Remember and Inspire.

The past few weeks have been a drain, and I truly hope that you are all well in that regard. I had thought to write about the debilitating emotional effects of a locked-down life. I mean, I can’t even hug my sister without generating stern glares for crying out loud! If you are a hugger, then you know. The struggle is real!

Then the email came that grabbed me by the shoulders and shook me out of the doldrums (I still want to hug my sister, mind you).

I’ve just been informed that I am the newest member of the International Guild of Realism (IGOR). This artist’s guild has a very stringent jurying process. Not everyone who applies gets in, much less at the professional level. It wasn’t hard to prove that people are buying my work, but having to come up with ten great images and tell them why I thought I was a good fit was a little scary. Wow! I don’t know if that would move you, but I’M pretty geeked about it.

When I first discovered this group dedicated to the promotion of realism in art, I was excited. I'd always hoped to find such a group. But I  hesitated to apply. Was I really ready for this? Could I handle the elevated level of expectation and competition? Am I ready for possible gallery representation? I have a tendency to overthink things like this and turn timid. But what could I lose? I figured the worst they could do was tell me I just wasn’t ready. After all, the membership committee is powered by established professionals and I had to trust that if they did laugh into their sleeves inwardly, they wouldn’t voice that to me. So I just bit my lower lip and applied.

The words they used to describe their response to my work were positively invigorating!. This has spurred me into actions I was planning to take but hadn’t yet. There’s that six-day workshop taught by one of my favorite realism artists in Austin, Texas to consider. Might have to save up awhile for that one. There’s that new set of higher grade oil paints to order. And I've always wanted to try painting on fine Belgian linen. Some of the work I have in progress now will get re-worked with new techniques and better materials. There’s a whole new world opening up  in spite of the shutdown. After slowing down to a crawl for more than two months, I cannot WAIT to see what it’s like in the fast lane. And I'm so glad for people who are following along with me on this journey.

Until next time, stay safe, but stay inspired too. The latter is just as important to your health. I hope that I’ve helped you with that a little.

-Jan

P.S. Check out the amazing work of other realism artists at IGOR. My own name and work will be up there soon, but look now and you’ll see why I’m so honored to have been invited.