Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Be Yourself

Many artists will pick a special word that inspires them - usually for a year, sometimes monthly.  I was having trouble feeling inspired this year - but I began to play with more color - different and out of the box colors for me.  This painting was inspired by a photo of a real elephant with superimposed butterfly ears on Pinterest.  When I finished him - I realized that my words for this time at least are "be yourself".  Now that implies that you know who "yourself" is - but that's part of the phrase - knowing and accepting.

I still worry at times about whether people will like me or appreciate my art, but I am working on accepting who I am.  If I can't do that - well no one else will do it for me. That includes accepting my art - the good, the bad and everything else.  So this unusual elephant helped me find my phrase - and all that it implies.  That doesn't mean that I have nothing to work on in my life - I am just trying to be as kind to myself as I try to be to others.

Thanks for visiting and have a blessed and art filled day.

Linking to Paint Party Friday - hosted by the wonderful Eva and Kristin.  Go and  view what other artists are doing - then post your own work.  There is a wonderful and supportive online community out there!

33 comments:

  1. I think he's super cute and I love the big bright colors you used here.

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  2. I love your elephant... so sweet!

    Smiles, Saskia :)

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  3. I love your elephant. He looks strong and has kind eyes that speak of your kind soul. Very nice. Have a wonderful day and Happy PPF!

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  4. What an idea, to have butterfly ears! I think that's wonderful and certainly goes with the gorgeous colors you've used.

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  5. Being kind to ourselves can be the single hardest prospect we face in a given day! I agree with Sal - he is super cute, and I love the color combination! I haven't paired red with teal and purple before, but I believe you have just inspired me to try it for myself!

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  6. Love your gentle elephant and his colours are beautiful. Very nice work and understand and agree with your words. You have yourself a lovely day as well. Liked you on Etsy.

    Annabelle : )

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  7. I love this! It is so cool, very contemporary and great colors!

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  8. I adore your elephant in all it's whimsy. This is the kind of art I love! We all appreciate different things I LOVE whimsy and color more than a perfect photo type sketch. Thankfully we are all so beautifully different. It makes the world so much more interesting. We attract those to us who like similar things... you are perfect and beautiful as you are. Your gift is yours and yours alone...no one else is like you! Appreciate the beauty of your unique taste and style... never worry what others think.... ask yourself lots of questions to figure out who you truly are! I have a friend who at 53 is finally wearing the bohemian style with panache after years of worrying what others would think....she looks beautiful and I'm so proud of her!!

    Hugs Giggles

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  9. Love your tall blue elephant, and the bold colours you used. I think as long as you enjoy yourself and follow your heart, it doesn't matter what other people think....

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  10. love it. Happy PPF, Annette x

    http://nettysartadventures.blogspot.co.uk/

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  11. Your elephant is truly beautiful. Be yourself and listen to your heart then all the rest will follow.

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  12. Beautiful elephant interpretation!

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  13. Beautiful post and thoughts and beautiful and sweet elephant. I love it, colours and his shape, lovely piece. Thank you for sharing your art and your thoughts with us.

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  14. well I love this beautiful elephant, the color is amazing, you are such a tender hearted soul, be happy, paint for you don't worry about others!!! Beautiful work!!

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  15. Good for you! The elephant is adorable.

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  16. He is wonderful. I do so love ellies. One of my words is 'Be'. Why should we try to please others- rather let's just BE.
    (If Coconut Boy hasn't sold yet- will include him with your art. He isn't very big at all). xxxxxxx

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  17. Love your stylized elephant and your choice of colours. Happy PPF!

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  18. Your elephant looks so sweet, and the fact that there is so much meaning behind the piece makes it more special! Beautiful!

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  19. that blue against the red looks fab

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  20. What a beautiful-gorgeous soul...love the gentle and radiant blue color..and so powerfully adorned with butterfly wings for ears..very spiritual!
    I love you art..and I relate strongly to all that you have shared..I feel we should always give ourselves unconditional support-love-encouragement as we create and express ourselves artistically..it is an honor to create art! keep shining on!..

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  21. I love this elephant, the colors and style are great, bravo!

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  22. Love your elephant!!! His ears are fabulous and I love his blue color!!

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  23. Delicious composition, sweet colors, very beautiful elephant!

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  24. Love your elephant! Colors always inspire, and thanks for stopping by!

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  25. i love your elephant, and the line: *I am just trying to be as kind to myself as I try to be to others* - oh my... we're all so hard on ourselves sometimes, aren't we? Yes. Be kind to yourself, and to your art. Lovely colors. xx

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  26. I love your skinny elephant. I agree with you about being kind to yourself. I find it easier to be kind to someone else than to be kind to me sometimes. As for your art... I finally decided that I create art for me. I need to do it. It keeps me grounded and in touch with myself. I like it when people make positive comments about my work but that is icing on the cake. The act of creating is what is important for me.

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  27. OMGosh I love the blue elephant. Elephants are a fave (along with birds of course). The San Diego zoo has an elephant cam that is super tremendous. I know the feeling, my art isn't good enough for me, but everyone loves it, so, I guess I better back off and let it be. . . even if they didn't like it. Everyone sees things differently and/or hears differently too. It's not that we are bad or good, but that we ARE and that's all that matters. Blessings and ((Hugs)) Janet, PPF

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  28. Oooohhh I love this elephant. Wonderful colors and a great face.
    Nicole/Beadwright

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  29. I've heard of this special word of the year thing and I think you've chosen well! Wonderful vibrant elephant, very cool in a tall image!

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  30. Happy Easter to you too and thank you for stopping by my blog. Enjoy, take care.

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  31. Be Yourself - good advice. I love your colourful art too:)

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