Exploring Other Media

Since I didn't have my painting gear with me while I was vacationing in Washington, I got creative with my camera instead. In fact, I became so energized and inspired from my trip that I'm planning to try my hand at mixed media and clay, too. Fun!

Yet, some people have told me that I have to stay focused in order to master painting, which is why I've shied away from other media for many years. So now I want to take a poll: Do you think it's better to focus on one medium or to explore a variety?

Refreshing the Spirit

You know that amazing feeling you get when you're really hot and thirsty and you finally get a long drink of cool, fresh water? That's just how my soul feels after vacationing in Washington and Oregon for 10 days. The reason for that feeling was all the fantastic art I saw everywhere -- in galleries, on the street, in museums. After a tough summer struggling with my painting, I sure needed to feed my creative spirit, and this trip did the trick. 

Coming home, though, I wondered why it took flying 2,000 miles across the country to do it. There is plenty of great art right here in Cincinnati where I live. I think I just haven't been making enough effort to get out and see the shows and exhibits that have been happening all around me. So I've decided to make a commitment to myself to keep fueling that fire with regular trips to see art.

Got any other good ideas? How do you stoke your creative fire and feed your artist's heart?