The Creative Life - Barbara Trovillo

This weekend, I did something for the first time.    Every two months, at Crossroads Art Center, there is a Members Only Exhibition and also, a Mixed Media Exhibition. They throw a fabulous Opening Reception to celebrate with music, food, and drinks.    As a new Resident Artist, I was one of those asked to do a painting demonstration. I, of course, said yes, but I was nervous!   Although I am not, at this present time, a plein aire painter, I intend to be, and so, I have been putting together the gear needed for painting on site. I gathered everything and chose a subject. I [...]

Routine and structure are necessary.   Nothing gets done if we don't have a schedule and routine. After awhile, though, with no interruptions, routine and structure become mind numbing.   What fun it is to break out of routine and schedule!   If life is too static, we lose our sparkle. If there are no challenges, we begin to mope.   That's when we have to SHAKE things UP a bit, reach for something that seems just beyond the stretch of our arm! Setting Goals is imperative to growth.    Two years ago, I did just that. I became enamored with a Gallery not too far away and decided I wanted [...]

It is hard to believe another year is wrapping up.     When I look back over the year, I am content with my efforts to advance my proficiency as an Artist and also, with my efforts to promote the business of Art. It was not always easy but it definitely paid off.   On New Year's Day, 2025, I had a very CLEAR RESOLUTION: GET THE WORK OUT in front of people! JOIN, ENTER, APPLY. Become a member at local art coops and galleries, enter shows and exhibitions, and participate whenever possible.    I did it! This past year, I exhibited work in 9 exhibitions. It was [...]

What comes to mind when you hear the word Prayer? Simply put, prayer is a conversation. A conversation with God.   A conversation is the exchange of thoughts between two or more people. For many of us, prayer can be one sided with us doing all the talking. Even so, God will respond. Not audibly, but if your heart is open, you will experience guidance or comfort or some change in your circumstances.    I keep a journal most days. I start out writing random thoughts as they pop into my head. Surrendering those thoughts to paper seems to clear the way for more lucid [...]

    I definitely am an introvert. I enjoy interaction with people in small groups or one to one. I never knew there was a name for that...."Extroverted Introvert". Definitely a contradiction!   I am uncomfortable in large groups of people and work best alone.     Fortunately, most artwork is done in solitude. Unfortunately, marketing and networking is done in groups.   To be honest, this has been an obstacle for me.   For many years, I ignored the issue. I painted as if under a rock for a long time. I wasn't overly concerned about getting more exposure. I had a nice social media following. I did a yearly solo [...]

"I will take the Rejection like someone is blowing a bugle in my ear to wake me up and get me going rather than retreat." Sylvester Stallone     Let's face it, what we like to talk about on social media are our Triumphs. Failures, though normal and a part of any endeavour are not usually discussed. I think that is a mistake as what we learn from rejection can benefit us and others.   Recently, I submitted to a gallery and was rejected.   Ugh.   First some positive words..."Interesting Texture, Artistic Voice",  blah, blah, blah....   Then, the very constructive criticism (no sarcasm here, truly constructive). Do value sketches and work on composition, [...]

How is your eyesight? Mine used to be FABULOUS! When I was younger, I had better than normal vision.    I don't know if that had anything to do with it but when I began painting in my late 30's, I was a super realistic painter. I was a very naive artist. I had the privilege of watching a genius painter work for years. He made it look soooo easy. I started with watercolor (not knowing that many consider it the hardest medium to manipulate!) doing very intricate botanical renderings.          Eventually, I started experimenting with oil paint, still painting exactly what was in front [...]

We regret to inform you......   Hateful words.   The good and bad news: Rejection is part of the Game.   Recently, I responded to two Call for Art queries. One was to a gallery in Georgia that looked interesting online. I liked the art they sell and on impulse, decided to enter. In this case, I never received an acknowledgement of the application or a decision! I am not sure what happened there.    The other was a little more complicated. There is a newish gallery at a resort near where I live. I met one of the owners at a show last year. They were then just getting started [...]

"He who refuses to embrace a unique opportunity loses the prize as surely as if he had tried and failed." William James   This weekend I participated in an exhibit of local artists and artisans held at a nearby winery. I live in a very rural county in Virginia. This small show consisted of only folks who live and create in this county.    So, the question was: Will it be worth it? I really wasn't sure. I had a few concerns:   1.  It is February: The weather in February is unpredictable. It can snow or be unseasonably warm.    2.  It was One Afternoon. Setting up the tent [...]

This could just as easily been called:  Allowing for Growth.   While out walking this morning, I came upon an interesting scene. I live in the mountains of central Virginia in a very rural area. I have walked this same country road for decades off and on. It is always pretty, and always different in some way, changing with the seasons.     The day was cold and windy with a very blue sky. There was lots of sunshine but also very heavy clouds. Here is the scene I chose.                                     [...]