ROBIN CROUCH

OCTOBER 2023

I can see again!
Over the past year the lack of vision in my right eye was progressing rapidly. In September I made an appointment to have a new lens put in. My brain is still adjusting to the new vision, but what a miracle this surgery is.

Back to working on Kelly’s Kindness, 24″x18″ watercolor.

JUNE 2023

“When you’ve had a significant loss, grieving can be overwhelming. Sometimes expressing your pain may help, and art can be one way to do that.”

https://psychcentral.com/health/grief-art-therapy

Motivation and creativity on its own is a difficult process when moving through the grieving process. The spark has burned out. So much time to think…

I have been spending these past few days to take the time to update my website, search for images in the dark spaces of my computer hard drive, and attempting to once again feel organized.

While doing so, I have received a request for two commissions, and two of my paintings have sold. The updating and organization is paying off. I am seeing a way forward with renewed passion.

Thank you for your patience as I move through this journey called…. L,IF.E

MAY 2023

PERSERVERENCE vs DETERMINATION

What’s the difference? Obviously, consistent and temporary are complete opposite terms. But, what’s the difference between perseverance and determination? In technical terms, perseverance is considered “steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success,” and determination is considered “firm or fixed intention.”

Now, these might not sound so different, however, they are worlds apart.

The difference is that determination tends to be temporary. You set your sights on a goal and go for it. However, when that determination runs out, you’re done. It might come back, it might not. Perseverance is more consistent. When someone perseveres, it’s because they see an end. A light at the end of the tunnel. And, no matter how hard things get, they keep on trucking away, finding what works and what doesn’t, and dedicating countless hours of their time to ensuring that their perseverance isn’t for naught.

Maybe it’s just me, but I’d much rather persevere than be determined. And, here’s why.

keep reading…..

https://vocal.media/motivation/perseverance-vs-determination

MAY 2023

Looking back over my past updates…. my life has taken a 180 turn. We moved to another state, my beautiful son Eric died in a motor vehicle accident, and I said “I Do!”. Quite a roller coaster ride for sure.

Again, finding myself setting up a new studio, and pulling away from the responsibility of being the Vice President of two companies. Being able to focus on my creative passions and the dreams I have put in storage for so long.

The one thing that has remained consistent over the past 60+ years is my love to create. It is a true gift I was given, and it is imperative that I use this gift to honor Him.

Two on the easel at this time… Kelly’s Kindness and “Gone too Soon”
Be back shortly to share updates.

MAY 2020

Who would have ever thought that the first six months of 2020, the world economy would be taken over by a virus. Those that are use to working from home have, for the most part, been more productive, due to all entertainment being in a lock down. Others have been financially devastated. I do hope that my instincts have been wrong… but I doubt it.

I have begun the month of May by setting up my new studio, finishing one watercolor and a charcoal drawing. Sketches are also being created for a work that will share what this unusual moment in history has meant to me. This work may need to unfold into a series. More later…

APRIL 2020

We were all told that technology would make our life easier. I will continue to add in my gratitude journal all the ways that it has improved my life.

Create the work and they will come…. no one ever said.

Having a website makes you a legitimate business they said. Yesterday, I came to update a photo on my site, only to find that there were absolutely no photo galleries showing up. Who knows how long this has been going on, but it was rather disturbing to find this to be so. It isn’t always “bad” when a website goes “down”. This is how I met Michael Newberry. After many months of reading and following his Monthly Updates online, I arrived with my coffee in hand one day, only to find that his site was loading vertically, one letter at a time. Bravely, I emailed this talented artist to let him know I was missing “my fix”, and delightfully it began a friendship that has lasted 14 years.

However…. I digress…. I haven’t received answers yet to my questions, from the plug-in group who gave me the free software in which to showcase my work, but to the best of my knowledge it appears that a web update disturbed the status quo. Fuming obviously would not help bring back any of it…. so, I stepped up to the plate and within an hour it was posting beautifully. More to tweak, and more stories and descriptions to write…. all in good time. Easier ?… I’m not there yet.

Then, there is the digital archive of all of the artwork one has created over the years. I have lost track of this, and can no longer produce a list from memory. Having Artwork Archive help me with this function, is definitely going to improve my inventory tracking. Easier ?… I’m not their yet.

You are a good teacher, they said. Recently looking over some of my past notes, I do have a tremendous amount of knowledge and skills to share with others. My new studio will be equipped to be able to do so. I was also told that God gives you ideas, and if you don’t act on them, they are given to others. I have a few ideas that have been sitting with me for a decade and I think it is about time to honor them. Baby steps… and knowing that life consists of two steps forward one step back, from time to time. I am ready! Easier ? …. Nothing worth having comes easy.

Thank you for being on this journey with me.

MARCH 2020

What a wild ride this new year of vision has been. It will be quite interesting to look back at what we have all learned from this year.

I am preparing to move my studio once again… this time two doors away. Nearer to our management companies which will also allow a business neighbor to expand her growing clientele. At least that was the plan before the “virus”. It is a fun opportunity because I have a bit of clout now. They have offered me a deep utility room sink with hot water. People look at me strange with what excites me.

I am using this time, being sheltered in place in my studio, to finish up a few works . Then framing and displaying in the new space. Perhaps a small soiree to celebrate the discipline, progress, and the future vision of where my creativity is headed.

Less than a dozen days to the birth of my first grandchild too. Positives mixed in with a sprinkle of a few prayers.

NOVEMBER 2019

Your dreams don’t expire.

Set the intention ~ just decided it is going to work. You don’t have to know how.

My studio has moved once again into a new space. It is slowly transforming and beginning to feel like my perfect creative space. Perfect for creating, teaching, and displaying my work. It is quiet , spacious and it will allow me to remain focused on reaching the goals that I have set for myself. I will be set up and producing work again that I can share after the holidays.

AUGUST 2019

After a 5 year hiatus from hanging my shingle as an artist, I am BACK!

I have been working these years in business, and have taken an active role in doing what it takes to create and run two businesses. My website was neglected and discarded by accident, so here is a new an improved site to showcase previous work and the work that has been building up in my head and heart these past few years.

Please stay in touch, I accept email, text, IG, Facebook etc…. it is a lonely world being an artist. I plan on a monthly update to keep you informed about what I have discovered, and the path that is unfolding before us.

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