Creativity
Inspired by Maira Kalman
I first discovered Maira Kalman’s funny and colorful illustrations in the Illustrated Elements of Style (Strunk and White). What could be better than a stuffy grammar book made entertaining by irreverent visual interpretations?
From there, I enjoyed Maira’s other books such as The Principles of Uncertainty. I’ve been an ardent fan and student from afar, studying her style and voice. She’s fiercely smart and joyfully expressed, and I’ve learned a lot from her visual narratives in the New York Times.
One day a few years ago, I was walking the High Line in New York with a friend. Suddenly, I spotted Maira walking with her friend. OMG! I grabbed my friend’s arm. It’s Maira Kalman! I SO SO wanted to talk to her, but when I am in the presence of someone I deeply admire, I turn quite shy. We followed her for a few steps before I realized I couldn’t bring myself to approach her.
I remain a dedicated fan and admirer of Maira’s art and multi-faceted, wildly creative life. Thank you, Maira, for being so wholly and exuberantly creative.
When to surrender a creative project
Last summer, while teaching my Capture the Wow class, I had the idea to do a series of cups… 365 of them. I figured, I draw a lot of cups, why not go ALL IN. Unfortunately for me, when I get an idea I often jump into action right away.
I went for it. Cups from travels. Cups from a madcap Fika Passport dash. Cups from home.
Doing a project for an entire year is mucho difficult. I went way beyond my desired quitting point at 100. My Facebook friends encouraged me and gave me ideas, which I tried. I was able to keep going by doing series within series. I did the cups Tarot series, a turmeric latte series, and started a whole pattern series. Playing with pattern had always In the end, I made 185 pieces.
It’s hard to quit something. I am all for commitment to the finish line. But when I got to 170 or so and felt I was becoming disingenuous, I had to take another look at my commitment. Being miserable about my projects isn’t an option.
Then the 100 Day Project came around. I loved it in 2015 and I wanted to do it again. I find myself most engaged and excited about making art when I am working at my creative edge. That’s the place in my art or writing that I am learning and growing the most. The edge is often a technical challenge, something I am trying to learn and hopefully master.
So for the next series, the 100 Day Project, I am depicting people. I’ve felt insecure about this for a long time and it’s time to get over it. Here’s my chance to paint realistic or imaginative people who inspire me, including self-portraits. I’m having a blast and gaining confidence. Check out my series on my Instagram account.
It might appear flaky to shift gears like this and abandon one series for another. But I cannot worry about how it appears to others. I only need to follow my original impulse and make what’s meaningful to me.
I might resume the cup series, but for now I am focusing on painting people.
What might you want to shift – what is wanting to shift you? If it mattered only to you, what would you do? Share your thoughts below.
Three Gifts from Mother Nature to Artists
I spent yesterday morning wandering along Boulder’s creek path. Benches here and there gave me a place to pause and make notes about upcoming projects. Walking and writing seem to help me access insights and ideas more easily.
I’m not alone in relishing time in nature to keep me creatively fueled. Many of my clients report that nature helps them feel more calm, relaxed and connected to the bigger picture. Nature is abundant with inspiration, and I love these three ways to treat my artist to nature’s gifts: Forest Bathing, Long View and Water Inspiration.
Forest Bathing
The Japanese have a concept called ‘Shinrin-yoku’ or Forest Bathing. The idea is that contemplative walks in the forest reduces stress, anxiety and anger. Inhaling the natural oils of the trees can help us relax, allowing clarity and creativity to emerge. I personally love the cozy feeling of being in a forest, where the trees shield me from the sun and inspire me with their elegance.
Long View
When I ask my clients what they get from being in nature, many of them refer to a sense of connection, peace and restfulness. Gazing at the horizon, scanning the night sky, viewing mountains or the ocean can bring us a sense of feeling part of something bigger than ourselves. Oddly, this doesn’t diminish us but instead can give us a sense of peace and connectedness.
This kind of space inspires us to take the long view on our projects. Stepping away from minutuae and looking out and up can help connect the dots.
Water inspiration
Many people report insights and ideas arrive in the shower or bathtub. Studies about negative ions in water show that the abundance of negative ions found in running water contribute to positivity and creativity.
I don’t need a study to know that being near water helps me feel more relaxed, calm and joyful. I grew up swimming and skiing on a lake in Michigan, so water feels like my natural element.
There are many ways to spend time in nature. From plants and flowers in the home to visits to a local park to escapes to remote locations, time in nature fuels us.
Which of these three gifts from nature do you prefer? Perhaps you have another favorite way to bring Mother Nature into contact with your inner artist? Let us know in a comment below.
I’m grateful that I get to take weekend hikes here in Colorado. I’m also grateful that I get to teach in other beautiful locations. In May, we’re going to the stunning Banff National Forest in .
We’ll spend four days together at the Fairmont Chateau, where I will lead my . There will be the perfect blend of group time and solo time, when you can wander around the gorgeous glacial lake, hike in the forest, or simply rest on the terrace absorbing the view.
Capture the Wow Retreat Workshops in Canada and Paris 2017
Hey, creative dynamo! Let’s run away with our artists together this year! I have several creative getaways planned for us and there’s still room for you to join us.
Won’t it be fun to recharge and play at a Hogwarts-esque Chateau on a lake in Canada? I’m thrilled to get some time with you and Mother Nature at the stunning .
We’ll have four days to of Banff National Park, with its glacial lakes and forested peaks. Canada is a great deal for Americans now – ready for a sweet entry into summer?
Capture the Paris Wow September 7th – 12th
The early registration discount for Capture the Wow Paris ends on April 1st! Save $$ by signing up now. We have four spots left – is one of them yours?
BONUS! We’ve partnered with the wonderful, stylish, eco bag company Haiku to do something special for you. If you register for Capture the Paris Wow before April 1st, we will gift you a Haiku Travel Set. I LOVE mine. It’s made my travel so much more smooth and stylish. This is a must-have for your travel season.
Secure your spot here on our Paris Capture the Wow retreat today to get the early registration discount and the Haiku Travel Set.
Let’s get intimate with pastries in Paris!
Pain au chocolat in the morning, a fruit tart with afternoon tea…maybe an eclair sneaked in on the run. My all-time favorite Paris pastry shop is in my new Paris e-book.
Find out where I get the best pastries in Visit Paris Like an Artist. You will love this unconventional guide to travel and art! Your copy is waiting for you now, and so is your inner artist. RSVP for fun here.
Let’s run away with our artists to Paris!
I’ve been traveling to Paris every year since 2000, and have led many creativity workshops there. I get so many requests for advice on how to enjoy Paris in a fresh, different way. I decided to bring my artist, teacher, coach and writer together to write an e-book for you.
Visit Paris Like An Artist is just the thing to make your trip to Paris – and anywhere – feel more creative, fun and you.
Half Caff pattern
Since the cleanse I have been drinking my coffee with very little caffeine. I love this pattern representing all the cups of coffee at half caffeine. 
Dancing Cups and Glasses
Another cup pattern in my #365cups series.
View in Instagram ⇒
Cup Party
153/365 Cups, 6″ x 6″ watercolor and ink on paper. More fun pattern play!
View in Instagram ⇒
Happy Valentine's Day
Happy Valentine’s Day, 8″ x 8″, watercolor, ink and stamps on paper. I really don’t like this holiday but I love love, so let’s celebrate that. And happy birthday, Mom! 
A HIP plan for making a BIG DREAM real
Many things exerted an influence on me last month. A powerful call with my coach. Our new government’s actions. A big birthday on my horizon. A desire to GO FOR IT rose up in me that I couldn’t keep ignoring. It was clear that this is the time to really go for my big dreams.
I won’t share everything I am planning with you now. Okay, a sneak peek when you scroll down to the bottom of this article. But for now, let’s tay on this topic of how we actually make big changes.
Here’s my Big Dream that for years I have wanted, talked about, and never really done anything about: [Read more…] about A HIP plan for making a BIG DREAM real
Pattern Play in my Cup Series
Aerial View, 6″ x 6″ watercolor and ink on paper, 150/365 Cups. I love exploring pattern and have been having a blast riffing off of Jacqueline Groag’s amazing pattern designs. You can learn a lot by studying a master.
Continuing to grow from Lisa Congdon’s class about idea generation.
Friday Reads: This week's stack
This week’s stack of books. Yes I am reading all of these. There’s a whole other stack of books I’m not actually reading. In the stack you will see hints of where I am traveling this year, hints about an e-book I am writing and the art I am making, the novel of a friend, and a book related to my overall goal of thinking more creatively.
I am such a book glutton and love how the books I read change my life in such a direct way.
My favorite coffee drinks
8″ x 8″ watercolor, ink and marker on paper. I love all three of these coffee drinks. I believe each one of them has a specific amount and should be served in a specific kind of cup or glass. When somebody serves me a cappuccino in a giant bowl cup, it drives me crazy.