Artist Self Doubt and Expectations

It's funny, the other day my artist friend cheered me on as a "famous artist" because I have been listed on the roster of artists at the Plein Air Convention. I don't know if this is what deems one famous, but I'll take it as a wonderful compliment with both arms wide open. Could this mean this is my "15 minutes of fame?"  I certainly don't feel any deserved than any other artist. Perhaps I am feeling a sprinkling of self doubt, or perhaps my work should receive every recognition possible with every pastel stroke or dab of oil on my canvas to justify myself being "famous". Does being an artist mean we are born to endure these feelings of self doubt or higher expectations? I think to some degree yes, but I also believe that this is what moves us to work harder and be better artists. I am happy to report that I live amongst very talented artists in my own community who I feel are pretty famous in their own right, and hopefully "In the future everyone will be famous for 15 minutes" ~Andy Warhol.  There is so much yet to be painted, to discover, to endure to be famous. Yet I'll take the compliment any way I can. Thanks to those who have believed in me, hopefully it will pay off in the end. I just saw this quote on success and want to share it with you. 

Success

To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Plein Air Convention is coming up this April! Last year was so memorable and inspiring to be among so many fun loving, happy artists who were all part of one big family. I want to feel that way again if only for a few days. Come join me in this awesome event, you will not forget it.

Last year, during the Plein Air Convention all 700 artists went out to paint at 

Red Rocks, Nevada...in the gusty wind and rain. Call me nuts but I was so happy to be there

with so many artists. This year we go to Monterey, CA!

"Curbsides" headed to Butler Institute of American Art

The Butler Institute of American Art

This news deserves it's own post and may be duplicate news from my previous post, but I have reason to blow my horn! Woo Hoo!

"Curbsides" 12x9" Pastel on sanded paper, ©Brenda Boylan

Back in August, "Curbsides" was entered into the 39th Annual Pastel Society of America Juried Exhibit and was accepted! So I sent it out on a visit to New York City for the month long show at the National Arts Club. They (the jurors) liked it so much that it won an award, but that's not all, there's more! Just yesterday, I received notice that it was invited to hang at the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio. A museum with the likes of Andy Warhol and Georgia O'Keefe. So this little guy will be getting more mileage than all my trips out to Sauvie Island. Pretty nice little feather to put in my cap i guess, heh?

There are times when you wonder if all that hard work at the easel makes any difference. Well, let me be the first to tell you that it really does. :)