Take it from a 76-year-old who was discouraged from becoming an artist as a child: always take the path with heart. When the weather’s bad you can return to your happy places by painting big paintings. This makes for less depression and more inspired works. Get yourself some lights that prevent SADD and pay attention to your nutrition and rest. You make BIG DECISIONS by sitting quietly, placing your attention in your heart, and feeling LOVE filling that space. Then the guidance will enter your awareness in whatever way is in FLOW for YOU. ALL MY LOVE AND GRATITUDE FOR ALL THAT I HAVE LEARNED FROM YOU.
"You make BIG DECISIONS by sitting quietly, placing your attention in your heart, and feeling LOVE filling that space." - this is so powerful. Thank you 💜
This was such wise council. I’m 58 and came to this path late. The freedom is I’m not trying to sell anything so I’m only dictated by my heart. That said I too try not to get too comfy in my style and choices and listen to where to go next.
You've asked how other people come to important decisions. Here's how I do it: I think every possible angle through and come to the logical decision that would be right for me (within the given circumstances, with regard to my personality, my possibilities, safety). Then I search my heart and compare it with the rational solution. Then I try to find a viable compromise, search my heart again if the compromise feels acceptable, let it simmer for a while. And when I have the feeling (!) "yes, this is the way to go", that's what I do. It has worked so far for several decades. If I were you, my compromise would be your ultimate dream with finished studio pieces for the galleries and for making a name. When I watch your videos, I'm in love with the Scottish countryside, wished I could be there and paint. And I admire your sketchbook pages and feel I could learn so much from you. I'm sure there are many people out there who feel the same. You should offer plein air courses. And make studio pieces of places you feel most intensely connected to. I think that would be what I would do.
Hi Sarah. This is a great video. I love how genuine it is. All the emotional things you have been describing are very common with creative, intuitive and artistic people. :) You are mentioning that you feel that producing a large painting for an exhibit is something that is expected of an artist. It seems to me that what you have created on internet is so much more powerful and reached out to so many more people than any exhibit ever could. You had your painting entered into an art show at Inverness. It is likely that about 200 people or so saw it. When you share your artwork through UA-cam and Patreon, thousands of people can see and enjoy it. To me this is so much more powerful than 1 painting in a physical exhibit. Keep creating your beautiful videos. They are an inspiration to many of us. :)
When I have too many ideas or interests or things I want to try, I indulge the ones with more promise. The things I then discover I really like, I take even more time to focus on for awhile until I either outgrow it or realize I want it in my life forever. This takes a LOT of time, patience and perseverance for me. But it's all helped me to realize where I want to go. BTW, I really like all the sketches you did at the end. All the best, Sarah.
Put a covered studio / pop up tent right near the brambles so you can bring big canvases and paint. Outdoors but near your studio so you can bring the big stuff.
I live in Scotland too, get out and paint in the relatively calm weather while you can. Gather lots of reference and ideas and energy because in six weeks time it'll be over and you'll be rained in to the studio more often! You'll kick yourself in December if you didn't bathe yourself in summer opportunities! Thanks for sharing :)
@@SarahBurnsStudio yes I was thinking the same thing for you. But isn’t your studio also nice weather dependent? As in, you can work large out on the patio only?
I think it is the artist curse to live with so many ideas. Going from day to day wanting to do more but still having the same amount of time.. There is no solution that can eliminate this because the moment you refill your creative cup often the more ideas it will produce. So just keep going and keep selecting those ideas you find most challenging or attractive at the time and leave the rest for other times. Times where you just want to play, without the seriousness of completing something. Gosh.. I hope this makes sense.. LOL 😊
This is a good way to encapsulate this feeling that an artist gets about all the ideas flowing and not enough time for all of them. Sometimes it hard to settle on one idea because they’re just so many it is overwhelming. 🙂
I don’t ever comment, like ever, and while I have only recently discovered your channel, your videos have been so helpful in my gouache learning journey that I’m compelled to share my two cents. You mentioned having too many ideas and being pulled in so many directions and not really knowing what to do or which path to take and I can totally relate because I’m in a similar life situation. The thing that keeps popping up for me and it was the same as I watched your video is REST. Rest is productive. And I mean rest in whatever form it takes. We tend to put rest into this neat little box were all it means to sleep more, sleep better, etc., but it’s more than just meeting the physical needs. It’s about meeting the emotional and mental needs too. So, adding to the many voices here who have already said this: if your heart, mind, and body are pushing/calling you to go outside, Go! Because Rest is Productive! The practical pragmatic side will certainly cringe at this idea and want to put on the brakes, but productivity will emerge from these times of rest. So go out and rest!
Since you have a dream, take the time to figure out when you want to get there as well as what you need to get there. Next set up your short, mid & long term goals. Include in your plan what keeps you balanced. Start.
I made my own board that fits my back pack. I used velcro dots to hold things in place. I found that by cutting the outside top corners at an angle it fit better in my backpack
In my experience, most people don't really know what they want to do. But you are really clear. You said it succinctly and with conviction and joy: you want to open a studio and host artist gatherings, workshops and plein air painting adventures. As you said, that's what you should be working towards. I just kept thinking as you spoke that maybe the other confusing options seem clearer when viewed relative to whether they get you closer to opening that studio or not? Maybe working on the actionable steps toward opening the studio can become a new part of your routine. Having a coach or even just a supportive friend to meet with regularly could be a big help. I am not a professional artist, but I'm old enough to know how quickly years can pass without us ever realizing that ultimate dream. If you know in your heart what that dream is, then now is the time to start making it happen. We'll all be here cheering you on!
You should be painting big pieces, not because “artists” are suppose to do, but because your work is awesome and needs to be shared with the world. I think you are on the eve of a decision by going through this painful or frustrating time. I’m afraid humans require pain before growth. We are wired that way I guess. Keep sharing your thoughts with your fans. Good luck. Thinking positive thoughts for you. (Or you could follow cat advice and chase leaves alternated with a nap in the sun. At least my cats advice.)
I'm a self-employed artist and I absolutely understand the feeling of having too many ideas to pick a direction. It doesn't help that I have ADHD, which makes holding on to one idea a challenge in the best of circumstances. Sometimes inspiration can overwhelm as much as it can motivate, especially when it's telling you to do something new and intimidating.
Sarah just follow your intuition and dreams. The beauty of Scotland in summer is definitely going to overwhelm you with what to paint, get outside as much as you want to. There will be those dark rubbish weather days in winter when you can be in the studio looking back on those lovely plain air sketches from summer to give you inspiration. There is a season for everything.
That’s how I feel now too. This past winter felt endless and often dreary (there were of course beautiful days as well). And I was just aching to be outside painting. More than any past winter.
This is exactly what I was going to say. I also love your idea of doing workshops with sketchbooks. I think many people would enjoy doing that with you! I hope to come to Scotland someday and be one of those people.
It's understandable that as a landscape artist you yearn to be working en plein air during the warm summer days rather than in the studio, especially when you live in the north of Scotland and the weather is most often far from accommodating. Perhaps it would help to think of your art practice seasonally? Summer is for totally indulging your plein air appetite, cooler months for studio time. The curse we all suffer from in this day and age is feeling like we have to be doing everything all the time and stacks of it.
Literally, what you are doing is perfect. Just picking a thing and doing it the right thing when you are a single person trying to make a business. It doesn't matter what you pick, as long as you pick one thing, do it, then pick the next thing, you can have it all. It just takes time. (As a fellow solo art business owner, I totally feel what you are going through, we all go through it! It's usually just before you make a big step in your life.)
Definitely follow your heart. When making art is a joy and not a chore it shows. Use the beautiful weather to your advantage for when it turns too cold to be out. I made art for years that I didn't enjoy and it almost destroyed me creativity. Once I was honest with myself about what I enjoy the spark has come alive again. That spark is what makes it exciting to create. So anytime creating starts feeling unjoyful I stop and think it through to figure out what I need to change. It's scary but it's so worth it.
The turmoil you feel indicates a change is being craved. At age 70 I have become very proficient in several crafts and earned $ while raising 4 kids, working full time, and staying active in community affairs. Now I have dropped out of many of them, kicked the art police out of my brain and zealously embraced new pursuits, something I did to a smaller effect in past years. One thing I found is that if there is inner turmoil related to a personal aspect of my life(ie my divorce, moving, changing how I earn cash,remarrying, etc) that creativity takes a back seat until I recognize what is draining me and take charge. Lately it has involved a plan we had for selling our farm and 60 acres of incredible land that includes huge hills, pastures, large ponds, open pastures and our log home. We became very irritable and just made the motions of getting through each day until we came to an agreement that we would not move until it was very apparent we needed assistance, so we live happily now and embrace our rural life. You may have gone through similar turmoil when planning the move to Scotland? Have you considered concentrating on your walking and hiking and allow art to settle into being secondary while bringing in cash from completed works? I would enjoy watching you walk and then doing a small journal painting with minimal supplies, like Urban Sketching in rural countrysides? I walk 3-5 miles each day when weather cooperates and I journal but if I brought along the supplies that you have I would never get out the door! I have seen some published works and videos that urban sketchers have produced and I have no doubt you could put together some amazing videos on journaling rural Scotland where you embrace the trail adventure , discovering how a minimal approach to art journaling actually captures the amazing experience as opposed to sitting and painting for longer periods of time. Come winter and harsh weather, when you may only feel inspired to get out a couple times each week may be a better time to spend more studio time? When we sell the farm I will let you know but I have no doubt farms in Scotland probably offer similar amazing landscapes.
Thank you so much for sharing this. What you mentioned, journaling/sketching along rural trails is exactly what my heart desires. I do it, but not in any organised way. I have over 10 sketchbooks going at any time, each one is for different materials or moods. It’s definitely a huge part of my life, just not something I consistently share and market to my audience. I had visions of compiling lots of them into a themed art book but of course I always think “I should repaint that location since I’m a better painter now…” And I can imagine running a big farm is a huge task. I can barely handle daily chores in our tiny cottage 🤣
@@SarahBurnsStudio we retired from the farm for the most part but we love it. We raised and trained horses for harness racing and carriage work plus I had rescue horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, dogs, cats and one big pig. We still have the dogs and cats and my chickens and their devoted Roo. Your journaling will improve when you make the commitment to take it up a notch with videos, perhaps a book of Journaling Rural Scotland , (I would stand in line to purchase it) recognize it is important work and will continue to inspire us all. I was a blind little girl when my gram (Scot/Native, Indian) taught me to sew on buttons, including threading the needles! I became sighted when medicine caught up with my condition around age 7 , and it has been maybe a dozen surgeries or so but I worked the farm, went to college, taught special ed, back to college to become a critical care nurse, sewing all the while, including costume mistress for 2 pro theatre groups and raising the kids, making sure they had access to the arts. I stopped sewing a good 10 yrs ago with a bit of guilt which I have shrugged off as the challenge and enthusiasm for it waned. I took up classical singing (and impressed myself and others!)also, painting and journaling. Since I cannot do everything I do stuff that I feel a passion for, limited now by aging as far as horse riding. I look back on the years and adventures, my life resume would be long and I am still adding to it. Change is good as are the adventures along the way. My family likes my painting so I gift them and keep my grandkids in art supplies here on the farm, along with much music and magnifying glasses and backpacks because my latest passion is looking down when we walk and ecstatically finding artifacts from our ancestors along with fossils and other interesting finds. Just got back from San Diego where I found a beautifully shaped ancient stone fishing weight during a casual beach walk with family. Word has it my adult kids are looking down more, the ground is as intriguing as the view from the hilltops. Stone walls, wish I was better at painting them and your work is very helpful. It’s all good! Thank-you for sharing your passion, it is inspiring.
With this video you spoke to my soul. Thank you so much Sarah for what you are doing for fellow artists. I also struggle with my artistic path lately and listening to you heals. I wish you will find the perfect balance for yourself and be happy about it 💕
Lots of people have given you good advice, especially good is to get out doors while the weather is good. I can’t add to it, but I must say you camera takes gorgeous pictures and video! It’s so beautiful there, how can you not want to go outside and paint?
Hi Sarah, you don't need to do all the things all the time. Take the summer to paint outside and the winter in the studio. Nobody is coming for you, I promise ;-) Allow yourself time off to do just what you want and maybe be more flexible with your schedule overall and think in larger time periods or seasons if you will. It's your life, you get to decide, you're the boss.
Guided plein air tours!? I’m in!! I would so totally pay for someone to take me to a spot and be like “here!” (Plop!) - sometimes the hardest thing about painting plein air is choosing where to go. And have someone to field the spectators! What a gift it would be to have someone take all that guess work out of it, so all I’d have to do is paint! (And snack, and then paint again haha)
The optimistic side of me says follow your dreams. Go out every single day and paint or draw in your sketchbook. Gather resources and recharge your battery to as full as possible. The realistic side of me says to split your time. Start planning and create your next big piece but also take a break and go out and draw or paint while the weather is cooperating. You could always plan this out according to upcoming weather for planning or work days when you know the weather isn't going to be super conductive for adventuring.
I'm glad to hear that you journal. I've been journaling since 1972. Really. It's good for the mind to review, but also to get the gunk out of your head. In my case, instead of following my art, because I found no one to help me, I went and did the impossible--I wrote and wrote and.... I went against all odds, could not publish, could not get an agent, but I kept at it. Then finally, with the age of technology, I self-published my first work. I've now got works out on Amazon, and other platforms. My point is, you just don't know what door will open to you. I've retired from writing and the job I held for 20 years, and I'm now working on my art and wish I'd kept up with it. But oh well. I'm still an artist and still get into a funk every now and then. I don't know that my words will help, but we all struggle with what to do, or if we should do something different. Life is whatever path you choose. You're still young, it's not like you have to make the decision right now. Maybe something will change in a few months and you'll see where you need to go. Love your new glasses, BTW.
Following for the art tips and inspiration, and views of Scotland for obvious reasons. But you add so much more than that in your transparency and honesty about your ideas, and struggles, and visions of what could be - which goes well beyond the art to inspire in so many other areas. You are a very kindred spirit, and thank you for sharing. I love that you feel the draw of the outdoors and compelled to fill the sketchbooks - never stop. But this spirit of building community around art to continue the craft through current and future generations is an amazing, and lasting endeavor as well. Live in the moment, but consider the future - wrestle well with these feelings - will be here for the journey to see where they lead.
I know this struggle - we can become slaves to our sketchbooks. I suggest using loose sheets for a while for pleinair; then you can show those if you choose. There is no rule that says you can only show large studio pieces. The layered studies all on one sheet are a generous and valuable work from an artist such as yourself.
I would love a series of the journey you are having in Scotland vs one big piece. I know this vlog is 7 mths ago but just wanted to second what JC Little said. Those smaller works are part of your story.
Great job on your sketchbook setup. I understand completely about your feelings of wanting to find a balance between doing large studio projects & artworks and just doing some enjoyable sketching pieces in the sketchbook. I think that you’ve got to have the summertime (warmer weather to rejuvenate your batteries) to give yourself a great break to get back to your basics, relaxing, & reevaluating where you are on your journey & where you want to go in the future. Do you want to do something different, do you need to slow down with how busy you have been, are there things you have done that you don’t want to do any more because of the time consuming? It’s okay to reevaluate how you want to do your art. Your artwork is first and foremost for you to enjoy just as much as it is for the public & supporters. Change is good. You can always change back again afterwards. Go with what makes you happy & passionate at the moment. We love your artwork regardless of the size of it. Your sharing your thoughts, progress, & process is just as valuable, informative & inspirational. I am still trying to figure out how I want to go about my art journey, do I want to sell my artwork from a studio, online with Etsy, or doing a UA-cam channel, or just posting my artwork on my Facebook page like I am always. I really enjoy your sharing of your art journey with us. You will figure it out. Hope you’re enjoying a wonderful week, despite the Mississippi weather that Mother Nature has decided to give everyone these past few weeks.
I think we are all suffering from Post Covid Syndrom..I know I am. After being creatively confined..compressed for so long all these glorious ideas are galloping out of my head! Just go with the flow...you'll be experiencing Scottish winter before long so you will get to those big pieces with lots of inspiration from your healing time outside. Now...I need to grab my art bag and head out.
Please don't beat yourself up. Of course it's is a struggle and a challenge. You are very good, gifted and your idea of a studio is wonderful. it will be fulfilled. I am 67, and started like so many people late late late in our lives, pour our blessings and good thoughts flowing towards you. It's always in the heart and mind.... everything is. Imbalance is equal to balance too.
Sarah, I 've been following you on UA-cam for a couple of years, I love your work, such beautiful sketches and paintings! Life means change, and as an artist you are always evolving. As so many people here have suggested , follow your heart, and just go with the seasons! Whatever you sketch or paint hones your 'seeing,' your skills .... Love your watercolor work and your acrylics as well !!! You don't need to think in terms of either /or.... you can always take a big wc block with you to paint outside, and mount it later for a show & sell it as well!!! And I am sure people would love to buy your smaller landscapes !!! That will allow those with a smaller budget to get one of your little gems as well ... make & sell prints!!! Zoom workshops are a great idea too! Especially since you live in such a beautiful but remote area, and covid is still around .... I am sure your studio & workshop dreams will materialise when the time is right !!!
Keep journaling!! You will see your way out!! You are an amazing artist. You don’t need to do it all at once. Let it come to you!! Thank you for being you!! It helps us have permission to be us. No matter how little we may be in the art world!! I for one am very grateful for you! And all you do to encourage us!! THAT is the art of art.
Art is full of times and seasons. Art is derived from nature. Change, and growth are a natural part of that. Sometimes that means putting things away for a time, that doesn't mean you won't ever explore it again, just that it's "not in season" right now in your life. There is a reason nature feeds and fuels itself in preparation for the lean times. Don't forget to feed your soul. If you don't you might not get through the hard times without strife. I guess what I am saying is do what you can/want to do now while you can. There will be a time when maybe it's harder to do so. Take advantage of summer, because the things you can do in that season will be so much harder to do come winter. Save the studio stuff for rainy days, enjoy the sun. Hugs!
I felt torn for a long time - pulled in too many directions - and honestly I kept falling back on what I knew, whatever was comfortable and familiar because that was easy and I knew what to expect. Those feelings kept coming back however until I finally decided to go in this new direction. I think the important thing is to remember that trying a new path doesn’t mean the old one is lost forever. Work in your sketchbook, follow your heart, and give yourself time to explore this new area. You can’t achieve that ultimate dream of yours if you continue to focus on gallery/studio work. If you try this new path for a while and decide you don’t think it’s working for you, you can always go back into the studio, but I think you may be surprised by how much you love this new path and that passion will translate into discovering new ways to make it keep working for you. Good luck!
Thank you Sarah for your videos. I enjoy watching all the wonderful landscapes of Scotland. It is fun to see u going and doing plein air. It is easy to get burned out and get into obstacles while u paint. We just have to push ahead and learn from our mistakes. I'm in the process of making a supported drawing board to do more sketches and have when I get a chance to paint something on a moment's notice. I have the materials. I am just deciding what size to make it to accommodate my different sized watercolor and gouache paint palettes. I'd be interested to see how yours turns out. Keep painting!
Wow, you have described all my challenges!! I work in soooo many mediums and I need to focus on one in order to get into a routine (easier said than done). As you said, routine feels good, safe, easy. I don't have an online following so I rely only on my art sales and I find it easier to sell several small paintings for $100 each than to try to find the right buyer for the $1000 painting. And commissions don't do anything for my anxiety levels so everything I do has to resonate with me. Good luck! You know you have to listen to your heart!!
Some of those sketches you do outdoors would make lovely original sketches people are willing to buy at a more affordable price compared to the larger studio paintings which take hours. Your soul is yearning for the outdoors.
I so understand what you're describing and appreciate your willingness to talk it out on camera. I highly recommend two helpful and fun books: The War of Art and also Dancing with the Gods. You'll find encouragement and maybe even some answers in both reads.Good luck and remember that brush time is never wasted time.
Procrastination comes in many forms and from so many different sources that it may take a little more thinking to get to a solution. Wishing you the best in finding the answer.
I adore your videos! Thank you so much for bringing us along. I totally understand the comfort and safety of a sketchbook. Of course, do more of what you are loving. For THAT passion will shine through to be translated later on a larger canvas.
If memory serves, you were feeling down/depressed during the winter months because you were stuck inside the studio for so long because of the weather. I say you take advantage of the sun and go outside as much as possible now while the weather is nice. Then work on bigger things when the weather isn’t so nice. I know there is pressure to crank out the bigger pieces all year round but I say do what makes you happy. The rest will follow.
Sounds like "the paradox of choice" (there's an old-ish book with that name - I found it helpful). When I'm at an impasse, my strategy is to wait ("tread water") & the answer will reveal itself in my heart. Wish I could spend more time on art; day job has been super-demanding this summer (unusual, but I'm thankful to be gainfully employed these days). Thanks for inspiring me to do more sketchbook work; I hope to get into that soon. I always think I need more practice on fundamentals & sketchbooks are for when I have more skill. I need to "carpe diem" 🙂
Follow your gut, especially the small changes. Change is better than routine stagnation. Play often. I've made a point of using new materials once a month or so to play and it's been liberating. Great naming for your fur companions; Vader is gorgeous and so vocal, bless.
I am trying to incorporate seasons in my life - whats right for summer is not for winter. Its winter in my area at the moment and I am focusing more on my home and getting all those niggly repairs done so when summer comes I can go out and enjoy. Maybe winter could be a time with more studio focus and summer more of a time for plein air. Changing focus with the seasons is bringing me a bit more peace in my life, instead of trying to do everything all the time. Hope you are enjoying the sunshine
Sarah, hearing you say all of this is a complete echo of how I am feeling. I understand the struggle. In order to give myself a bit more direction I took a week off and spent it with family. I then started to think of where I would like to show my work and what I really enjoy to paint. I'm studying water and boats for the next little while. So that answered my question. You can only trust in the process. If you work hard things will fall into place (so I am told and so I hope). But the fog that you are in could be burnout, so take some time for you. I hope this has been helpful. Take care
Is it possible to be burned out but every morning wake up dying to hike and paint? I dunno.. But I'm going to run with it. At least in those moments I know I'm in the right place.
For what it's worth, I've struggled a lot with the feeling of having too many choices. It feels like being in school and getting told "write a 10 page paper on whatever you want" except its your life. I think for creatives its especially hard because it is such a choose your own adventure.
It seems like you aren't really giving up on any of the things you want to do it just sounds like you need to re-order them. So since it is the time of year when you are needing that sunshine and are driven to be outdoors--then you should be! Do what feels right and makes you happy! Then, when the dreary Winter months set in, that would be the time to work on the large pieces because you will be stuck indoors anyways. Make it a plan to have yourself set up and roll with the seasons. You will still have the large gallery sized pieces to exhibit and sell--you will just be doing that work when you are inside. And the bonus is you will have all the outside plethora of material to choose from because you were outside soaking it all in right now. And struggle always means something isn't quite right. I think the change, the shift, in priorities is something that needs to be done. And if you are worried about not having enough pieces to sell or showcase right now then maybe its time to dig through the dark recesses of the closet, under the bed, etc and just get a big clean out of stuff you've been holding on to. Purge and let this "gap" still make you money and give you more space in your studio and drawer spaces. Whatever you do. Whatever you decide. None of it is wasted angst. It's always to turn you in the right direction.
Thank you Nicole. I do have quite a few big paintings just sitting around. A lot of times I make them, just to explore an idea, not intending to sell them. So in my mind, their value is done when I set the brush down.
I’d follow your inspiration in your sketchbooks. You have some very interesting scenery throughout this video. The Pine forest reminded me of one I used to visit in Yellow Springs, Ohio in Glen Helen park decades ago before some people trashed it up. Maybe now is the time to do the sketchbook work. Eventually you’ll get back to the bigger paintings. It’s the experience you have now that will drive your future paintings. Enjoy the journey!!!
Summer is for the outdoors. Get the season's best light, that has to be useful in the studio eventually, yes? Don't worry, you'll balance it out, you know seasons and reasons...🙂 Listening to our nature is also an art.
I think you are so right that we are really the only ones able to make the right choices for ourselves. Having said that, you have a very unique and captivating presence as an instructor. I am so enjoying your videos! I have watched literally thousands over the years and your ability to break things down so simply are amazing! Not only that but your art works are incredible! The world is your oyster!!! Enjoy the incredible journey of finding your calling!
Wow thank you Kathy! It is so wild to me that you think my instruction style is good - I never trained for it, but I simply try to speak my thoughts. Im glad it helps!
Please always follow your heart and your intuition just trust it. As SueEllen below said I have been discouraged from following that both as a child and as an adult there is something in me that still wants to follow that creative path. So trust your instincts and if that says you want to be outside painting and being happy then go for it. I love your ideas and I love you plein air on location videos . Take care of yourself. Kim x
Thank you Sarah for sharing your experiences ! As a self-doubt specialist, I realize that the hardest choices often resolve themselves over time. When I finally took the step to open my workshop, I knew I shouldn't have waited until I was sure of myself, because deep down I still am not.... Your practice is well advanced for you to teach. Your dilemma between actively producing large canvases, and sketching is endless because one feeds the other. This is why your need for nature is so important on sunny days. You store up supplies to get through the hard months like the squirrels. Watching your videos reminds me of my trips to the British Isles. The incredible and ever-changing colors are awe-inspiring and recharge our batteries. Nothing is more effective than nature to bring art to life. Could we talk more? It would be an honor to chat with you.
Thank you for being so honest about your struggles choosing a path! I love your work and you inspired me ages to spend my time getting out and about sketching.... I MUCH prefer that than being stuck inside doing portrait commissions. That's where the money is for me but I've taken a break from that to try and find another way so I can spend more time sketching outside! Perhaps things will change come winter but anyway, I feel your pain. Looking forward to seeing how things go for you!
Breathe in, breathe out. Which path has less friction? Go with the flow. Listen to Floky! Pick something, waste/take some time if necessary, pick the rainy, cold and windy days for studio art - I'm sure there are enough of them. I'm not an artist, but this is my approach to juggling decisions on where to prioritize in my business and projects.
I relate to this a lot in the summer. I want to spend all day outside sketching and painting, yet I should be designing new products for the fall and winter catalogue for my stationery business. I try to balance both the need and the want. Sometimes I feel like a little kid trapped in a classroom during schoolwork while looking out window seeing the other kids play when I have to do admin and design work on my iPad. But, I try to give myself breaks and enjoy the shot bit of summer we have! Sometimes you just have to let your creativity flow with the seasons and follow your heart.
As many others have already said, being pulled in multiple directions is a huge challenge. And you have a lot of irons in the fire: you run a business, Patreon (even a level where you send out postcards), tutorials, UA-cam (2!), Instagram, gallery shows, festivals - it's a LOT! That's naturally going to be a huge drain on your energy, output, and enthusiasm. You will need to prioritize and balance.* You mentioned your "big dream" of having your own studio, and if that is an important goal that you really want to make happen, it will take money. That means you must commit to the administrative and sales side of your current business, and depending on how soon you want that to happen, you'll need to dedicate more time in churning out saleable artwork. I know that sounds mechanical, but it's what you'll have to do - unless you find a backer or partner - or even start a studio that is a co-op. I know the Patreon is an important source of revenue for you and I think that is one area I would keep up, but even though you have the tutorials on there, you might want to look into paid tutorial sites such as Gumroad and sell tutorials there. They can be as short as 15 - 30 min. and you could charge what you think is fair for that. I know a lot of artists that are doing that now instead of giving so much away for free. And have you ever considered doing workshops? (either Zoom or live). I know a lot of watercolor artists that do it and are very successful. These are just a few of the ideas I had during your video. I think you have the drive and talent to succeed if you just don't overthink everything too much. *Write out a pro and con list for each aspect of your business to discover where your priorities should be and how each would fill your short and long term goals. I'm sure that would reveal a lot to you and make things more clear.
Ahh thank you for your insights Linda! That’s a good kick in the butt to think more logically. Writing lists and narrowing things down..otherwise it gets all jumbled in my foggy head. I do agree I need to raise money for the ultimate dream of opening my studio. That is why I keep picturing it being far away…Right now I’m focusing more on growing my skills to the point where more people would actually WANT to come to the studio/events. All my irons in the fire help pay the bills so I can’t just stop. Instead if I want to change something I have to make a strategic plan to phase things in/out, especially on Patreon. And for a while I’ve been wanting to be more self-sufficient and do my own zoom workshops (and in person eventually). I had plans to start that this summer… lol oops. Maybe winter would be a better goal, so I’m not inside while it’s gorgeous weather!
Hi Sarah. Thank you for your work and openness. You struck a nerve in your video. I just went through something like what you are describing. A huge caveat. I don’t make a living off of my art, so my stakes are lower. I had the same impetus over Covid. At first I could not do any art and then when I started back I stayed in my sketchbook. I did very precise and heavily patterned drawings. Very different from the paintings I was doing at the time. I just went with it. Fought all of those things you mentioned. But I could not stop the work and had no appetite for my paintings. So I just said “I wonder where this can take me….” And just let it happen. I did come back to my painting and now I have been adding more layers and that work I did in my sketchbook made my paintings and awareness grow leaps. I applied the same thinking to getting and then leaving a job. I think it was most helpful to look back and realize that I displayed the competence to dig myself out. Not feeling competent at all, but I had to look back and prove myself to me. Not comfortable but it works out. And it you are open it can lead you down paths and options that you may not have seen. Intuition is a ride for the best. Good luck with this and thanks again for sharing what you do.
So fortunate to live there surrounded by scenic landscapes. Not sure I wouldn't be in overload with sensory having all of that to work with. I love the way light reflects and changes there. So much depth. Thanks for sharing.
I think with your artist meet up idea and the awesomeness of social media, you can totally host impromptu meetups where you're at, outside, with no pressure. I think you can just post that you're going to paint at such and such location if people want to show up and paint. Then just see what happens. I'm sure people would love to show up to paint or just watch you paint on location in a more "raw" video format.
I’m in the same page with you! I think our mission is living like nature, enjoy each season of our creativity without judging ourselves, create without pressure, live to be part of nature and like her not limit ourselves with the control of time. living is the most beautiful adventure that life has!
It is a very difficult thing to walk into the unknown, it always brings changes and you have to let go of control, which perhaps is the scariest part of change. You should go for your dreams, take each day, each moment, each idea, remembering that it is today that creates the future. DO IT, otherwise Sarah vlog 2030 just might have regrets. Certainly it does seem for many that you are living the artists dream, but being self-employed brings its own set of challenges, commitments, and time dedicated to achieving the essentials. I truly believe that, by following your own visions it will bring you great knowledge and experiences as you move forward, and not only bring you joy, but is likely to bring happiness and new experiences to those artists coming to your en plein air retreats in whatever form you envision. Good luck, and wishing you anything and everything you need to take that leap of faith.
I feel like the kind of work you do can be seasonal, meaning when the weather's beautiful in the summer/autumn months and you're being pulled outdoors, that's when you're outside working in your sketchbooks and filling your creative cup. When the weather's turns moody and unpleasant in the colder months, that's when you're in your studio. I think I catch the drift of the pressure you feel, however, if your artwork is your primary source of income. I have a separate full-time job so I don't have a lot of pressure on myself for my artwork to have to meet certain criteria so I can get by. Elizabeth Gilbert wrote in "Big Magic" something along the lines of a pact she made with her craft to never put pressure on it to pay her bills. It was freeing for her, and yet somehow, the universe has continued to provide for her.
I loved "Big Magic" - I read it in one sitting, I couldn't put it down! It's been years now...I gifted it to a friend but maybe I should get another copy and read it again.
You are growing, becoming so much more. Your practice is evolving and this battle is pointing you further to who you really are deep, deep, deep down inside. Please, please listen to your heart. Late last year I pushed my craft to really make money. My biggest mistake to date. I have exhibited textile pieces, well received but sold little. I also made masses of costumes, formal wear, sewed for years. I returned to theatre and sewed for big productions. I burnt out and further more found out what I had known all along in the hidden recesses of my soul…that I had silenced a special part of me. Surely costumes are my thing, What I am good at? Bit by bit I realised I just wasn’t in that zone anymore. I made so many sewing mistakes, I would have shook my head at anyone else making them you know. I had lost the passion. My soul just wants to paint and explore and do what it started with as a child, drawing, painting. So this year and in great part due to your encouragement I returned to my first and great love. I have watched so classes and am starting all over, (I learnt illustration some forty odd years ago at College but have forgotten much of it) I was too busy sewing. I am learning and finally feel aligned with the part of me that won’t be silenced. And you are in many ways my inspiration because you follow your heart. I appreciate what you do, I don’t believe you overthink, you actually think deeply, quite spiritually because you want to be honest to yourself in your own truth of you. I am so proud for you. Thank you for being all that you are in yourself and in your art.
Thank you for sharing your journey. I know a lot of people who start to monetise their hobby or passion and they realise they shouldn’t have. But that’s a life lesson too. Sometimes we have to try something before we know if we like where it’s taking us!
@@SarahBurnsStudio O hope everyday is truly blessed in ways you could never imagine. Little delights of natures beauty, wisdom and generosity around every corner on this epic journey you are embarking on.
I became pretty disenchanted with the "art world"; exhibitions and such. Doing your own thing is pretty important even when it changes. I hated the portfolio, having a style for all your stuff. How do you grow if everything needs to be the same? I like playing so that's what I do.
I’m paid to do a job I hate so I don’t have the problem of being inspired- but I’m overwhelmed by making decisions (take the promotion or not etc) and I think this stems from perfection
Sarah, thank you for this video. You are always so inspiring. My advice is to do what you want with your art while you are young. I love watching you sketch the beautiful places around where you live. I've been keeping sketchbooks since the 80's and consider them good "friends". My other larger framed works and commissioned Pet portraits, etc. Always seem like "work" yet satisfying in a different way. You are already a success so thanks for sharing with all of us.😻
I just found you! And I absolutely love this video. I’ve been struggling with this off and on the past two years. I am an artist and have been prioritizing my handcrafted jewelry business. But I feel like I should be painting. I feel like I’m missing out on what keeps on gnawing at my soul. So I think I need to listen to what my soul is wanting. But I understand the true struggle as an artist. It’s been the pattern for me.
Sarah. Change is the excitement of life. It is both challenging and exhilarating and much is attained by going with whatever it is bringing your way. Looking forward to your video on this.
The best art comes when you are excited and enthused. Follow 'want' and embrace 'enthused'. Use your sketchbook creations for larger paintings in the long winter. Maybe do 9" x 12"s while en plein air? Thanks for sharing.
I think if you have a lot of ideas, then write them in an "inspiration journal" you can quote sketchbook pages and write notes about how to develop a larger painting. Coffee or ice cream breaks would be ideal for this. Enjoy!
I think it’s exciting to be around other artists and even to mentor some. And perhaps in a couple of workshops a year. But once you open a business you are trapped. And your chance to just be on your own arranging your own day the way you please is gone. Sometimes your creativity is squelched. Because you have to spend so much time helping others there’s nothing left for you. Consider that.
Finally made time to sit and watch your whole video and read some of the comments. Oh Sarah, you are so amazing!! I am 67, retired, and have the luxury of time (no job) and not having to make money from my art (although it sure would be nice to!). I do the occasionally pet portrait commission, but my heart is in landscapes with soft pastel, although your videos on gouache have inspired me to try to learn that medium as well, as it pairs so nicely with others. I keep getting distracted by playing with new mediums; I've been a pastelist for like 20 years, although have been creating regularly only in the last 5 or so. There are SO many things to be learned from experimenting! It's fun, it takes the pressure off to make any "masterpieces," as you don't EXPECT anything to turn out great if you're just trying out stuff, right? But I do find that taking time to just play, or follow your heart (and not a list of goals or structures, at least for awhile), often frees up to let your right brain go in directions you'd never have thought of before. Your journaling is a wonderful way to continue to listen to your heart and work out things.....but meanwhile, you should just follow where your heart wants you to go. And summer and sun are here for only a limited time!! So why NOT make the most of it!! It will recharge you, and in ways you can't anticipate. I follow Bethany Fields (pastelist) on Patreon/UA-cam, and she recently took four months off to recharge -- put her Patreon on hold, etc, because she said she really hadn't taken a good break in FOUR YEARS of creating art, holding workshops, recording/editing videos, etc etc, and she wanted to just step back, spend some quality time with her family and friends, and recharge. And she is just now coming back online and excited about it -- it seems to have done her a world of good, and perhaps it has opened up for her (mind wise) some new directions, although she hasn't shared any of that with her "public" yet. She's a bit older than you, but not as old as some of. us who are following you! LOL When you look at nature, there is a natural cycle of recharging, lying dormant, etc -- and also of evolution. Perhaps you are evolving!! So just go with it, and all will become clear to you in time -- just trust your heart, continue to journal, and know that so many of us are SO THANKFUL that you are doing so many wonderful things. I think I'll just go on Patreon and see what your levels are -- it's time I support you in some way. Take care, Sarah -- and I would LOVE to follow along with you some summer in future, perhaps for a week? Maybe you could figure out some way to hold a workshop even if it's not in your own studio -- perhaps 4-5 days. Many of us in the States would LOVE to visit Scotland, and it would be wonderful to see it through an artist's eyes who can create and support in so many different mediums! Best of wishes to ye, lass.
Hi Paula, thank you so much for your wonderful message ☺️ Yes, I totally agree taking a break from rigid goal/structure is helpful. I can’t pause Patreon because I need the income, but thankfully I’ve created it so I can pivot - which is exactly what I’m doing now. There will be a new video this weekend that explains it, but I’ve found a way to bridge my two greatest passions - being in nature and painting - in a new way. And yes I do plan on offering workshops in the future. I was thinking next summer I might do some trial runs and see how it goes. Teaching in person is so much easier than online! And gosh when everyone sees the magic of Scotland I know they will be super inspired to paint. If you sign up for my newsletter you’ll be the first to know about any future workshops ☺️
@@SarahBurnsStudio I signed up for your Patreon channel so I won't miss a thing, including your newsletter! Here's hoping for a residential workshop in Scotland next summer!
I met an artist on Facebook whom I had been following for many years. She had painted for a large card-making company and has sold many paintings, too. She took up the sketchbook, as have many professional artists, just so these things would be HERS and hers alone. She would not sell her sketchbooks, even though she has been asked many times. When you think of a sketchbook as your own personal reference as you do, and when you make notes and sketch things you want to remember, you have something that cannot be replaced. Several photos, as I'm sure you have understood, are a very bad replacement for a single sketch. Going straight to ink during an Inktober many years ago and accepting what happens was a turning point for me. Change happens and recognizing it and accepting it prevents a whole lot of frustration... the shoulds will make you miserable! There are truly very few real shoulds. There is a whole lot of shoulds yelling at all of us and to realize that 99.9% of them are irrelevant is a good thing.
I enjoy watching your channel so much! One, you have a beautiful work, interesting style and a wonderful perspective. Second, you have such clean language and a lovely voice too! I appreciate that so much! Keep on painting Ms. Sarah and sharing! ☺️
You know what's funny? I swear a lot in person! I guess I got into the habit of not swearing when I record myself (ok sometimes i do) when I started teaching online, because that isn't appropriate for all audiences. And now...well it's just second nature to keep it PG
AAAHHHHHH! Struggling with the same thing over here! Loving the sketchbook life and not super inspired by doing finished paintings and doing the whole showing work artist career thing. My thought is to lean into your area of interest and as that ebbs and flows you can go back to bigger work armed with everything you've discovered in the sketchbooks. My other thought is that sketchbook, nature journal, plein air stuff is super popular and that content and being active in irl communities can build name recognition that can support your business without having to exhibit work. If the expectation that I should exhibit work to be a "real artist" wasn't there I don't think I'd think about doing it. Also having a business coach or someone professional to talk to can be super helpful to gain clarity and direction in a very grounded logistical way.
I have been doing more IRL events/meet-ups and it’s so wonderful. I was feeling isolated for so long after moving here and finally feel like I’m getting into a groove. There is something about painting larger, revisiting the same canvas day after day/week/month and making progress. Exploring something that deep definitely leads to growth in a different way than fast sketches. But I think for a while I will ‘lean into’ the sketchbook as you say, and just take a breather from the big stuff.
@@SarahBurnsStudio i have a massive soft spot for the black kitties, and for kitties with craggy little voices. give him a pat for me? (and the other one, too, let’s be for real i love all the kitties). 🖤🐈🐈⬛
Sarah, don't think of this as changing; think of it as you would every other part of your life that has choices, obstacles, and opportunities that you adapt to without struggling. Do you consider yourself to be changing when you pick an activity based on weather? When you pick a meal at a restaurant based on a craving? What if it's based on their seasonal offerings? Do you consider yourself changing because you pick different fruits and vegetables at the market by season or your mood? I'm guessing you'd say no to all of these. Right now, the season presents a great time to be outdoors. Right now, you have a preference or craving for plein air. Right now, you enjoy experimenting. So don't struggle with it. Today's sunny tomatoes will naturally flow into tomorrow's snowy potatoes. No stress or worries are needed. Make the most of what you're passionate about today.
Love your work, you have so many beautiful scenes all around you to get inspiration from. I would just be in awe from all the beauty. Sometimes I get in a rut about what to paint so I will put on some music 🎶 and let the mind take over. It might work for you, but don’t get down cause you have alot going for you. Everything will fall into place when you least expect it.
Hallo Sarah. Ur paintings are amazing. And the landscape over there is breathtaking. I m sure that u will have ur own studio in the future. I m still a beginner. But i will paint outside too. I m sure it is a good way to spend time and to learn.
Seasons and weather change in humans as well as nature. Go with the flow. When you’re itching to be outside painting, GO! There will be raining and uber cold days when you can’t. Use that time to work on bigger paintings. I think the difficulty creating balance has more to do with the time you spend editing, which requires you to be indoors. You love doing that and we love watching your videos, but it comes at a cost. Personally, I think that’s why I don’t start my own channel-editing is a hungry time monster and I’d rather paint. I hope you find the happy balance you’re seeking. Thank you for your beautiful videos!
Filming the process and editing is extremely time consuming, distracting, and tiring. BUT...somehow it sparks so much joy, it's like it's own type of art, to find creative ways to film and edit, like putting a puzzle together. Plus now that I have years of videos, I look back on the older ones and see how much I've changed, it's like a visual diary. I never felt at ease with writing or talking but visual language comes more naturally. It's my way to exploring my thoughts and sharing them, like an author does with words.
sarah take heart and for 30minutes ever day make time to skecth outside your studio for the sake of well being it will change your perspective to fight creative burnout you have to feed the inner you it will balance your thoughts another thing you could do is to take time out to focus on how you can make things easier and to take care of yourself very important
Yes, I have been taking personal time each night, to unwind. My mind starts planning and I also have been making our living space more cozy and enjoyable :) it really helps!
Follow your heart and passion in the moment-everything changes!-things will come…in the meantime enjoy your summer sketching💕 You need to touch that joy!
The struggles you've described are literally my daily thoughts haha I am still not even sure what the main theme of my art is and I keep thinking that it's not how normal artists are! But I've noticed that this kind of thoughts discourage me from painting and I just worry about things and don't do anything. So, I guess it's better to make any decision that feels rights at the moment and then just hope that life will figure everything out in the end haha I've also noticed that many people said that while the weather is nice you can just enjoy painting outside and when the winter comes, you can go back to the studio - that's what I would do too!!
Oooh hard relate. Often when I get into a similar place, I come back to asking myself, "What is my why?" beyond the practicalities of paying bills or progressing my career. What is my "Why" behind what I'm creating? And if I can't fully answer that question, then I know the restlessness I feel is my internal compass searching for it. It could be that the why has shifted within me, silently in the lagoon of my subconscious. It could be that I lost my original why and I need to reorient back to it. But I know that the only way to figure it out, is to let myself meander, play, explore without pressure or pretense. Your body is wise Sarah. You have neurons in your heart, your stomach, your gut, your various centers of nerve bundles. Your brain extends far outside of your head, and you carry knowledge beyond just thought. When you get restless like this, it's so you can learn how to read those primal signals that have been with us far before our big ole noodle caverns. You've been giving creative birth consecutively, and no one can do that for eternity. And if you feel like you must, you've definitely lost your Why. Allow yourself to wander, and your Why will appear--and your art will deepen. You will deepen. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. I'm rooting for you to find what you're seeking
Double up (in opposite directions - superglued together) 2 sheets of that plastic for strength or get some hardboard sheets, not mdf (too heavy), drill holes and superglue the magnets in.
Sarah, do what you need to do to feed your heart or your art will wither on the vine. On the foggy days, just go where your heart leads. If doing more studio work and/or big pieces is something you are meant to do again, you will naturally go back to them. Do you sit in meditation daily? I'm not talking about just sitting and enjoying the weather and scenery or taking a walk in nature, but sitting quietly, eyes closed, and simply breathing. I find this cleans my brain and clears away the fog. It doesn't alway bring immediate answers but that is not why I do this. It opens me up for what is meant to be coming my way. The second you feel that overwhelming feeling or foggy feeling coming on, stop. Close your eyes and just breathe. I just discovered you through Emma LaFavbre! I am a retired psychotherapist. If I can help you in any way further, let me know. Art therapy is not my specialty but I am also an artist. My art has allowed me to regroup for my 30+ year career in crisis internvention with families experiencing domestic violence, child abuse, and substance abuse. But most of the core therapies apply to all of us!
I don't think I ever know what direction I should be going in. But I'm with ya!! Over thinking EVERYTHING! I love the sound of your Artist gathering!! I actually don't know any Artists in our area. One day ! haha! Keep it up!! Your doing AWESOME! 💚
You have a goal: you want to have a studio where painters meet, get inspired and go on plein air excursions…..what are the steps needed to get that up and running? Do you have space for it where you live currently? Do you have the funds to start it up? What do you need to start it up (physical things)….you are more organised than you give yourself credit for. You are not seaweed in the tide of life. You are so helpful to us novice painters than you may realise. I feel your fear through this screen because I know that horrible feeling too. But you have come so far already. Journey forth Sarah! Experiment. Walk away for awhile if needed, but never give up your goal.
![Delivering art to the gallery + packing for 2-day plein air event ✶ [Artist Studio VLOG #25]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/qQFbaIOt2NY/mqdefault.jpg)
![Delivering art to the gallery + packing for 2-day plein air event ✶ [Artist Studio VLOG #25]](/img/tr.png)
Take it from a 76-year-old who was discouraged from becoming an artist as a child: always take the path with heart. When the weather’s bad you can return to your happy places by painting big paintings. This makes for less depression and more inspired works. Get yourself some lights that prevent SADD and pay attention to your nutrition and rest. You make BIG DECISIONS by sitting quietly, placing your attention in your heart, and feeling LOVE filling that space. Then the guidance will enter your awareness in whatever way is in FLOW for YOU. ALL MY LOVE AND GRATITUDE FOR ALL THAT I HAVE LEARNED FROM YOU.
"You make BIG DECISIONS by sitting quietly, placing your attention in your heart, and feeling LOVE filling that space." - this is so powerful. Thank you 💜
@@SarahBurnsStudio You are most welcome. ❤️🦋🦋🦋
This was such wise council. I’m 58 and came to this path late. The freedom is I’m not trying to sell anything so I’m only dictated by my heart. That said I too try not to get too comfy in my style and choices and listen to where to go next.
Those are all beautiful ideas!
Thiiiisssss☝️
You've asked how other people come to important decisions. Here's how I do it: I think every possible angle through and come to the logical decision that would be right for me (within the given circumstances, with regard to my personality, my possibilities, safety). Then I search my heart and compare it with the rational solution. Then I try to find a viable compromise, search my heart again if the compromise feels acceptable, let it simmer for a while. And when I have the feeling (!) "yes, this is the way to go", that's what I do. It has worked so far for several decades.
If I were you, my compromise would be your ultimate dream with finished studio pieces for the galleries and for making a name. When I watch your videos, I'm in love with the Scottish countryside, wished I could be there and paint. And I admire your sketchbook pages and feel I could learn so much from you. I'm sure there are many people out there who feel the same. You should offer plein air courses. And make studio pieces of places you feel most intensely connected to. I think that would be what I would do.
Hi Sarah. This is a great video. I love how genuine it is. All the emotional things you have been describing are very common with creative, intuitive and artistic people. :) You are mentioning that you feel that producing a large painting for an exhibit is something that is expected of an artist. It seems to me that what you have created on internet is so much more powerful and reached out to so many more people than any exhibit ever could. You had your painting entered into an art show at Inverness. It is likely that about 200 people or so saw it. When you share your artwork through UA-cam and Patreon, thousands of people can see and enjoy it. To me this is so much more powerful than 1 painting in a physical exhibit. Keep creating your beautiful videos. They are an inspiration to many of us. :)
That’s true…I kinda forgot that side of it 🫣
When I have too many ideas or interests or things I want to try, I indulge the ones with more promise. The things I then discover I really like, I take even more time to focus on for awhile until I either outgrow it or realize I want it in my life forever. This takes a LOT of time, patience and perseverance for me. But it's all helped me to realize where I want to go. BTW, I really like all the sketches you did at the end. All the best, Sarah.
Put a covered studio / pop up tent right near the brambles so you can bring big canvases and paint. Outdoors but near your studio so you can bring the big stuff.
I live in Scotland too, get out and paint in the relatively calm weather while you can. Gather lots of reference and ideas and energy because in six weeks time it'll be over and you'll be rained in to the studio more often! You'll kick yourself in December if you didn't bathe yourself in summer opportunities! Thanks for sharing :)
You’re right! I want to immerse myself in the best weather of the year because it is so fleeting
@@SarahBurnsStudio yes I was thinking the same thing for you. But isn’t your studio also nice weather dependent? As in, you can work large out on the patio only?
@@ameliaameliaworks3678 With oils yes I only work outside. With acrylic I can set up in the living room but it’s not ideal.
I think it is the artist curse to live with so many ideas. Going from day to day wanting to do more but still having the same amount of time.. There is no solution that can eliminate this because the moment you refill your creative cup often the more ideas it will produce. So just keep going and keep selecting those ideas you find most challenging or attractive at the time and leave the rest for other times. Times where you just want to play, without the seriousness of completing something. Gosh.. I hope this makes sense.. LOL 😊
Yes actually, I totally understand. It’s good advice. Time is our greatest resource.
Love this :)
This is a good way to encapsulate this feeling that an artist gets about all the ideas flowing and not enough time for all of them. Sometimes it hard to settle on one idea because they’re just so many it is overwhelming. 🙂
I don’t ever comment, like ever, and while I have only recently discovered your channel, your videos have been so helpful in my gouache learning journey that I’m compelled to share my two cents. You mentioned having too many ideas and being pulled in so many directions and not really knowing what to do or which path to take and I can totally relate because I’m in a similar life situation. The thing that keeps popping up for me and it was the same as I watched your video is REST. Rest is productive. And I mean rest in whatever form it takes. We tend to put rest into this neat little box were all it means to sleep more, sleep better, etc., but it’s more than just meeting the physical needs. It’s about meeting the emotional and mental needs too. So, adding to the many voices here who have already said this: if your heart, mind, and body are pushing/calling you to go outside, Go! Because Rest is Productive! The practical pragmatic side will certainly cringe at this idea and want to put on the brakes, but productivity will emerge from these times of rest. So go out and rest!
I’ve been sleeping a lot more lately. It’s wonderful. We also upgraded our mattress and it is a drastic improvement!
Since you have a dream, take the time to figure out when you want to get there as well as what you need to get there.
Next set up your short, mid & long term goals. Include in your plan what keeps you balanced.
Start.
Sounds so easy 😅
@@SarahBurnsStudio Not easy but a lot of hard work. My students are working on self change projects in class and can say how hard it is.
I made my own board that fits my back pack. I used velcro dots to hold things in place. I found that by cutting the outside top corners at an angle it fit better in my backpack
In my experience, most people don't really know what they want to do. But you are really clear. You said it succinctly and with conviction and joy: you want to open a studio and host artist gatherings, workshops and plein air painting adventures. As you said, that's what you should be working towards. I just kept thinking as you spoke that maybe the other confusing options seem clearer when viewed relative to whether they get you closer to opening that studio or not? Maybe working on the actionable steps toward opening the studio can become a new part of your routine. Having a coach or even just a supportive friend to meet with regularly could be a big help. I am not a professional artist, but I'm old enough to know how quickly years can pass without us ever realizing that ultimate dream. If you know in your heart what that dream is, then now is the time to start making it happen. We'll all be here cheering you on!
You should be painting big pieces, not because “artists” are suppose to do, but because your work is awesome and needs to be shared with the world. I think you are on the eve of a decision by going through this painful or frustrating time. I’m afraid humans require pain before growth. We are wired that way I guess. Keep sharing your thoughts with your fans. Good luck. Thinking positive thoughts for you.
(Or you could follow cat advice and chase leaves alternated with a nap in the sun. At least my cats advice.)
I'm a self-employed artist and I absolutely understand the feeling of having too many ideas to pick a direction. It doesn't help that I have ADHD, which makes holding on to one idea a challenge in the best of circumstances. Sometimes inspiration can overwhelm as much as it can motivate, especially when it's telling you to do something new and intimidating.
Sarah just follow your intuition and dreams. The beauty of Scotland in summer is definitely going to overwhelm you with what to paint, get outside as much as you want to. There will be those dark rubbish weather days in winter when you can be in the studio looking back on those lovely plain air sketches from summer to give you inspiration. There is a season for everything.
That’s how I feel now too. This past winter felt endless and often dreary (there were of course beautiful days as well). And I was just aching to be outside painting. More than any past winter.
Agree! No matter what you are doing you are making progress on your journey.
This is exactly what I was going to say. I also love your idea of doing workshops with sketchbooks. I think many people would enjoy doing that with you! I hope to come to Scotland someday and be one of those people.
It's understandable that as a landscape artist you yearn to be working en plein air during the warm summer days rather than in the studio, especially when you live in the north of Scotland and the weather is most often far from accommodating. Perhaps it would help to think of your art practice seasonally? Summer is for totally indulging your plein air appetite, cooler months for studio time. The curse we all suffer from in this day and age is feeling like we have to be doing everything all the time and stacks of it.
Literally, what you are doing is perfect. Just picking a thing and doing it the right thing when you are a single person trying to make a business. It doesn't matter what you pick, as long as you pick one thing, do it, then pick the next thing, you can have it all. It just takes time. (As a fellow solo art business owner, I totally feel what you are going through, we all go through it! It's usually just before you make a big step in your life.)
It's reassuring to hear you say that 💜 Thank you!
Definitely follow your heart. When making art is a joy and not a chore it shows. Use the beautiful weather to your advantage for when it turns too cold to be out.
I made art for years that I didn't enjoy and it almost destroyed me creativity. Once I was honest with myself about what I enjoy the spark has come alive again. That spark is what makes it exciting to create. So anytime creating starts feeling unjoyful I stop and think it through to figure out what I need to change. It's scary but it's so worth it.
The turmoil you feel indicates a change is being craved. At age 70 I have become very proficient in several crafts and earned $ while raising 4 kids, working full time, and staying active in community affairs. Now I have dropped out of many of them, kicked the art police out of my brain and zealously embraced new pursuits, something I did to a smaller effect in past years. One thing I found is that if there is inner turmoil related to a personal aspect of my life(ie my divorce, moving, changing how I earn cash,remarrying, etc) that creativity takes a back seat until I recognize what is draining me and take charge. Lately it has involved a plan we had for selling our farm and 60 acres of incredible land that includes huge hills, pastures, large ponds, open pastures and our log home. We became very irritable and just made the motions of getting through each day until we came to an agreement that we would not move until it was very apparent we needed assistance, so we live happily now and embrace our rural life. You may have gone through similar turmoil when planning the move to Scotland? Have you considered concentrating on your walking and hiking and allow art to settle into being secondary while bringing in cash from completed works? I would enjoy watching you walk and then doing a small journal painting with minimal supplies, like Urban Sketching in rural countrysides? I walk 3-5 miles each day when weather cooperates and I journal but if I brought along the supplies that you have I would never get out the door! I have seen some published works and videos that urban sketchers have produced and I have no doubt you could put together some amazing videos on journaling rural Scotland where you embrace the trail adventure , discovering how a minimal approach to art journaling actually captures the amazing experience as opposed to sitting and painting for longer periods of time. Come winter and harsh weather, when you may only feel inspired to get out a couple times each week may be a better time to spend more studio time? When we sell the farm I will let you know but I have no doubt farms in Scotland probably offer similar amazing landscapes.
Thank you so much for sharing this. What you mentioned, journaling/sketching along rural trails is exactly what my heart desires. I do it, but not in any organised way. I have over 10 sketchbooks going at any time, each one is for different materials or moods. It’s definitely a huge part of my life, just not something I consistently share and market to my audience. I had visions of compiling lots of them into a themed art book but of course I always think “I should repaint that location since I’m a better painter now…”
And I can imagine running a big farm is a huge task. I can barely handle daily chores in our tiny cottage 🤣
@@SarahBurnsStudio we retired from the farm for the most part but we love it. We raised and trained horses for harness racing and carriage work plus I had rescue horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, dogs, cats and one big pig. We still have the dogs and cats and my chickens and their devoted Roo. Your journaling will improve when you make the commitment to take it up a notch with videos, perhaps a book of Journaling Rural Scotland , (I would stand in line to purchase it) recognize it is important work and will continue to inspire us all. I was a blind little girl when my gram (Scot/Native, Indian) taught me to sew on buttons, including threading the needles! I became sighted when medicine caught up with my condition around age 7 , and it has been maybe a dozen surgeries or so but I worked the farm, went to college, taught special ed, back to college to become a critical care nurse, sewing all the while, including costume mistress for 2 pro theatre groups and raising the kids, making sure they had access to the arts. I stopped sewing a good 10 yrs ago with a bit of guilt which I have shrugged off as the challenge and enthusiasm for it waned. I took up classical singing (and impressed myself and others!)also, painting and journaling. Since I cannot do everything I do stuff that I feel a passion for, limited now by aging as far as horse riding. I look back on the years and adventures, my life resume would be long and I am still adding to it. Change is good as are the adventures along the way. My family likes my painting so I gift them and keep my grandkids in art supplies here on the farm, along with much music and magnifying glasses and backpacks because my latest passion is looking down when we walk and ecstatically finding artifacts from our ancestors along with fossils and other interesting finds. Just got back from San Diego where I found a beautifully shaped ancient stone fishing weight during a casual beach walk with family. Word has it my adult kids are looking down more, the ground is as intriguing as the view from the hilltops. Stone walls, wish I was better at painting them and your work is very helpful. It’s all good! Thank-you for sharing your passion, it is inspiring.
With this video you spoke to my soul. Thank you so much Sarah for what you are doing for fellow artists. I also struggle with my artistic path lately and listening to you heals. I wish you will find the perfect balance for yourself and be happy about it 💕
Lots of people have given you good advice, especially good is to get out doors while the weather is good. I can’t add to it, but I must say you camera takes gorgeous pictures and video! It’s so beautiful there, how can you not want to go outside and paint?
Hi Sarah, you don't need to do all the things all the time. Take the summer to paint outside and the winter in the studio. Nobody is coming for you, I promise ;-) Allow yourself time off to do just what you want and maybe be more flexible with your schedule overall and think in larger time periods or seasons if you will. It's your life, you get to decide, you're the boss.
Guided plein air tours!? I’m in!! I would so totally pay for someone to take me to a spot and be like “here!” (Plop!) - sometimes the hardest thing about painting plein air is choosing where to go. And have someone to field the spectators! What a gift it would be to have someone take all that guess work out of it, so all I’d have to do is paint! (And snack, and then paint again haha)
I know so many “good spots” that I want to share with fellow artists! Places that really speak to me and invite both practice and play
The optimistic side of me says follow your dreams. Go out every single day and paint or draw in your sketchbook. Gather resources and recharge your battery to as full as possible.
The realistic side of me says to split your time. Start planning and create your next big piece but also take a break and go out and draw or paint while the weather is cooperating. You could always plan this out according to upcoming weather for planning or work days when you know the weather isn't going to be super conductive for adventuring.
Your cat meows while walking is so adorable. You are inspiring.
Vader is very talkative 🤣
I'm glad to hear that you journal. I've been journaling since 1972. Really. It's good for the mind to review, but also to get the gunk out of your head. In my case, instead of following my art, because I found no one to help me, I went and did the impossible--I wrote and wrote and.... I went against all odds, could not publish, could not get an agent, but I kept at it. Then finally, with the age of technology, I self-published my first work. I've now got works out on Amazon, and other platforms. My point is, you just don't know what door will open to you. I've retired from writing and the job I held for 20 years, and I'm now working on my art and wish I'd kept up with it. But oh well. I'm still an artist and still get into a funk every now and then. I don't know that my words will help, but we all struggle with what to do, or if we should do something different. Life is whatever path you choose. You're still young, it's not like you have to make the decision right now. Maybe something will change in a few months and you'll see where you need to go.
Love your new glasses, BTW.
"Life is whatever path you choose." I should write this down and hang it next to my easel :)
Following for the art tips and inspiration, and views of Scotland for obvious reasons. But you add so much more than that in your transparency and honesty about your ideas, and struggles, and visions of what could be - which goes well beyond the art to inspire in so many other areas. You are a very kindred spirit, and thank you for sharing. I love that you feel the draw of the outdoors and compelled to fill the sketchbooks - never stop. But this spirit of building community around art to continue the craft through current and future generations is an amazing, and lasting endeavor as well. Live in the moment, but consider the future - wrestle well with these feelings - will be here for the journey to see where they lead.
I’m constantly overwhelmed by the generosity and encouragement in this community! 💕
I know this struggle - we can become slaves to our sketchbooks. I suggest using loose sheets for a while for pleinair; then you can show those if you choose. There is no rule that says you can only show large studio pieces. The layered studies all on one sheet are a generous and valuable work from an artist such as yourself.
That’s a good point…working on loose sheets could give me more options. I might do that more often!
I would love a series of the journey you are having in Scotland vs one big piece. I know this vlog is 7 mths ago but just wanted to second what JC Little said. Those smaller works are part of your story.
Great job on your sketchbook setup. I understand completely about your feelings of wanting to find a balance between doing large studio projects & artworks and just doing some enjoyable sketching pieces in the sketchbook. I think that you’ve got to have the summertime (warmer weather to rejuvenate your batteries) to give yourself a great break to get back to your basics, relaxing, & reevaluating where you are on your journey & where you want to go in the future. Do you want to do something different, do you need to slow down with how busy you have been, are there things you have done that you don’t want to do any more because of the time consuming? It’s okay to reevaluate how you want to do your art. Your artwork is first and foremost for you to enjoy just as much as it is for the public & supporters. Change is good. You can always change back again afterwards. Go with what makes you happy & passionate at the moment. We love your artwork regardless of the size of it. Your sharing your thoughts, progress, & process is just as valuable, informative & inspirational. I am still trying to figure out how I want to go about my art journey, do I want to sell my artwork from a studio, online with Etsy, or doing a UA-cam channel, or just posting my artwork on my Facebook page like I am always. I really enjoy your sharing of your art journey with us. You will figure it out. Hope you’re enjoying a wonderful week, despite the Mississippi weather that Mother Nature has decided to give everyone these past few weeks.
Thank you Colleen! It’s a good reminder to focus on what I love. I just hope I am not neglecting something that will lead me to my bigger goals.
@@SarahBurnsStudio You’re welcome & I don’t think you need to worry about that happening. 💕
Change is good…Following your channel, I have seen so much growth! I think you under estimate your value!
Thank you. From the inside things look different 😅
I think we are all suffering from Post Covid Syndrom..I know I am. After being creatively confined..compressed for so long all these glorious ideas are galloping out of my head! Just go with the flow...you'll be experiencing Scottish winter before long so you will get to those big pieces with lots of inspiration from your healing time outside. Now...I need to grab my art bag and head out.
Please don't beat yourself up. Of course it's is a struggle and a challenge. You are very good, gifted and your idea of a studio is wonderful. it will be fulfilled. I am 67, and started like so many people late late late in our lives, pour our blessings and good thoughts flowing towards you. It's always in the heart and mind.... everything is. Imbalance is equal to balance too.
Sarah, I 've been following you on UA-cam for a couple of years, I love your work, such beautiful sketches and paintings!
Life means change, and as an artist you are always evolving.
As so many people here have suggested , follow your heart, and just go with the seasons! Whatever you sketch or paint hones your 'seeing,' your skills ....
Love your watercolor work and your acrylics as well !!!
You don't need to think in terms of either /or.... you can always take a big wc block with you to paint outside, and mount it later for a show & sell it as well!!!
And I am sure people would love to buy your smaller landscapes !!! That will allow those with a smaller budget to get one of your little gems as well ... make & sell prints!!!
Zoom workshops are a great idea too!
Especially since you live in such a beautiful but remote area, and covid is still around .... I am sure your studio & workshop dreams will materialise when the time is right !!!
Thank you Edna 💜
Keep journaling!! You will see your way out!! You are an amazing artist. You don’t need to do it all at once. Let it come to you!!
Thank you for being you!! It helps us have permission to be us. No matter how little we may be in the art world!! I for one am very grateful for you! And all you do to encourage us!! THAT is the art of art.
Thank you so much! 😊
Art is full of times and seasons. Art is derived from nature. Change, and growth are a natural part of that. Sometimes that means putting things away for a time, that doesn't mean you won't ever explore it again, just that it's "not in season" right now in your life. There is a reason nature feeds and fuels itself in preparation for the lean times. Don't forget to feed your soul. If you don't you might not get through the hard times without strife.
I guess what I am saying is do what you can/want to do now while you can. There will be a time when maybe it's harder to do so. Take advantage of summer, because the things you can do in that season will be so much harder to do come winter. Save the studio stuff for rainy days, enjoy the sun. Hugs!
I felt torn for a long time - pulled in too many directions - and honestly I kept falling back on what I knew, whatever was comfortable and familiar because that was easy and I knew what to expect. Those feelings kept coming back however until I finally decided to go in this new direction. I think the important thing is to remember that trying a new path doesn’t mean the old one is lost forever. Work in your sketchbook, follow your heart, and give yourself time to explore this new area. You can’t achieve that ultimate dream of yours if you continue to focus on gallery/studio work. If you try this new path for a while and decide you don’t think it’s working for you, you can always go back into the studio, but I think you may be surprised by how much you love this new path and that passion will translate into discovering new ways to make it keep working for you. Good luck!
Well said, thank you! So encouraging 🥰
Thank you Sarah for your videos. I enjoy watching all the wonderful landscapes of Scotland. It is fun to see u going and doing plein air. It is easy to get burned out and get into obstacles while u paint. We just have to push ahead and learn from our mistakes. I'm in the process of making a supported drawing board to do more sketches and have when I get a chance to paint something on a moment's notice. I have the materials. I am just deciding what size to make it to accommodate my different sized watercolor and gouache paint palettes. I'd be interested to see how yours turns out. Keep painting!
It’s been fun customising my drawing board. I love that I can make it exactly what I need.
Wow, you have described all my challenges!! I work in soooo many mediums and I need to focus on one in order to get into a routine (easier said than done). As you said, routine feels good, safe, easy. I don't have an online following so I rely only on my art sales and I find it easier to sell several small paintings for $100 each than to try to find the right buyer for the $1000 painting. And commissions don't do anything for my anxiety levels so everything I do has to resonate with me. Good luck! You know you have to listen to your heart!!
Some of those sketches you do outdoors would make lovely original sketches people are willing to buy at a more affordable price compared to the larger studio paintings which take hours. Your soul is yearning for the outdoors.
I so understand what you're describing and appreciate your willingness to talk it out on camera. I highly recommend two helpful and fun books: The War of Art and also Dancing with the Gods. You'll find encouragement and maybe even some answers in both reads.Good luck and remember that brush time is never wasted time.
Procrastination comes in many forms and from so many different sources that it may take a little more thinking to get to a solution. Wishing you the best in finding the answer.
I adore your videos! Thank you so much for bringing us along. I totally understand the comfort and safety of a sketchbook. Of course, do more of what you are loving. For THAT passion will shine through to be translated later on a larger canvas.
If memory serves, you were feeling down/depressed during the winter months because you were stuck inside the studio for so long because of the weather. I say you take advantage of the sun and go outside as much as possible now while the weather is nice. Then work on bigger things when the weather isn’t so nice. I know there is pressure to crank out the bigger pieces all year round but I say do what makes you happy. The rest will follow.
Yes that is pretty accurate!
Sounds like "the paradox of choice" (there's an old-ish book with that name - I found it helpful). When I'm at an impasse, my strategy is to wait ("tread water") & the answer will reveal itself in my heart. Wish I could spend more time on art; day job has been super-demanding this summer (unusual, but I'm thankful to be gainfully employed these days). Thanks for inspiring me to do more sketchbook work; I hope to get into that soon. I always think I need more practice on fundamentals & sketchbooks are for when I have more skill. I need to "carpe diem" 🙂
Follow your gut, especially the small changes. Change is better than routine stagnation. Play often. I've made a point of using new materials once a month or so to play and it's been liberating.
Great naming for your fur companions; Vader is gorgeous and so vocal, bless.
You (and your struggles) are so relatable! I love your new work - the huge canvases are beautiful! Your cats are absolutely gorgeous too.
Thank you Natasha! And I hope you are doing well! 💕
I am trying to incorporate seasons in my life - whats right for summer is not for winter.
Its winter in my area at the moment and I am focusing more on my home and getting all those niggly repairs done so when summer comes I can go out and enjoy.
Maybe winter could be a time with more studio focus and summer more of a time for plein air. Changing focus with the seasons is bringing me a bit more peace in my life, instead of trying to do everything all the time.
Hope you are enjoying the sunshine
Sarah, hearing you say all of this is a complete echo of how I am feeling. I understand the struggle. In order to give myself a bit more direction I took a week off and spent it with family. I then started to think of where I would like to show my work and what I really enjoy to paint. I'm studying water and boats for the next little while. So that answered my question. You can only trust in the process. If you work hard things will fall into place (so I am told and so I hope). But the fog that you are in could be burnout, so take some time for you. I hope this has been helpful. Take care
Is it possible to be burned out but every morning wake up dying to hike and paint? I dunno.. But I'm going to run with it. At least in those moments I know I'm in the right place.
For what it's worth, I've struggled a lot with the feeling of having too many choices. It feels like being in school and getting told "write a 10 page paper on whatever you want" except its your life. I think for creatives its especially hard because it is such a choose your own adventure.
Yes exactly!
It seems like you aren't really giving up on any of the things you want to do it just sounds like you need to re-order them. So since it is the time of year when you are needing that sunshine and are driven to be outdoors--then you should be! Do what feels right and makes you happy! Then, when the dreary Winter months set in, that would be the time to work on the large pieces because you will be stuck indoors anyways. Make it a plan to have yourself set up and roll with the seasons. You will still have the large gallery sized pieces to exhibit and sell--you will just be doing that work when you are inside. And the bonus is you will have all the outside plethora of material to choose from because you were outside soaking it all in right now. And struggle always means something isn't quite right. I think the change, the shift, in priorities is something that needs to be done. And if you are worried about not having enough pieces to sell or showcase right now then maybe its time to dig through the dark recesses of the closet, under the bed, etc and just get a big clean out of stuff you've been holding on to. Purge and let this "gap" still make you money and give you more space in your studio and drawer spaces. Whatever you do. Whatever you decide. None of it is wasted angst. It's always to turn you in the right direction.
Thank you Nicole. I do have quite a few big paintings just sitting around. A lot of times I make them, just to explore an idea, not intending to sell them. So in my mind, their value is done when I set the brush down.
I’d follow your inspiration in your sketchbooks. You have some very interesting scenery throughout this video. The Pine forest reminded me of one I used to visit in Yellow Springs, Ohio in Glen Helen park decades ago before some people trashed it up.
Maybe now is the time to do the sketchbook work. Eventually you’ll get back to the bigger paintings. It’s the experience you have now that will drive your future paintings. Enjoy the journey!!!
Summer is for the outdoors. Get the season's best light, that has to be useful in the studio eventually, yes?
Don't worry, you'll balance it out, you know seasons and reasons...🙂
Listening to our nature is also an art.
I think you are so right that we are really the only ones able to make the right choices for ourselves. Having said that, you have a very unique and captivating presence as an instructor. I am so enjoying your videos! I have watched literally thousands over the years and your ability to break things down so simply are amazing! Not only that but your art works are incredible! The world is your oyster!!! Enjoy the incredible journey of finding your calling!
Wow thank you Kathy! It is so wild to me that you think my instruction style is good - I never trained for it, but I simply try to speak my thoughts. Im glad it helps!
Please always follow your heart and your intuition just trust it. As SueEllen below said I have been discouraged from following that both as a child and as an adult there is something in me that still wants to follow that creative path. So trust your instincts and if that says you want to be outside painting and being happy then go for it. I love your ideas and I love you plein air on location videos . Take care of yourself. Kim x
Thank you Sarah for sharing your experiences !
As a self-doubt specialist, I realize that the hardest choices often resolve themselves over time.
When I finally took the step to open my workshop, I knew I shouldn't have waited until I was sure of myself, because deep down I still am not.... Your practice is well advanced for you to teach.
Your dilemma between actively producing large canvases, and sketching is endless because one feeds the other. This is why your need for nature is so important on sunny days. You store up supplies to get through the hard months like the squirrels.
Watching your videos reminds me of my trips to the British Isles. The incredible and ever-changing colors are awe-inspiring and recharge our batteries. Nothing is more effective than nature to bring art to life.
Could we talk more? It would be an honor to chat with you.
Thank you for being so honest about your struggles choosing a path! I love your work and you inspired me ages to spend my time getting out and about sketching.... I MUCH prefer that than being stuck inside doing portrait commissions. That's where the money is for me but I've taken a break from that to try and find another way so I can spend more time sketching outside! Perhaps things will change come winter but anyway, I feel your pain. Looking forward to seeing how things go for you!
Breathe in, breathe out. Which path has less friction? Go with the flow. Listen to Floky! Pick something, waste/take some time if necessary, pick the rainy, cold and windy days for studio art - I'm sure there are enough of them. I'm not an artist, but this is my approach to juggling decisions on where to prioritize in my business and projects.
I relate to this a lot in the summer. I want to spend all day outside sketching and painting, yet I should be designing new products for the fall and winter catalogue for my stationery business. I try to balance both the need and the want. Sometimes I feel like a little kid trapped in a classroom during schoolwork while looking out window seeing the other kids play when I have to do admin and design work on my iPad. But, I try to give myself breaks and enjoy the shot bit of summer we have! Sometimes you just have to let your creativity flow with the seasons and follow your heart.
As many others have already said, being pulled in multiple directions is a huge challenge. And you have a lot of irons in the fire: you run a business, Patreon (even a level where you send out postcards), tutorials, UA-cam (2!), Instagram, gallery shows, festivals - it's a LOT! That's naturally going to be a huge drain on your energy, output, and enthusiasm. You will need to prioritize and balance.*
You mentioned your "big dream" of having your own studio, and if that is an important goal that you really want to make happen, it will take money. That means you must commit to the administrative and sales side of your current business, and depending on how soon you want that to happen, you'll need to dedicate more time in churning out saleable artwork. I know that sounds mechanical, but it's what you'll have to do - unless you find a backer or partner - or even start a studio that is a co-op.
I know the Patreon is an important source of revenue for you and I think that is one area I would keep up, but even though you have the tutorials on there, you might want to look into paid tutorial sites such as Gumroad and sell tutorials there. They can be as short as 15 - 30 min. and you could charge what you think is fair for that. I know a lot of artists that are doing that now instead of giving so much away for free.
And have you ever considered doing workshops? (either Zoom or live). I know a lot of watercolor artists that do it and are very successful.
These are just a few of the ideas I had during your video. I think you have the drive and talent to succeed if you just don't overthink everything too much.
*Write out a pro and con list for each aspect of your business to discover where your priorities should be and how each would fill your short and long term goals. I'm sure that would reveal a lot to you and make things more clear.
Ahh thank you for your insights Linda! That’s a good kick in the butt to think more logically. Writing lists and narrowing things down..otherwise it gets all jumbled in my foggy head. I do agree I need to raise money for the ultimate dream of opening my studio. That is why I keep picturing it being far away…Right now I’m focusing more on growing my skills to the point where more people would actually WANT to come to the studio/events. All my irons in the fire help pay the bills so I can’t just stop. Instead if I want to change something I have to make a strategic plan to phase things in/out, especially on Patreon. And for a while I’ve been wanting to be more self-sufficient and do my own zoom workshops (and in person eventually). I had plans to start that this summer… lol oops. Maybe winter would be a better goal, so I’m not inside while it’s gorgeous weather!
Hi Sarah. Thank you for your work and openness. You struck a nerve in your video. I just went through something like what you are describing. A huge caveat. I don’t make a living off of my art, so my stakes are lower. I had the same impetus over Covid. At first I could not do any art and then when I started back I stayed in my sketchbook. I did very precise and heavily patterned drawings. Very different from the paintings I was doing at the time. I just went with it. Fought all of those things you mentioned. But I could not stop the work and had no appetite for my paintings. So I just said “I wonder where this can take me….” And just let it happen. I did come back to my painting and now I have been adding more layers and that work I did in my sketchbook made my paintings and awareness grow leaps. I applied the same thinking to getting and then leaving a job. I think it was most helpful to look back and realize that I displayed the competence to dig myself out. Not feeling competent at all, but I had to look back and prove myself to me. Not comfortable but it works out. And it you are open it can lead you down paths and options that you may not have seen. Intuition is a ride for the best. Good luck with this and thanks again for sharing what you do.
So fortunate to live there surrounded by scenic landscapes. Not sure I wouldn't be in overload with sensory having all of that to work with.
I love the way light reflects and changes there. So much depth.
Thanks for sharing.
The light is constantly changing, it’s so magical. But definitely a challenge to paint
Got my coffee and ready!
I think with your artist meet up idea and the awesomeness of social media, you can totally host impromptu meetups where you're at, outside, with no pressure. I think you can just post that you're going to paint at such and such location if people want to show up and paint. Then just see what happens. I'm sure people would love to show up to paint or just watch you paint on location in a more "raw" video format.
Hmm interesting idea!
I’m in the same page with you! I think our mission is living like nature, enjoy each season of our creativity without judging ourselves, create without pressure, live to be part of nature and like her not limit ourselves with the control of time. living is the most beautiful adventure that life has!
It is a very difficult thing to walk into the unknown, it always brings changes and you have to let go of control, which perhaps is the scariest part of change. You should go for your dreams, take each day, each moment, each idea, remembering that it is today that creates the future. DO IT, otherwise Sarah vlog 2030 just might have regrets. Certainly it does seem for many that you are living the artists dream, but being self-employed brings its own set of challenges, commitments, and time dedicated to achieving the essentials. I truly believe that, by following your own visions it will bring you great knowledge and experiences as you move forward, and not only bring you joy, but is likely to bring happiness and new experiences to those artists coming to your en plein air retreats in whatever form you envision. Good luck, and wishing you anything and everything you need to take that leap of faith.
Thank you so much!
I feel like the kind of work you do can be seasonal, meaning when the weather's beautiful in the summer/autumn months and you're being pulled outdoors, that's when you're outside working in your sketchbooks and filling your creative cup. When the weather's turns moody and unpleasant in the colder months, that's when you're in your studio. I think I catch the drift of the pressure you feel, however, if your artwork is your primary source of income. I have a separate full-time job so I don't have a lot of pressure on myself for my artwork to have to meet certain criteria so I can get by. Elizabeth Gilbert wrote in "Big Magic" something along the lines of a pact she made with her craft to never put pressure on it to pay her bills. It was freeing for her, and yet somehow, the universe has continued to provide for her.
I loved "Big Magic" - I read it in one sitting, I couldn't put it down! It's been years now...I gifted it to a friend but maybe I should get another copy and read it again.
You are growing, becoming so much more. Your practice is evolving and this battle is pointing you further to who you really are deep, deep, deep down inside. Please, please listen to your heart. Late last year I pushed my craft to really make money. My biggest mistake to date. I have exhibited textile pieces, well received but sold little. I also made masses of costumes, formal wear, sewed for years. I returned to theatre and sewed for big productions. I burnt out and further more found out what I had known all along in the hidden recesses of my soul…that I had silenced a special part of me. Surely costumes are my thing, What I am good at? Bit by bit I realised I just wasn’t in that zone anymore. I made so many sewing mistakes, I would have shook my head at anyone else making them you know. I had lost the passion.
My soul just wants to paint and explore and do what it started with as a child, drawing, painting. So this year and in great part due to your encouragement I returned to my first and great love. I have watched so classes and am starting all over, (I learnt illustration some forty odd years ago at College but have forgotten much of it) I was too busy sewing. I am learning and finally feel aligned with the part of me that won’t be silenced. And you are in many ways my inspiration because you follow your heart. I appreciate what you do, I don’t believe you overthink, you actually think deeply, quite spiritually because you want to be honest to yourself in your own truth of you. I am so proud for you. Thank you for being all that you are in yourself and in your art.
Thank you for sharing your journey. I know a lot of people who start to monetise their hobby or passion and they realise they shouldn’t have. But that’s a life lesson too. Sometimes we have to try something before we know if we like where it’s taking us!
@@SarahBurnsStudio O hope everyday is truly blessed in ways you could never imagine. Little delights of natures beauty, wisdom and generosity around every corner on this epic journey you are embarking on.
I became pretty disenchanted with the "art world"; exhibitions and such. Doing your own thing is pretty important even when it changes. I hated the portfolio, having a style for all your stuff. How do you grow if everything needs to be the same? I like playing so that's what I do.
I’m paid to do a job I hate so I don’t have the problem of being inspired- but I’m overwhelmed by making decisions (take the promotion or not etc) and I think this stems from perfection
Sarah, thank you for this video. You are always so inspiring. My advice is to do what you want with your art while you are young.
I love watching you sketch the beautiful places around where you live. I've been keeping sketchbooks since the 80's and consider them good "friends". My other larger framed works and commissioned Pet portraits, etc. Always seem like "work" yet satisfying in a different way.
You are already a success so thanks for sharing with all of us.😻
I just found you! And I absolutely love this video. I’ve been struggling with this off and on the past two years. I am an artist and have been prioritizing my handcrafted jewelry business. But I feel like I should be painting. I feel like I’m missing out on what keeps on gnawing at my soul. So I think I need to listen to what my soul is wanting. But I understand the true struggle as an artist. It’s been the pattern for me.
I love your honesty. Change is uncomfortable but it's the only constant in life. Everything must change.
Well said..
Sarah. Change is the excitement of life. It is both challenging and exhilarating and much is attained by going with whatever it is bringing your way. Looking forward to your video on this.
You’re right. And I’m embracing it. Trying to be brave, sometimes easier than others!
@@SarahBurnsStudio Now that is so cool. You keep going strong.
Realy like your vlogs! They are so inspirerd! I wanna work harder to my goals of having fun and getting better! 🙂
The best art comes when you are excited and enthused. Follow 'want' and embrace 'enthused'. Use your sketchbook creations for larger paintings in the long winter. Maybe do 9" x 12"s while en plein air? Thanks for sharing.
Yes! Yes!! I will come. But in the right time.
I think if you have a lot of ideas, then write them in an "inspiration journal" you can quote sketchbook pages and write notes about how to develop a larger painting. Coffee or ice cream breaks would be ideal for this. Enjoy!
I think it’s exciting to be around other artists and even to mentor some. And perhaps in a couple of workshops a year. But once you open a business you are trapped. And your chance to just be on your own arranging your own day the way you please is gone. Sometimes your creativity is squelched. Because you have to spend so much time helping others there’s nothing left for you. Consider that.
Indeed. Thankfully I still have a lot of freedom (I didn’t at first but I have made changes).
I have no advice beyond what you already know, but I need to tell you how much I love your work. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you very much 💕
Finally made time to sit and watch your whole video and read some of the comments. Oh Sarah, you are so amazing!! I am 67, retired, and have the luxury of time (no job) and not having to make money from my art (although it sure would be nice to!). I do the occasionally pet portrait commission, but my heart is in landscapes with soft pastel, although your videos on gouache have inspired me to try to learn that medium as well, as it pairs so nicely with others. I keep getting distracted by playing with new mediums; I've been a pastelist for like 20 years, although have been creating regularly only in the last 5 or so. There are SO many things to be learned from experimenting! It's fun, it takes the pressure off to make any "masterpieces," as you don't EXPECT anything to turn out great if you're just trying out stuff, right? But I do find that taking time to just play, or follow your heart (and not a list of goals or structures, at least for awhile), often frees up to let your right brain go in directions you'd never have thought of before. Your journaling is a wonderful way to continue to listen to your heart and work out things.....but meanwhile, you should just follow where your heart wants you to go. And summer and sun are here for only a limited time!! So why NOT make the most of it!! It will recharge you, and in ways you can't anticipate. I follow Bethany Fields (pastelist) on Patreon/UA-cam, and she recently took four months off to recharge -- put her Patreon on hold, etc, because she said she really hadn't taken a good break in FOUR YEARS of creating art, holding workshops, recording/editing videos, etc etc, and she wanted to just step back, spend some quality time with her family and friends, and recharge. And she is just now coming back online and excited about it -- it seems to have done her a world of good, and perhaps it has opened up for her (mind wise) some new directions, although she hasn't shared any of that with her "public" yet. She's a bit older than you, but not as old as some of. us who are following you! LOL When you look at nature, there is a natural cycle of recharging, lying dormant, etc -- and also of evolution. Perhaps you are evolving!! So just go with it, and all will become clear to you in time -- just trust your heart, continue to journal, and know that so many of us are SO THANKFUL that you are doing so many wonderful things. I think I'll just go on Patreon and see what your levels are -- it's time I support you in some way. Take care, Sarah -- and I would LOVE to follow along with you some summer in future, perhaps for a week? Maybe you could figure out some way to hold a workshop even if it's not in your own studio -- perhaps 4-5 days. Many of us in the States would LOVE to visit Scotland, and it would be wonderful to see it through an artist's eyes who can create and support in so many different mediums! Best of wishes to ye, lass.
Hi Paula, thank you so much for your wonderful message ☺️ Yes, I totally agree taking a break from rigid goal/structure is helpful. I can’t pause Patreon because I need the income, but thankfully I’ve created it so I can pivot - which is exactly what I’m doing now. There will be a new video this weekend that explains it, but I’ve found a way to bridge my two greatest passions - being in nature and painting - in a new way.
And yes I do plan on offering workshops in the future. I was thinking next summer I might do some trial runs and see how it goes. Teaching in person is so much easier than online! And gosh when everyone sees the magic of Scotland I know they will be super inspired to paint.
If you sign up for my newsletter you’ll be the first to know about any future workshops ☺️
@@SarahBurnsStudio I signed up for your Patreon channel so I won't miss a thing, including your newsletter! Here's hoping for a residential workshop in Scotland next summer!
@@pauladavis5391 So exciting, thank you!! Yes I would looooooooove the have some summer workshops next year.
I met an artist on Facebook whom I had been following for many years. She had painted for a large card-making company and has sold many paintings, too. She took up the sketchbook, as have many professional artists, just so these things would be HERS and hers alone. She would not sell her sketchbooks, even though she has been asked many times. When you think of a sketchbook as your own personal reference as you do, and when you make notes and sketch things you want to remember, you have something that cannot be replaced. Several photos, as I'm sure you have understood, are a very bad replacement for a single sketch. Going straight to ink during an Inktober many years ago and accepting what happens was a turning point for me. Change happens and recognizing it and accepting it prevents a whole lot of frustration... the shoulds will make you miserable! There are truly very few real shoulds. There is a whole lot of shoulds yelling at all of us and to realize that 99.9% of them are irrelevant is a good thing.
I enjoy watching your channel so much! One, you have a beautiful work, interesting style and a wonderful perspective. Second, you have such clean language and a lovely voice too! I appreciate that so much! Keep on painting Ms. Sarah and sharing! ☺️
You know what's funny? I swear a lot in person! I guess I got into the habit of not swearing when I record myself (ok sometimes i do) when I started teaching online, because that isn't appropriate for all audiences. And now...well it's just second nature to keep it PG
Lean into whatever season you’re in, I vote giving yourself permission to play in your sketchbook!
AAAHHHHHH! Struggling with the same thing over here! Loving the sketchbook life and not super inspired by doing finished paintings and doing the whole showing work artist career thing. My thought is to lean into your area of interest and as that ebbs and flows you can go back to bigger work armed with everything you've discovered in the sketchbooks. My other thought is that sketchbook, nature journal, plein air stuff is super popular and that content and being active in irl communities can build name recognition that can support your business without having to exhibit work. If the expectation that I should exhibit work to be a "real artist" wasn't there I don't think I'd think about doing it.
Also having a business coach or someone professional to talk to can be super helpful to gain clarity and direction in a very grounded logistical way.
I have been doing more IRL events/meet-ups and it’s so wonderful. I was feeling isolated for so long after moving here and finally feel like I’m getting into a groove.
There is something about painting larger, revisiting the same canvas day after day/week/month and making progress. Exploring something that deep definitely leads to growth in a different way than fast sketches. But I think for a while I will ‘lean into’ the sketchbook as you say, and just take a breather from the big stuff.
Wonderful journey ahead Sarah! Godspeed
Your art is incredibly beautiful and inspiring. Also I love that kitty's little voice and that he sings to you while you walk. 😺🖤
Vader is soooo talkative 😆
@@SarahBurnsStudio i have a massive soft spot for the black kitties, and for kitties with craggy little voices. give him a pat for me? (and the other one, too, let’s be for real i love all the kitties). 🖤🐈🐈⬛
Sarah, don't think of this as changing; think of it as you would every other part of your life that has choices, obstacles, and opportunities that you adapt to without struggling. Do you consider yourself to be changing when you pick an activity based on weather? When you pick a meal at a restaurant based on a craving? What if it's based on their seasonal offerings? Do you consider yourself changing because you pick different fruits and vegetables at the market by season or your mood? I'm guessing you'd say no to all of these. Right now, the season presents a great time to be outdoors. Right now, you have a preference or craving for plein air. Right now, you enjoy experimenting. So don't struggle with it. Today's sunny tomatoes will naturally flow into tomorrow's snowy potatoes. No stress or worries are needed. Make the most of what you're passionate about today.
Lovely shadows in that sand dune painting at the end
Love your work, you have so many beautiful scenes all around you to get inspiration from. I would just be in awe from all the beauty. Sometimes I get in a rut about what to paint so I will put on some music 🎶 and let the mind take over. It might work for you, but don’t get down cause you have alot going for you. Everything will fall into place when you least expect it.
I love painting to music. It helps me get into a really good flow state
Hallo Sarah. Ur paintings are amazing. And the landscape over there is breathtaking. I m sure that u will have ur own studio in the future. I m still a beginner. But i will paint outside too. I m sure it is a good way to spend time and to learn.
Seasons and weather change in humans as well as nature. Go with the flow. When you’re itching to be outside painting, GO! There will be raining and uber cold days when you can’t. Use that time to work on bigger paintings. I think the difficulty creating balance has more to do with the time you spend editing, which requires you to be indoors. You love doing that and we love watching your videos, but it comes at a cost. Personally, I think that’s why I don’t start my own channel-editing is a hungry time monster and I’d rather paint. I hope you find the happy balance you’re seeking. Thank you for your beautiful videos!
Filming the process and editing is extremely time consuming, distracting, and tiring. BUT...somehow it sparks so much joy, it's like it's own type of art, to find creative ways to film and edit, like putting a puzzle together. Plus now that I have years of videos, I look back on the older ones and see how much I've changed, it's like a visual diary. I never felt at ease with writing or talking but visual language comes more naturally. It's my way to exploring my thoughts and sharing them, like an author does with words.
sarah take heart and for 30minutes ever day make time to skecth outside your studio for the sake of well being it will change your perspective to fight creative burnout you have to feed the inner you it will balance your thoughts another thing you could do is to take time out to focus on how you can make things easier and to take care of yourself very important
Yes, I have been taking personal time each night, to unwind. My mind starts planning and I also have been making our living space more cozy and enjoyable :) it really helps!
Follow your heart and passion in the moment-everything changes!-things will come…in the meantime enjoy your summer sketching💕 You need to touch that joy!
The struggles you've described are literally my daily thoughts haha I am still not even sure what the main theme of my art is and I keep thinking that it's not how normal artists are! But I've noticed that this kind of thoughts discourage me from painting and I just worry about things and don't do anything. So, I guess it's better to make any decision that feels rights at the moment and then just hope that life will figure everything out in the end haha I've also noticed that many people said that while the weather is nice you can just enjoy painting outside and when the winter comes, you can go back to the studio - that's what I would do too!!
Yea, we’ll never know if our choice is right until some time has passed. So can do our best to embrace our choices and make the most of it!
Oooh hard relate. Often when I get into a similar place, I come back to asking myself, "What is my why?" beyond the practicalities of paying bills or progressing my career. What is my "Why" behind what I'm creating? And if I can't fully answer that question, then I know the restlessness I feel is my internal compass searching for it. It could be that the why has shifted within me, silently in the lagoon of my subconscious. It could be that I lost my original why and I need to reorient back to it. But I know that the only way to figure it out, is to let myself meander, play, explore without pressure or pretense. Your body is wise Sarah. You have neurons in your heart, your stomach, your gut, your various centers of nerve bundles. Your brain extends far outside of your head, and you carry knowledge beyond just thought. When you get restless like this, it's so you can learn how to read those primal signals that have been with us far before our big ole noodle caverns. You've been giving creative birth consecutively, and no one can do that for eternity. And if you feel like you must, you've definitely lost your Why. Allow yourself to wander, and your Why will appear--and your art will deepen. You will deepen. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. I'm rooting for you to find what you're seeking
Yes! Why is the most important question
Double up (in opposite directions - superglued together) 2 sheets of that plastic for strength or get some hardboard sheets, not mdf (too heavy), drill holes and superglue the magnets in.
Sarah, do what you need to do to feed your heart or your art will wither on the vine. On the foggy days, just go where your heart leads. If doing more studio work and/or big pieces is something you are meant to do again, you will naturally go back to them. Do you sit in meditation daily? I'm not talking about just sitting and enjoying the weather and scenery or taking a walk in nature, but sitting quietly, eyes closed, and simply breathing. I find this cleans my brain and clears away the fog. It doesn't alway bring immediate answers but that is not why I do this. It opens me up for what is meant to be coming my way. The second you feel that overwhelming feeling or foggy feeling coming on, stop. Close your eyes and just breathe.
I just discovered you through Emma LaFavbre! I am a retired psychotherapist. If I can help you in any way further, let me know. Art therapy is not my specialty but I am also an artist. My art has allowed me to regroup for my 30+ year career in crisis internvention with families experiencing domestic violence, child abuse, and substance abuse. But most of the core therapies apply to all of us!
I don’t meditate daily, unless you count breathing exercises which I do before I sleep?
Change is always scary! You can’t grow without some change in your life. You’re young. Follow your heart! I love the lavender fields btw. 💕
Thank you!
Vader, the baritone 😄
I always love hearing his meow
I don't think I ever know what direction I should be going in. But I'm with ya!! Over thinking EVERYTHING! I love the sound of your Artist gathering!! I actually don't know any Artists in our area. One day ! haha! Keep it up!! Your doing AWESOME! 💚
One day! It will be wonderful. Although by then who knows which area we will be living 😅
You have a goal: you want to have a studio where painters meet, get inspired and go on plein air excursions…..what are the steps needed to get that up and running? Do you have space for it where you live currently? Do you have the funds to start it up? What do you need to start it up (physical things)….you are more organised than you give yourself credit for. You are not seaweed in the tide of life. You are so helpful to us novice painters than you may realise. I feel your fear through this screen because I know that horrible feeling too. But you have come so far already. Journey forth Sarah! Experiment. Walk away for awhile if needed, but never give up your goal.
Thank you for the encouragement 😄