Obstacles will inevitably show up on your path, friend.

You can count on it.

The real question is, will you allow them to keep you from seizing the day and sharing the beauty that only you have to offer?

It was the hottest day of the year at Perigord Retreats in the South of France last month, the site of our artist workshop destination. Temperatures were forecast to reach 102 degrees as our painting group formed a plan to get out early before the heat of the day was unbearable.

Sunflowers follow the sun. This means that to paint them, you need to position the sun at your back so the faces of these golden beauties are aimed in your direction. We found a field of blooming sunflowers nestled beside the road, and jumped out of our vans to seize the day before getting scorched by the sun. In circumstances like this, there’s no time to overthink it. You’ve got to get to work before the moment passes. So we did.

Everyone’s paintings came out gorgeous that day. Perhaps it was the pure color of the subject or the rush of inspiration they provided. I like to think it was because we didn’t make excuses. You know them well:

It's too hot.
There’s no shade.
I need more time to plan.
This has already been done before.
What could I possibly say about this subject?
I don’t know how to paint a sunflower.
I don’t have the right colors.
My setup isn’t quite right.
Tomorrow will be a better day.
Let’s go shopping instead.

Just like obstacles, there will always be excuses. These attractive little landmines will try to keep you from your creative purpose. My encouragement to you, fellow artist, is to ignore the excuses and seize the day.

Don’t let your unique creative opportunities pass you by. You are resourceful, resilient and talented. We all get insecure at times when obstacles mount.

But instead of making excuses, make your mark.

You have what it takes to overcome any obstacle that gets in your way. When you do, the world gets to experience the beauty that only you have to offer.

May the sun always be at your back and beauty before you.

Keep painting,

Alain