The Creative Life - Barbara Trovillo

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 [...]

Last week I picked up paintings that were in an exhibition in a gallery in Richmond. This particular gallery exhibits Artwork that inspires and intimidates me. The caliber of work is amazing! I always feel like rushing back to my studio to get to work again after being there.   In the past, I would feel bad about the fact that my paintings did not sell during this show. I have a different perspective now. I have been at this long enough to know there is a reason when there is no sale:   1. Are there Corrections needed?  Actually, in this case, one of the paintings [...]

    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 have been concentrating on value and composition this year. During a critique, these things were pointed out to me as weaknesses in my work.   Every spring, I endeavor to capture the grace of the peach trees in blossom. This year was no different. The painting on the left is the original, unedited version. It was okay, but had no "wow" factor. After putting it aside for a bit, I came back to it. I was able to vary the values enough to bring the painting to life.   The [...]

"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, [...]

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 [...]

This week I was rejected AGAIN.   Please, let me explain. I am submitting to art shows and competitions. This is a new experience for me. In the past, I did not have time to participate in this aspect of the art world. Yes, I had small, local shows and sold to individuals but wasn't involved in competitions farther afield.   I have entered into 3, maybe 4, okay, maybe 6? so far with no success. I decided to start a record of the rejections so as to make the inevitable ACCEPTANCE that much sweeter! I know if I keep studying, practicing, and submitting, eventually, [...]