Transparent Tuesday: Art (take 2)

Hello, friends! Let's dive right into things today.

Today's transparent topic: Risk Taking

Are you a risk taker by nature? Do you know your comfort zone? What does it take to push you beyond your limits?

I've always been able to appreciate art but never known it from an artist's perspective. As I'm beginning to put the brush to the canvas and make my own strokes, I'm realizing there's a lot of vulnerability involved in putting your art in front of an audience.

Is this a risk I'm willing to take? Sure, I'll put it on my blog and say "Look what I did!" But, what about taking the next step and offering it to be purchased?

That's the risk I'm staring in the face right now. 

What if I 'open' an etsy shop and don't sell a single piece?!

What if beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder and my vision isn't shared?

What if the criticism is harsh?

What if my creativity runs dry and I'm a one hit wonder? What if I don't even make it with one hit?

What if a "real artist" sees my paintings and scoffs?

I'm not going to lie...these are actual thoughts that float around in my brain, but I'll also tell you that these thoughts are the fuel to my fire. I can't stand excuses! And, that's exactly what all these yucky words are...excuses. If I choose to let the 'what if' rule my life then I'm sure to miss out on some crazy good opportunities. There's no doubt I'll experience some hardships too, but you know what?...I'll use them to grow!

Do you have a risk you're scared to take? Do you find yourself making excuses? What's it going to take to get you past that point? I have the answer...prayer. I'd be honored to lift your concerns up and pray for the courage and confidence you need to push through your fears and concerns. Leave me a comment or send me an email: dfrieling1@gmail.com. 

Black and White Art Pieces

The art bug has bitten big recently and can I just tell you how much fun I'm having with my new hobby?!

Now, don't be too harsh when you're taking a gander...these are literally my first attempts at anything other than painting an abstract. I've edited in a mat and frame to get an idea of what the finished product will look like. I'm hoping to buy a few frames soon and possibly adorn our entryway.

Ready for a trip to the zoo? I'm on an animal kick for some reason!

Meet Mr. Giraffe...

He likes taking long walks with his short-legged friends and snatching yummy leaves from the finest trees in town! His medium is black acrylic paint on white paper.

Next up, Mr. Ed...

Mr. Ed resides at a nearby stable and is a lady-killer with his smilin' eyes and spiky do. Watch out, friends, he's one fast dude! His medium: black acrylic paint on brown craft paper.

Oh yes... it's Dumbo!

Dumbo's supersonic hearing is his best asset. He's currently in training to be a therapy animal who assists the hard of hearing! His portrait conveyed via black acrylic paint on white paper.

Let's call our next friend, B.D. aka Big Dreams

B.D. looks fierce but that's just the look of fear coming through because he knows there's a couple Frieling males who have him in their sites. Mr. B.D. needs some major neck work via the plastic surgeon, aka me, the painter!

Last, but not least, meet Mr. Gazelle...

Mr. Gazelle is very playful and will bring any party to the next level. Fun is his middle name! His overall effect is very reminiscent of a popular ikat trend currently happening in the design world. 

So what's next, you ask? Minimalist animals meet abstract backgrounds. Stay tuned for the next round of zoo fun.