Compare and Despair versus Admire and Inspire

There’s nothing wrong with finding inspiration in someone else’s work or technique.

I would actually encourage it.

A part of my daily routine before starting any work is to go in the studio in the morning and look at images, hundreds and hundreds of images. I try not to think too deeply why I l am attracted to them. I just save them in a folder. After half an hour of so, I do come back that folder and try to find the common treads in the selection of image. And believe me, there ill always be one ...a color, a recurring theme, a texture...a tread which will make me start painting, something which will inspire me .. This is fulfilling and growth.

As we are progresing in our project, images of work created by others inspire us and dazzle us . Yet we need to be aware of the trap when our admiration turns to inner judgment, doubt and comparison. This can only lead to negativity, when we end up thinking more about the other people we compare ourselves with than our own art , which in the same breath stunt our own creative growth .

When you catch yourself in that pattern of comparison, try to stand back from yourself.

Stop and observe.

Let’s face it, the real competition is you.

When we challenge ourselves, and are responsible for our own growth, we see areas in our lives which we need to improve.

Instead, try to make the comparisons with yourself. Look back at your own art of the past, and see how you have improved or how you could improve. Keep track of your success, or failures, your growth and keep building on what you have accomplished. With determination and hard work, you will eventually get where you want to be.

Enjoy today and all that it has to offer,

Isabelle