The Importance of Practice
If you want to write or paint or play music, or dance, you must practice. I believe this to be true in all artistic endeavors. I have danced on stage, taken lessons on the Hammond organ, sang in choirs, and currently I paint and write. Without a daily practice, my skills quickly deteriorate.
But, why practice? I realized recently that it’s natural to practice daily. As a child, I practiced the organ 1 hour per day. As a young woman, I took as many ballet classes as I could afford, and when we were preparing for a performance, the practices increased. With painting, I practice as I paint, but also while keeping a daily sketchbook. I carry it with me when I go to the beach or hike in the woods. And I note what is happening in my home life and sketch my pets, or maybe I plein air paint at the lake or in the mountains. The images on this page are of paintings I did on the spot in Tuscany.
If you don’t have a writing practice, there is a good book that will help you with letting go of the inner critic and writing from your heart. https://nataliegoldberg.com/books/writing-down-the-bones/ Natalie was my first writing teacher. I will always appreciate her instruction and often refer back to her thoughts on writing. But I also use her book to inspire me as a painter. Reading her essays help me free myself from inner criticism and try things I might not otherwise. See my post https://nancycanyon.com/the-first-word-from-the-bottom-of-your-mind/
If you are interested in writing the book that has been burning inside you, check out The Narrative Project. Participate in events. Get inspired by what other writers are doing or saying about their writing. https://www.thenarrativeproject.net/ I coach for The Narrative Project and love to encourage and inspire writers to get their books done. I hope I will see you there.
To learn more about my NEW BOOK, Celias Heaven, add your name to the opt-in tag to the right and I will send you updates for writing classes and readings. https://www.amazon.com/Celias-Heaven-Nancy-Canyon/dp/0999804839/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=celia%27s+heaven&qid=1594495122&s=amazon-devices&sr=8-1
