Is it easy to be an Artist in today’s world?

Or not.  If you are struggling to express your unique creativity and being rewarded for it, you’re not alone.  Please read the interview with a watercolour Artist and my friend Rick Thomas, from Minnesota, United States.

Rick, how did you first find that you enjoy painting?

When I was a child, I enjoyed creating flower gardens and terrariums. I also liked woodcarving. I really admired artists and their paintings. I wanted to be a painter, but didn’t know how to begin. In school, I did not do well in my art classes. So, I took a General Art 101 class in college, but felt like I didn’t have the art skills to be an artist like the other students. I let go of my dreams and eventually became a truck driver, driving through the beautiful scenery of the mountains, valleys and deserts in the western United States.

How did you cultivate your art?

To satisfy my creative needs during my working years, I enjoyed the hobbies of woodworking and calligraphy. After retirement, I began the process of learning how to paint, starting in 2017 with some Bob Ross video oil painting classes.  I enjoyed the painting process, but these paint-along classes became too limiting, and I wanted to learn more.

above – Art by Rick Thomas- a Beautiful Sunrise with Red Sailboat:

‘Inspired by the works of Karen Rice, a British artist, and my sailing adventures in the Caribbean.’

How & where do you find inspiration in your everyday life to paint and create?

I was inspired to learn watercolor painting because I liked the look of watercolors and the portability of painting in different places. I began by reading art books about techniques and taking online classes from watercolor artists. I took reference photographs of the sky, shapes of trees, shadows, landscapes, artwork and anything else that inspired me, and began to move slowly forward.

I had to get over the creative blocks from the fear of the blank page, or of wrecking a painting that began well, or of overworking the painting, which is easy to do in watercolor. As I pushed forward, I found the creative process of painting very meditative and calming. It was exciting to learn how the colors flowed on the paper. Time went so fast while I was learning the processes of watercolor-  2 to 3 hours flew by. It’s a lifelong learning process. I don’t think you ever reach a stage of perfection, or if there really is any such thing.

above – Art by Rick Thomas – Bavarian Alps with Evergreens and Yellow Flowers:

’Having grown up in the mountains of Colorado, I find all mountain scenes inspiring.’

How do you find time and energy to create your art with working part-time and a busy schedule?

It is not easy. I put down a layer of paint before I go to work and let it dry. Also, I try to get a full night of sleep. Painting is difficult when I am tired, so I take a short nap after work and then feel refreshed and ready to paint in the afternoon or evening.

What would you say to other creative people who are not doing their art because of various reasons, and yet they would truly love to be creating on a regular basis?

I recommend trying to paint/create every day. You never know where it will lead you. Have a designated place to create, where you can easily access your materials. You may need to set aside an appointed time to sit in your studio or art corner and relax or play with you.

above – Art by Rick Thomas – Country Summer Scene with Red Barn:

‘Having grown up on a farm in Colorado, I was inspired by the farms I saw in Minnesota.’

Do you belong to an artists’ community for support and accountability?  

Yes, I have an artist friend who also paints, and we have helped each other by having regular meetings every 2 to 4 weeks. We set our own goals that we wish to accomplish before the next meeting. Networking through friends or social media is also helpful. My artist friend introduced me to a small group of artists who meet on Zoom on a weekly basis, so I join their meetings when I am able.

above – Art by Rick Thomas – Lake Superior Sunrise:

‘I was inspired by trips I took with my family to the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota.’

How can we best find you?

I have an Etsy shop which includes most of my oil and watercolor paintings, as well as prints, greeting cards, and coffee cups. You can find me at rpthomaspaintings.etsy.com, where you can message me. I will soon be on Facebook Business.

above – art by Rick Thomas: Country Winter Scene with Red Barn

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Rick’s story is about the art of perseverance as an Artist.

If you, struggle to find the time and inspiration to create – don’t give up!  Find supportive friends, fellow Artists, who will encourage you to create.  Your art can take many different forms:  fine art, music, culinary art, gardening & arranging flowers, sewing, knitting, et cetera.

Love yourself enough to never, ever give up on you as an Artist!

xxx

RA ❤️

P.S.  If you have a Friend who loves to create, send her/ him this article for inspiration, thank you.  Here is its Polish language version.