Practice what you preach…..practice what you paint. How many times have you given advice and needed to follow it yourself?  Or have you thought you needed to paint outside the box?  Well I put my brushes and paints where my mouth is and had to do just that!  I was asked to paint a wine barrel for charity for our local annual Ramona Art & Wine Festival.  My barrel will be auctioned off in November 5th at their festival and the  proceeds benefit the RAMONA H.E.A.R.T. MURAL Project which is another great organization to benefit our local art community. I have been asked the last two years and had excuses not to participate but this year I had none and I was up to the challenge.

I am going to share how this went from this to………that!

I approach most art projects without a lot of planning however I did have to submit a concept drawing to be considered so…..and did my research on barrels.  Much inspiration from Laurie Linn and previous barrels painted for the event.  But  it needed to me mine…..

There was no better way when it came time but to just start painting.  A good priming was needed so I did multiple coats of primer to prep the surface.

Then this baby had to be moved into the house to be able to keep away from the heat and dust of outside (who knew and empty barrel could weight so much!)….and the painting began…

Enjoy my creative process in photos HERE!

The best feeling was being able to varnish it and knew I was down the homestretch……

Yes the size of this project was daunting and quite honestly I did not think I could tackle this but……..I stayed true to me, my art and my soul.  I shared the creative process and at times it was hard not to compare myself to the work of other fellow artists.  I had to remember this is a reflection of who I am as a person and an Artist.  Practice what you preach time.  Once completed I was so happy and proud of myself.

The lessons in this project;

• Paint outside the box and outside the lines
• There is no one like you…….whether you are a writer, a painter, a mom, a friend……..there is no one and putting yourself into your work serves you well.
• Don’t give up halfway through when the piece is half done.  See it through
• Enjoy the creative process no matter the size of the project!
• Stay true to you!
• Do not overthink things.
• The hardest part is starting so just force yourself to start.
• Ignore that little self-doubting devil in your brain who compares your work to another. If you can avoid it……don’t look at others work until you done.
• Never say never.  (although to all who have emailed me to paint custom barrels you will have to wait until my back straightens).
• On that note, if I should ever take on a project of this size……first build a riser on wheels to make it easier!

Thanks to my sponsors DecoArt and Dynasty Brush……proud to work with awesome products and have the right tool for the right job.

Thanks to my family who was ever so patient with the front foyer being filled with my creative stuff and for excusing the loud singing that was out of tune and the random acts of dancing.  Yes, I sometimes forget my headphones do not amplify my voice in the nicest of ways.  Thanks to my friend Lori for waking me up daily with “have you started yet”.  Boy did I need that push.

Shannon Robinson Photography

Now for the good stuff………this barrel will be available to bid on November 5th in Ramona, CA.  It will be at the Ramona Art & Wine Festival which I will be attending!  I beg you to attend with me, drink wine and foolishly bid on my barrel.  It makes a great table or even a chair!

Shannon Robinson Photography

Cheers!

Don’t stress about the closed doors behind you.  New doors are opening every moment and you will see them if you keep stepping forward.  And as you’re stepping, also keep in mind that we often waste too much of today by worrying about tomorrow.  Just be present.  Tomorrow will reveal itself exactly as it should.”