JoDee Luna's Blog, page 2

Overcoming the Ugly Stage: Tips for Frustrated Artists and Writers

Call it the ugly stage, struggle bus (my sister’s term), or just plain frustration. Often art in process goes through undesirable stages. 

My recent painting, “All God’s Children Great and Small,” was coming along nicely until I got to the people. Then yuck! I’m used to painting large portraits not tiny ones. The ugly stage seemed to go on day after day as I tried different ways to make them look human. 

Finally, I had to walk away. When I returned the next day, I saw that the woman and man’s eyes were off. So, I took a photo and sent it to my sister, and she confirmed my suspicions. 

“Their eyes are too big for their faces,” Gina replied. 

She also pointed out several other features that needed adjustments.

I had lost perspective, which is very common when I get engrossed in a painting. Now my lettering is going through the ugly stage.

Every artist goes through those times when what you envisioned just isn’t working. Whether painting, writing, sculpting, or any number of other creative pursuits. 

Here’s a few tips I use to get back on track:

Walk away for a day and return with fresh eyes.Take a photo and compare what you’ve painted with your reference photo. I overlay the photo of my painting over my reference photo using Photoshop. Then I slowly reduce the opacity of my painting photo to see what’s off. Ask an artist friend for feedback. Celebrate progress not perfection: I have a “Favorites” folder for each of my paintings. I save progress photos in this folder so I can see improvement over time. For Writers

I also must walk away from my writing. The mind often corrects errors spontaneously, so it’s easy to miss mistakes. I’m grateful for the review features of spelling and grammar checks. I also struggle with how to improve my writing.

 Wordpress websites now have an added AI Assistant that is helping me with improving blog posts. Check these out: 

WRITE BRIEF WITH AI (BETA)

Improve your writing with AI.

Write to see your grade level: This feature helps to keep text readable for the majority of viewers. My years in public education as a literacy teacher and then literacy coach opened my eyes to an important fact. I learned that the average reading level in the United States is 7th-8th grade.

Show suggestions: The AI Assistant offers suggestions:Complex words: This feature is so helpful for my academic writing self. After 25+ years of working in the field of education, I tend to use complex words. Long sentences: Another habit of mine. The AI editor breaks up my run-on sentences.Unconfident words: I “might” becomes “I try.”

AI FEEDBACK

Get feedback on content structure: Here’s the feedback generated for this post: The content demonstrates a relatable experience for artists and writers. They face the “ugly stage” of their work. The tips provided are practical and valuable for overcoming these challenges. The use of AI editing features appears to be beneficial for enhancing writing quality. These features include the writing grade level and suggestions for complex words, long sentences, and unconfident words. Consider exploring more AI features to improve key details of the post 

OPTIMIZE PUBLISHING

Use AI to optimize key details of your post: My original title was: When to Walk Away from your Art. I decided on the AI generated title: Overcoming the Ugly Stage: Tips for Frustrated Artists and Writers

AI FEATURED IMAGE

Create and use an AI generated feature image for your post: The AI Assistant generated this image:

Boy did it capture how I feel while going through the ugly stage.

We creatives focus so much of our energy on painting what we envision onto canvas or into words. We need the support of fellow creatives as well as AI editing features now available.

Don’t give up when your art or writing goes through the ugly stage. Walk away and then return another day with fresh perspective.

If you’re a creative in need of ongoing inspiration, check out my Artistry Unleashed: Inspiration and Resources for Creatives. You can download editions from this page: https://jodeelunaart.com/artistry-unleashed-inspiration-and-resources-for-creatives/.

Join my email list so you don’t miss an edition.

Subscribers also have access to free DIY arts and craft lessons. You get inspiration you can print and frame. You will also get my free “Chosen to Create Workbook, a printable pdf.“

Balancing Artistic Creativity and Entrepreneurial Responsibilities: Practical Tips and Strategies

Here’s to the artist entrepreneurs who try to build an art business. 

Who dare to engage in the unique struggle of balancing artistic creativity and entrepreneurial responsibilities.

Who engage in the tug-of-war between getting lost in a work of art and developing a business opportunity.

Do you paint, apply for that juried art venue, or develop your Patreon channel?

Do you paint or create a reel for your social media platform?

I often wonder how both sides of my brain can function at the same time.

The artist in me just wants to disappear into my art room. The entrepreneur insists on creating another lesson for our Luna Arts & ED business (https://www.instagram.com/luna_arts_and_ed/)

Both bring me tremendous satisfaction.

Both involve creative processing. 

Both compete for my time. 

Like a wrestling match, they clasp hands as the struggle ensues.
Often art business bends personal painting low to the table.
Neither gives up.
Both fight to the finish.
Who will win?
It’s a draw every time. 

So, if you’re an artist entrepreneur, I salute you! 

Know you’re not alone.

There are more of us out there wrestling with personal painting and business

development. 

Practical Tips and Strategies for Managing Competing DemandsGo with what inspires when you have free time.

Contracts demand commitment (i.e. art professional development training, art for community days, virtual art lessons, consultations for Social and Emotional art lesson choice).

But when there’s free time, I follow fleeting inspiration that graces.

Don’t wait! Start that new painting.

Watch out for burn out!

When art is your business, it’s easy to forget to paint for pleasure. When you feel exhausted and lack inspiration, you’re experiencing burn out.

Try setting aside some “me time” to create whatever you want.

Contracts closed at the end of the school year. I was determined to paint an idea I’d had in my mind for months.

My summer obsession is painting on my new creation: “All God’s Children Great and Small.”

Juggling the emotional and mental demands of these two roles can be difficult. But, I’ve found both increase my capacity as well as improve my skills.

I’m growing as an artist and as an art business owner.

Seek support for your personal painting!

I have a group of artists who inspire me and who give me feedback.

They are always there to encourage and support:

Gina Wilson Art, https://www.instagram.com/gina.m.wilson/

https://www.instagram.com/rickr.wilson/

https://www.instagram.com/lynnettesartspace/

Elya Moline Creations

Join an Art Association

I joined a local art association that meets monthly: https://murrietaartists.org, and then decided to offer support by running for vice president.

I also recently joined Temecula Valley Art League.

Platform Building SupportJoin an online community. I joined Your Platform Matters, “We’re a community led by a professional writing coach committed to helping writers reach readers in meaningful ways. We believe your message matters, so your platform matters.” -Ann KroekerAlthough primarily for writers, the endless resources taught me how to build various social media platforms. They also helped me develop an email list and a host of other necessary tools for building my art business. One of my other passions is writing. This platform has helped me move my next book towards publishing.Develop a business model that uses your artistic ability and career experience. My business, Luna Arts & ED, combines my former experience as a district art coach with my artistic abilities. Our art presenters bring professional development in the arts to educators. We offer virtual art lessons for students. We also give art lessons for school community celebrations.

I also offer a mini magazine, Artistry Unleashed: Inspiration and Resources for Creatives. There are feature artists who share their ability and encouragement. There are also links for video tutorials for improving your art skills. You can download a digital copy: https://jodeelunaart.com/artistry-unleashed-inspiration-and-resources-for-creatives/

Subscribe to my email list so you don’t miss an issue: https://mailchi.mp/5210fe4b3ab8/artistry-unleashed-inspiration-and-resources-for-creatives

Discover the Symbolism Behind ‘The Rose’ Oil Painting by Jodee Luna

Artist and writer, Diane Bailey, posted a painting on Instagram of a woman with angel’s wings, holding a red rose. The descriptor read:

“The Soul of a Woman – and when she believed she was loved, she began to bloom.”

When I read this, I instantly remembered a promise the Lord had given me when I was a youthful missionary. While walking through a forest in the Netherlands, I envisioned a red rose blossoming as these words drifted through my mind: I will blossom you into a woman of God—wrought by many thorns, watered by your tears. He promised His nature would form in me like a rose, opening to reveal beauty and fragrance.

Yet it wasn’t until I read Diane’s words that I made the connection between the rose blossoming and my believing I was loved by my Heavenly Father. 

“The Rose,” oil on canvas, is my visualization of that promise/omen I received in my early twenties while walking through that forest so far from home.

She hangs in my art room as a reminder of God’s faithfulness amid life’s challenges. When I look into her eyes, she imparts grace, courage, and confidence that I’m not alone.

Here’s a video of her painting process.

Watch this video to learn how to paint a rose using tints and shades:

Sign up for my email list using this link:

Embracing Fearlessness: Finding Strength in Art and Business Challenges

“Fearless!”

The word swirled in my thoughts for weeks before I dared to claim it as my word of the year.

Then the painting came: a fierce tiger and determined woman nestled next to one another. The woman draws strength from what the tiger intrinsically possesses, fearlessness!

Watch the progression of the painting:

Next the mixed media version graced:

Unexpected Art Business Opportunities

Little did I know what business opportunities, and resulting challenges, would come my way in 2024. Luna Arts & ED LLC took off with 5 contracts to bring the arts to the Lancaster School District.

I had to recruit artist/educators to fill the requests for teaching SEL, Social Emotional Learning, through the arts professional development for teachers, community arts events for district families, virtual art lessons for students, and including after-school virtual art lessons.

You can watch some of what took place on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luna_arts_and_ed.

In each and every situation, fear flooded my entire being. So, I hung the painting in my art room and studied the woman and tiger to gain God’s courage to move forward.

Often what we are meant to do in this life is far greater than what we can do. Opportunities present and courage leaks. During these times, we can depend on a Creator who not only calls but equips.

What opportunities are calling to you that send chills up and down your spine?

Remember Fearless! Draw strength from your word of the year, art you create to envision your word, and most importantly, The ONE who leads and empowers.

Find your courage to be FEARLESS!

You’ll be surprised at the lives you’ll encourage as you receive personal strength to pursue your dreams.

Tapestries of Gold

Tapestries of Gold is a song produced by Deborah Keily Hanson with words by Mary A. Hannon . Truc Mai Nguyen and Jeffrey Alan Hanson sing the vocals. Listen to the song.

Tapestries of Gold ℗ 2023 Deborah Keily Hanson

The album cover is a redesign of my painting Welcome Home.

Welcome Home is my tribute to the millions of immigrants who have sought refuge and a better life in America. We welcome you!

Deborah Keily Hanson has a diverse musical background. An accomplished musician, teacher, and performer,  she has performed solo recitals, accompanied soloists from the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera, performed at the Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival in Jamaica, accompanied musical theater groups locally and with the Los Angeles Opera Musical Theater Company. 

Overcoming ‘Never Enough Syndrome’ as a Creative: Rest and Gratitude

I yearn for what I cannot have even though what I have goes beyond what I expected.

Have you ever noticed “it” is never enough. Whatever “it” is at any one given time:

Never enough weight lossNever enough moneyNever enough time to yourselfNever enough time with family

The Never Enough syndrome affects all of us; but for the creative, the “it” often centers around unique yearnings:

Never enough artistic talentNever enough art forms to learnNever enough art sales to satisfyNever enough email subscribersNever enough social media followersNever enough books published or sold

The list is endless.

Solutions for the Never Enough Syndrome

I’ve been contemplating the Never Enough Syndrome with rest, gratitude, and a shift in perspective as antidotes for this malaise.

For example, resting on one’s laurels long enough to count one’s blessings, accomplishments, progress, art created, words written, art forms pursued, people reached. 

I’m also trying to step aside time to cultivate my relationship with God: contemplation and emotional processing through journaling; taking walks to think and pray; reading inspirational books for soul rejuvenation. 

Reducing my activities so I can listen for His whispers, those subtle longings of the heart that entice me to consider a new perspective or direction. 

Practical Tips

Here are some more practical tips for cultivating rest, gratitude, and a shift in perspective:

Create a vision board to visualize what’s most important to you. When I reviewed my vision board a year later, I realized I met almost all my goals. If you’re a writer or artist aspiring to publish or sell, create a vision board to list your platform building goals. Here’s mine: Jot down what you’re grateful for in a journal; include blessings received, support of family and friends, skills learned, and hobbies enjoyed.Set aside times to do what restores and refills you (I enjoy painting while listening to worship music). Create affirmations as reminders of what’s most important. Personal Accomplishement Examples

I never expected my YouTube channel to go from 340 subscribers to 1906 and watch hours to average almost 1,000. Now I’m 1/4 of the way to becoming a YouTube Partner.

Nor did I expect to finish several paintings:

Creating a vision board will help you to prioritize and stay focused on what matters most to you!

Living a purposeful life full of rest and gratitude will shift your perspective from never enough to “Wow, I’m fulfilling my dreams!”

What are your own experiences and coping strategies for the “Never Enough Syndrome.” Please share them in this post’s comments!

Ongoing Support Via Email List

If you’re in need for ongoing encouragement, art tips and tricks, or just to feel a part of a creative tribe, sign up for my email list.

Don’t miss an edition of Artistry Unleashed, Inspiration and Resources for Creatives. This is a mini magazine full of resources to propel your artistry forward: https://mailchi.mp/5210fe4b3ab8/artistry-unleashed-inspiration-and-resources-for-creatives.

The Creative Exchange

What are creative exchanges? They’re when creatives share expertise to enhance skills, overcome challenges, and achieve artistic goals.

I find myself at the critical juncture of navigating my second manuscript through the rigorous editing phase of self-publishing, a process that triggers memories of past challenges.

Editing proved particularly daunting during the preparation of Refrain from the Identical: Insights and Inspiration for Creative Eclectics for self-publication. Initially choosing an editor without sufficient vetting led to significant expense and left the manuscript still requiring substantial revisions. Amidst my disappointment, two creatives—both talented writers with editing backgrounds—generously volunteered to reedit: Kay Johnson (Zebo Media Group) and my sister, Gina Wilson (Gina Wilson Art).

Despite their invaluable contributions, I opted to engage a professional copy editor to ensure thoroughness.

Now, with manuscript number two in hand, I find myself hesitant to proceed.

Enter what I’ve termed the “Creative Exchange.”

This concept revolves around creatives sharing their expertise with each other. Each participant contributes support in their respective areas of expertise. In turn, each receives support where needed.

In exchange for reading and critiquing my manuscript, my beta readers will benefit from insights into my artistic methods. Some have expressed interest in art lessons, while others seek tutorials on Premier video editing.

I am thrilled to engage in these reciprocal creative exchanges.

While I recognize the need for professional editing services, I also hope to gather diverse opinions on the level of editing my book requires. All three beta readers possess editing experience, although it’s not their current profession.

Creative exchanges offer a fantastic opportunity to develop creative skills without substantial financial investment.

Here’s how it works: Identify another creative whose skills you admire and propose an exchange of talents. The arrangement works when each party has a skill the other wants to develop or refine. Both parties keep track of their time investment to ensure fairness.

Through this symbiotic exchange, each participant benefits from shared talents and expertise, advancing further along their creative journey.

Bluebird Oil Painting and Song

Bluebird envisions hope, faith, and perseverance amid hopelessness, despair, and depression.

Bluebirds are known for their joyful songs, tendency to fly long distances, and ability to survive in the most difficult of surroundings.

These qualities have led bluebirds to be used in religious icons and as symbols of peace.

Bluebird will grace the album cover of an amazing song by composer Deborah Keily Hanson.

This bird, painting, and song will encourage you to trust that a new day is dawning.

You can emerge triumphant and discover the grace of God needed to pursue your destiny.

Bluebird reproductions are available: JoDee Luna Fine Art America.

Here’s a video of Bluebird’s painting process:

Bluebird graces the cover of a song by the same same composed by pianist Deborah Keily Hanson. Deborah’s song is the perfect match for my painting, starting soulful and ending joyful. Bluebird is on Apple Music, Spotify,  Amazon Music, and YouTube.

Are you a creative interested in ongoing inspiration and tips for honing your craft?

If so, sign up for my email list so you don’t miss an edition of Artistry Unleashed, Inspiration and Resources for Creatives. This is a mini magazine full of resources to propel your artistry forward: https://mailchi.mp/5210fe4b3ab8/artistry-unleashed-inspiration-and-resources-for-creatives.

Nightingale

Nightingale is for those who find themselves in the dark night of the soul. Nightingales are known for their powerful and beautiful song.

God gives us a song of hope when we can’t see the light of day.

The “Envisioning Stage” of a painting intrigues me. This is when I imagine a portrait and create a model using Photoshop.

This stage can’t be rushed, needs to be savored, and given time to develop.

During the envisioning stage, I hoped and prayed her purpose would unfold onto canvas.

The model for Nightingale is a combination of my painting, “Sunset,” with hair styled using the AI, Artificial Intelligence, feature in Photoshop.

Sunset: At the end of the day, a journey’s close, or in the sunset of life, we reminisce memories, ponder purposes, and marvel over irreplaceable moments.

I envisioned the actual painting without a mixed media background.

I decided to add a musical element since Nightingales are known for their powerful and beautiful song. The concept being God can give us a song during our dark nights of the soul. 

I decided to have the Nightingale perched on the top of a music note, like she was singing her song of hope into the ear of the woman. 

Here’s a video of the painting process. Follow along to try painting your own “Nightingale” or take advantage of any tips or techniques you might learn along the way to paint your own portrait:

Promethean Genesis

The talented composer and pianist, Deborah Hanson composed a song to pair with my mixed media. Envision creation while you listen.

Check out the song on YouTube, Spotify, and iTunes:

Read about The Promethean Series: Music Inspired by Art.