I loved this story and insight, Michael. Thank you for sharing it! I went through a big funk near the end of 2023 – ironically, just after selling a couple of larger paintings that I was really proud of – and felt some of these same things.
I'm so glad it spoke to you. I wrote this mostly for myself to get out of a rut and get back to work again with some purpose. Thanks for the nice comment!
Michael, this is exactly what I needed today. Im in Ca with family, traveling for a month. I miss the studio. I’m sending this to my son, Seth Butler, in a funk because he had a big block of time to paint with no obligations and it fizzled. Thank you ! And congratulations on your new house and new life with Monica. Best, Anne Sutherland
Oh - I'm so glad to hear that, Anne. We try to write short pieces about the creative process in all its ebbs and flows. I was writing as much for myself, needing a little kick in the pants to get back to a healthy, creative mindset. Hope all is well with you and Happy New Year!
It would seem to me the process is akin to the golf swing. When I was young I looked at a shot or putt and visualized what I wanted and my body produced it reasonably well. Now after thousands of hours of instruction I struggle, agonizing to forget it all and go back to the simple days
I loved this story and insight, Michael. Thank you for sharing it! I went through a big funk near the end of 2023 – ironically, just after selling a couple of larger paintings that I was really proud of – and felt some of these same things.
I'm so glad it spoke to you. I wrote this mostly for myself to get out of a rut and get back to work again with some purpose. Thanks for the nice comment!
To you also. And happy new home experience. That requires more faith in think
Michael, this is exactly what I needed today. Im in Ca with family, traveling for a month. I miss the studio. I’m sending this to my son, Seth Butler, in a funk because he had a big block of time to paint with no obligations and it fizzled. Thank you ! And congratulations on your new house and new life with Monica. Best, Anne Sutherland
Oh - I'm so glad to hear that, Anne. We try to write short pieces about the creative process in all its ebbs and flows. I was writing as much for myself, needing a little kick in the pants to get back to a healthy, creative mindset. Hope all is well with you and Happy New Year!
It would seem to me the process is akin to the golf swing. When I was young I looked at a shot or putt and visualized what I wanted and my body produced it reasonably well. Now after thousands of hours of instruction I struggle, agonizing to forget it all and go back to the simple days
Golf and Art aren't far apart! It's the same principles. Relax, trust the process, make the shot! Happy New Year!