28 Comments

I do read your writing Clint and get something from it - pondering what you said and seeing how I relate it to my own experience. Thank you.

Expand full comment

Very apt. Same reason why I paint. The need to "breathe out" all the beauty I "breathe in". Physically and mentally, I almost always feel healthier after a painting session.

Expand full comment

Thank u for writing this and even more for sharing. It hit a loud cord in me and has given me hope and opened my eyes to realize my owns path is the most nourishing and relevant to me.

Expand full comment

Good stuff, Clint. Especially liked where you wrote, “stop looking for advice, how to’s, and to just paint or whatever one does. Spot on for me at the moment. 🤸🏽‍♂️

Expand full comment

I read this. I paint because I must. You should keep writing.

Expand full comment

Please keep writing and posting. I always read your emails and often think through your ideas as I go about my days. I truly appreciate your gift to artists creating FASO. I've had an account for a few years and find it extremely useful! I'm also developing a story on Substack and have learned a lot from seeing how you use it. Thanks for everything!

Expand full comment

I don’t see stopping. The only thing holding me back is the usual demands of life that sometimes (especially lately) get in the way. I strive to post about once a week, but only if I’m happy with what I’ve written.

Expand full comment

I am glad you shared it. Its important to remember that I just have to do things instead of always seeking ways to do things

Expand full comment

Yes! That’s why I paint.

Expand full comment

Thank you for sharing your musings, Clint. They are rich in meaning and truth! When Jesus encountered the Samaritan woman at the well (Jn 4:7) he spoke of living water. "The water that I shall give will become a spring of water within, welling up for eternal life." What is "eternal life" but a life centered on God's love for us, His will, His direction? Seeking this living water has always been the drive of my creativity.

Expand full comment

After all these years of looking at posts like this, I am continuously amazed by your insights and encouraging spirit. Something tells me that you may have, in fact, tapped into the true source of living water and the bread of life, which gives life to the world.

Expand full comment

Thank you so much!

Expand full comment

Your words are an inspiration to me. We are not always courageous… but somehow you move me out of that shadowy doubt and into that flowy water! Thank you

Expand full comment

Well said, Clint. Creating is a compulsive act and you have to enjoy the process. When the writer or visual artist creates what is most important to him or her, others feel the energy that goes into the work and respond emotionally in some way.

Expand full comment

Thank you very much, i will apply this to my painting .

Expand full comment

YES! All the outward noise distracts from the passion and love of creation. Sometimes it's helpful but it often just gets in the way. Creating is the place I am most alive and myself. Lately I haven't had the space to get my work out there as much, but I'm still making and making. It's life. Thank you Clint!

Expand full comment

Very heartfelt. Touches a cord in me to be thankful for the ability God has blessed with to be able to paint.

Expand full comment

Creativity for the sake of creativity is a wonderful thing. It's part of what makes us human, bringing joy and feeding our spirit. For proof of that we have only to watch children at play. There's nothing inherently evil in commerce, competition, or recognition, but if those are the only reasons we create, then we've lost something beautiful about creativity.

Expand full comment