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 [...]

    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 [...]

Have you ever found yourself wondering what it is exactly you are doing?   I was having such a moment.   Back in 2020, when the pandemic forced us in, I began a daily painting practice that continues to this day.   It has served me well. I have grown and progressed in my style and proficiency as an artist. On average, I produce one painting a week. Many of them are frame worthy. Consequently, I have accumulated quite an inventory.    Unfortunately, I have not been as efficient in arranging venues in which to show (and sell) these pieces. I am doing better so far this year in [...]

Ha ha.....quite a build up, eh? Well, that's how I felt this week.   My New's Years Eve resolution was to arrange at least 6 places to show my work this year.   Last year was a wash. We were caught up in fixing and selling a rental property, then dealing with damage from surprise flooding here on Pleasant Hill where we live. I continued with my daily painting practice but could not manage arranging ways to get the work out into the public view.   I am determined to not let that happen again this year!   I am making good progress turning that resolve into reality. So [...]

"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 [...]