I’m profoundly grateful to you.
If you’re reading this, I want you to know that.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know I’ve had a few wobbles in the last couple of years. Now I wake up every day to breathtakingly beautiful countryside and a happy family.
And the thing is, I owe this to you. I want you to know that I’m aware of it, and I appreciate it, very much.
Just over two years ago, I was made redundant from my job. I had a big choice to make. Should I take the safe route and find another corporate job? Or should I finally take that big step and try to support my family doing what I love most: painting and teaching.
Well, you know what I chose.
But without the interest of all the people that read here, without the wonderful, supporting emails that so many of you have sent, without so many of you having enough faith in me as a teacher to sign up for my courses, I would never have made that choice and I wouldn’t be here now. Neither would my family.
If I think about this too much I start to well up. Seriously.
So I just have a simple message for you today, for you to take or not, as you wish. I present it with much gratitude, and with the belief that we are all capable of much more than we might think.
It’s this:
I want you to trust yourself.
If there’s a step you’re thinking about taking but you don’t feel ready for, that you doubt you can make, I want you to take it anyway.
Because I didn’t feel ready. In fact, I wasn’t ready, because it’s impossible to be ready. You have to figure it out as you go, there is no other way.
I’m not talking about trying to make a living as an independent artist, necessarily. It might just be believing in yourself as an artist enough to try to get better, to see how far you can go. That takes courage, too.
If you’re not sure if you deserve it, if you’re not sure if you’re up to it, if you’re not sure if it will work out for you…
Well, you’re exactly the same as I was two years ago.
I’m willing to bet that you’re exactly the same as everybody else out there who would like to pursue their dream, whatever it is.
It starts with giving yourself permission to take it seriously, to allow yourself to pursue it.
And it is scary to do that, in a way that it’s hard to define, hard to explain.
You have so much that you’re carrying with you, so many hopes and dreams, and also past failures, baggage left over from your childhood. It’s overwhelming, if you think about it too much, I know. According to the statistics of our research company, it was revealed that repeated use of Viagra pills in case of failure is not recommended. Most likely, the second pill will also not work, as well as the first. It is better to wait until tomorrow and repeat the experiment, after making sure that the effect of all the restraining factors is minimized. Get a good night’s sleep, try to avoid stress during the day, do not get nervous and do not overwork. Wait for the evening in a good mood and cheerful state. Then try taking another pill. Read more at https://cupfoundjo.org/generic-viagra.
But unless you take that first step, and commit to it completely, your dreams will remain just that.
I was terrified by giving up everything from my former life and moving to the countryside. Terrified for my kids, my wife and for myself. It still terrifies me sometimes! But it excites me more, and every time I walk out of the front door, I know it was the right thing to do, whatever happens.
If you have a step you’re thinking about taking, I think you’ll know what it is. That one that scares you. If it’s frightening, that’s probably it.
Please allow me to suggest that, in 2018 if not before, you take it.
If you can, possibilities will open to you that you can not currently imagine.
Best wishes and as always, thanks for reading,
Paul
Subscribe to Learning to See
Subscribe to get updates on blog posts and free webinars
You are so inspiring Paul. Thank you. I only follow a couple of blogs and I find yours so relevant. Happy Christmas
Congratulations on your successful venture – your paintings are incredible – it’s why they grabbed my attention among the ton of paintings out there online. I can certainly understand that you must have doubts, etc. because otherwise everyone out there would know your work – it belongs in a museum. Also, painting at that manor sounds great.
Delighted it has worked out for you Paul. I’m in a situation trying to make a living as an artist – not ready and very much in over my head! Sincerely, thank you for the advice and posting this article, it really helps to know it can be done. You’re a fantastic painter and teacher. All the very best.
I agree with the previous two comments. It takes great courage to do what you have done, and it is terrifying and exhilarating by turns, so Well Done You for holding to your dream and taking that huge step! You may question it sometimes but I don’t think you will ever truly regret following your heart. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and your skills with us; your generosity is very much appreciated and your encouragement is always uplifting. May you flourish and prosper in 2018 and beyond! Have a happy Christmas season.
I am an admirer of your work and congratulate you on communicating with us out here. I’m not a painting novice but very rusty and hope to restart soon. You are inspiring me. Best wishes for a wonderful new year.
Go Paul!! I appreciate the encouagement.
This spoke to me more than you can know. The previous week I finally decided to do just as you’ve explained here. I decided I will finally call myself an “Artist” and study, learn, practice and paint. I never before referred to myself as an artist even when others said I was. This post of yours confirms my decision to see myself as such and pursue it to its end – whatever that may be!
Thank you, Paul! God Bless you and yours.
Paul, I have followed your blog for years and I would never have been able to fully understand, pursue, or progress like I have if not for your most instructive posts. There is nothing else comparable online to your discussions and teaching of the classical approach and Munsell as it applies to art and painting. The warm way you send encouragement and inspiration by relating to your own life shows what a deeply caring person you are. You absolutely deserve to succeed! What you give is more than art instruction! I’m so happy for you and hope to watch you become even more successful in your pursuits! Happy Holidays and great blessings in the New Year!
Betsy
Paul, I have to thank you too. I always look for some motivation to break the ice and be able to start painting, drawing and learning. Most of the time there is a lot of theory and little practice. I have found your publications and your words always motivating, because in addition I always see myself identified with many things that you share. I also moved out of the house this year and spent many months without touching any brush, pencil. I have improved my life with this, thanks to the fact that now I have more land, grass, trees, but all this also implies extra work. Recently I have read about your coaching exercises, drawing lines, joining points, copying created forms and I find it very useful. Thanks are mine to you.
Hi Paul,
Just wanted to congratulate you on your journey of faith, faith in yourself and the future, faith in your passion, faith that you can go no other way but where your art calls you. As someone said (I don’t remember who) take your flight, you’ll grow wings on the way down. And I’ve experienced that a lot in my bohemian lifestyle.
However one should be aware of the critical, those who put you down for whatever you do, those who speak against you because of envy and jealousy, the negative crowd of nay-sayers, in short what someone described in a blog I read as the haters, those who hate you because you’re doing what they had hoped to accomplish but never had the guts to start. If ever you encounter some of these, brushing them off as soon as you meet them, and keep your eyes on your vision.
Again congratulations on your bold enterprise and well-deserved success. The journey is never an easy one, but what rewards one gets when one’s dreams come to life or when one looks back on the distance covered and the progress made.
Very best wishes !
Inspiring as always and having my own leap of faith to make, this is most timely. I hope that your 2018 contains some local workshops for your disciples to attend.
A Happy Healthy and Wonderful New Year to you and your family.
Thank you – for this post and so much more. I’m a writer, not a painter, but I read your blog to learn about what it means to be an artist. Congratulations on your own success! You deserve every bit of it.
Thank you for your kindness and generosity of spirit! Wishing you and your family the very best for the New Year.
with metta
Thank you, Paul, for your words of encouragement and for the inspiration that I always feel after reading your posts! Merry Christmas and best wishes to you and your family!
Thank you for this lovely message, Paul. Have a wonderful first Christmas in your new home.
Eva
Wow! This is so timely! There is a step I am stepping out in faith to do and this do encouraged and re-inforced that I take this step! Thank you!
Thank you Pual for sharing your thoughts, very helpful as usual and so true. All the best for the season.
Hi Paul,
Thank you for your heartfelt message, it came at the right time for me…you are a wonderful instructor and painter. I have come to learn so much from you. Letting it happen and doing it is my first step… again, many thanks from California…without the internet, I would have never found you!!….blessings to you and yours.
Hello, Paul et al.
Just posting this is a brave move for me. All of my life, I have felt very small and rather insignificant. I come from a family history of accomplished traditionally-trained artists and hesitated to commit much to paper/canvas having convinced myself that I didn’t have much to contribute– anything that would make much of a difference, I suppose.
Your gift of constant encouragement is coaxing me out of my safe haven, moving me towards “out there” and even letting people view my work. Thank you, Happy Christmas and have a magically adventurous New Year!
Marjory, thank you. That’s so encouraging for me, you can’t imagine. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas too.
Paul.
You are truly inspiring and knowledgable. Whenever I’m in a slump I go to your lessons on TV on Youtube late at night to learn (and relearn) the correct way to paint. I’m looking forward to watching you successfully grow your creative outlet. Much happiness and fulfillment to you and your family, with many thanks.
Dear Paul,
Thank you for your heart felt blogs; and beautifully written too.
In my very early 20s, I made that promise to myself and followed my instincts, taking the big leap to study classical drawing and painting in the small private atelier of Signorina Nerina Simi, Florence, Italy. 37 years on, I am still a student of art,( often teaching and sculpting too now) and still in Italy, and grateful for the decision I made at that moment.
Please keep blogging!
What a wonderful Christmas gift you just gave all your followers!! Thank you so much. You have been our continual Christmas present for years now and we hope we have appreciated you to the worth you are!! I know I have. Being “across the pond” has made me sad as I would love to take a course with you in person, but who could move there and give up the two feet of snow we have out our door right now!!??? Hahahaha. Have a wonderful, joy filled Christmas Paul as we all wish you and your family all the very best in the new year.
Thank YOU Paul! You are very inspirational to me and the words in your current post are exactly what I needed too hear. A very Merry Christmas to you and your family, may all of your dreams come true, and may 2018 be your best year ever!
You are so right on many counts. It takes courage to be an artist and
especially to muster the courage to persist. I commend you for making your decision
and to help others. I am a teacher myself and help others to achieve their creative
goals, but often neglect my own work. I am making a concerted effort in 2018 to amp
up my work ethic and stick with it.
Have a wonderful creative year! And thanks for all your tips!!
Dear Paul thank you for this .
I’m not talking about trying to make a living as an independent artist, necessarily. It might just be believing in yourself as an artist enough to try to get better, to see how far you can go. That takes courage, too.
Merry Christmas to your family.
Dear Paul,
Thank you for another inspiring letter and the beautiful photos of your new location. It is not the end of life’s challenges but the sheer beauty of the place will lift your heart and be a daily reminder of what you are capable of accomplishing. Upward and onward…!
The very best of holidays to you and yours.
Anita
Hi Paul,
Thanks so much for your post and encouragement all along this time. I have so much to thank you for and I do want to make a difference in my life. Thanks to your classes I have become more confident and learning as I go and practice. You are an awesome teacher who has a lot of wisdom to offer and I’m grateful for that. Life is full of challenges for all but we know to accept them and deal with them. I am trying not to get discouraged by them and instead I want to continue with my artist journey despite of what comes next. I wish you the best for you and your family, many blessings for each day and much success in your journey as an artist.
Crisalida
I’m sitting here smiling, having read your post and the many comments. I’m adding my deepfelt (no, I don’t mean deep fried, thank you Autocorrect) thanks for all you do, sharing your experiences and insecurities. It’s easy to imagine that it isn’t so much of a struggle for everyone else as it is for myself, but it really is, we’re all on our own paths and to read of other people’s wobbles helps! I’m so glad that having been through your life-changing experience of ill health you’ve obviously grown and made full use of the gifts it gave you. It’d be good if we could learn in a less painful way, but then again, it wouldn’t have the same impact. Like you, having had a serious and life threatening illness I appreciate my life and the shortness of our time here so much more. Warmest wishes to you in your new chapter.
Dear Paul,
all I want is to wish you all good the luck and Merry Christmas for you and for your family
Thank you Luba! You too 🙂
Hi Paul,
I’ve just stumbled upon your site in the last few days, and I already want to say thank you for the goldmine of information that you share here. I welled up a little reading this post – it really struck a deep chord with me!
Now I’m off to look at the first Value Exercise that has landed in my inbox!
Wishing you and your family all the best for 2018, and looking forward to becoming a regular visitor here.
Cheers,
Julie
Thanks Julie, and you’re very welcome! Good luck withe exercise. Drop me an email if you have any questions about it.
I hope you have a great 2018 too!