have seen the movie Star Wars.

Here are two quotes that I find inspirational as an artist.

Stir Me (Coffee Cup and Spoon)
12x16 Acrylics on canvas

Here is the next painting in my series of coffee cups. One of my purposes in painting the same subject many times over is to become very familiar with the anatomy of the objects involved.

I didn't follow the Flemish Technique this time, and the first thing I noticed was how there was a very definite "ugly stage" while I was blocking in the basic shapes. I didn't enjoy that stage of the painting, but I managed to smooth everything and I'm more than satisfied with the results.

...or "Do you have the DRD4 exon III 7-repeat allele genetic polymorphism?"

1. Do you often try new things just for fun or thrills?

2. Do you often do things based on how you feel in the moment without worrying about how it was done in the past?

3. Are you a jack of all trades? Do you feel more capable than most in adapting yourself to new situtions, solving unexpected problems, and learning new tasks?

4. Do you have trouble wrapping up the final details of a project once the interesting & challenging problems have been solved?

5. When you have a task that requires a lot of thought [or is boring or unpleasant], do you avoid or delay getting started?

6. Do you feel compelled to overdo things just to feel more awake or alive or safe? [overkill]

7. Do you have difficulty staying organized?

8. Do you often feel half-asleep while going about your routine tasks? [sleepy while commuting, at your desk]

9. Do you crave adventure, new experiences and/or new ideas?

10. Do you have a short attention span -- that is, unless a particular subject has captured your imagination?

11. Do you act impulsively or dangerously more often than the average citizen?

12. Do you have a tendancy to allow your mind to drift away from boring conversation? [can't remember the name of someone you just met seconds ago and is now talking to you]

13. Do you have a tendancy toward compulsive behavior? [seeking mental stimulation...caffiene, popping candy, gambling, surfing the Internet]

14. Do you have difficulty feeling fully awake?

15. Do you have broad mood swings from very high to very low?

16. Do you frequently daydream or "space out" when you are not at the center of the action?

(the above self-assessment is an excerpt [with added comments by me] from The Da Vinci Method by Garret Laporto)

If you answered yes to 10 or more of these questions, then you are most likely in the same genetic group as Leonardo Da Vinci, Sir Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Richard Branson (the Rebel Billionaire), Howie Mandel (comedian), Bill Clinton, and other great artists, inventors and trailblazers.

Da Vinci "types" make up less than 10% of the population. Many people with this genetic polymorphism are diagnosed with ADHD, ADD, OCD, bipolar, anxiety, and other neuroses and disorders. They often struggle in school and at work (Einstein did poorly in math) but if they are encouranged and are given the right opportunities they can achieve great things. ADHD and ADD used to be called "Learning Disabled", but it really means "Learning Differently". Information on ADHD and ADD only really focuses on the negative side of the sufferer's coping strategies for fitting in or meeting "normal" society's expectations.

Many Da Vinci types believe they are lazy, stupid or forgetful, but they are actually creative thinkers who have the ability to tap into the state of mind where ideas are formed and problems are solved easily. Have you ever dreamt the solution to a problem? Do you get great ideas or think of solutions to problems while just winding down in bed before you fall asleep, or while just waking up in the shower? Do you sometimes find yourself in "The Zone" while performing a particular activity and lose track of time? Then you might be a "Da Vinci".

Check out www.AreYouaDaVinci.com. And find and read the book The Da Vinci Method by Garret Laporto if you're interested in learning more. Even if you don't think you have this personality type, but you are close to someone you think does, it will help you understand them better.

There's a local diner near where I live and I decided to take the opportunity to shoot my subject "in the wild" as it were. I've been preparing mock restaurant settings at home and was longing for something more natural looking. I think the window and strong backlighting in this view from Table #1 at Spud's helped achieve that, even though I did move things around a bit for a good composition.

This painting was completed entirely in Black & White following the Flemish Technique before glazing several thin layers of color. There are surprisingly few colors applied, but glazing produces additional colors optically by overlapping layers.



Spud's Griddle: View from Table #1
12x12 Acrylic on canvas
SOLD

Sunny Side Up
8x8 Acrylic on hardboard panel

Here are a couple of eggs, sunny side up. I actually prefer scrambled, but the egg yolk is such an interesting color and texture to paint.

This will be a gift for my aunt who is recuperating from surgery. I hope it helps brighten up her kitchen and lift her spirits.