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The first guest post on Artyshils Art world is by a brilliant self taught abstract artist Paul Harrington who has been really generous to share with us, his very inspiring article sharing his sources of motivation and inspiration, his views on workspace and art galleries etc. You can find Paul's works at his beautiful Etsy Shop Here or catch up with his very inspiring youtube videos Here.
Hi, I am Paul Harrington, an artist and a professional hair stylist. I was born in Philadelphia, Pa and grew up in Ocean View, NJ. I have been a professional hair stylist for the past 29 years at a salon my family owns. So, apart from sketching, watercolors and painting, my hands have always been doing something creative! My other creative outlets have been playing guitar, bass and piano. And the list goes on. Photography has been an ongoing hobby since high school. Other interests include Diving, creating ocean reef aquariums, Special effects make-up(prosthetic), and traveling.

Two awesome sources of motivation !!!! 


For me personally my two largest sources of motivation are "Music and other Artists"

I have playlists dedicated just for painting....
As long as I can remember, whenever I listen to certain music it starts my mind almost producing videos, scenairios, and situations. Much like when someone reading a book puts faces to the different characters involved in the story they're reading or the story's surroundings (locations). Whenever I paint my music is on..... in fact I have playlists dedicated just for painting. The playlists themselves have different overall feelings, one playlist maybe darker more emotional, while another will be more upbeat, depending on the mood I'm in it really amplifies my feelings which ultimately transfers to the canvas. I've just recently started creating videos for my YouTube Channel (Tree3332), pairing my painting with music I listen to while painting. I view it as an extension of the creative process. It's also another learning process working with the creation of a painting and pairing it to music, to ultimately putting it to video!

I do have a respect for the Old Masters, BUT....
Another large source of inspiration is other artists!
Although, I do have a respect for the Old Masters, I have to say I'm inspired with what artists are doing today and how their work fits into modern day life, and their views and perspective of expressing it in their medium.
With the sheer number of talented artists out there my sources of inspiration seem limitless. I'm an avid technique hunter. I always enjoy watching people work, the techniques they use, and the steps it takes to achieve their final product. So, when I'm hitting a wall as far as ideas, I turn to you, the artist, to give me a push. I usually combine various techniques I've watched, and put my own spin on it. I'm always looking for new ideas, whether it's videos on YouTube, pictures online or pictures in magazines. I've been tearing pages out of magazines for years! lol, I have so many I have to keep them in a filing cabinet! Otherwise you may not be able to find me in my office (laughing)! 
We couldn't be living in a better time as far as resources are concerned, meaning, with the internet, someone who has a drive and a thirst for know-how, can know be quenched.
Someone, who couldn't afford to go to school for art, or pay for a class, now has a wealth of information. The help of fellow artists, constructive criticism, forums to post your work or questions, and the ability to sell and showcase your work!


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How I regret wasting 5 years of my art career !!!!


A quick but important note on workspace, I think Shilpa clearly shows and talks about in her video on YouTube titled: "My art/painting space (so called painting studio) with ARTYSHILS" check out that video..... You do not have to have a natural light drenched sprawling studio!!
I've seen great works created in someone's living room, bedroom or basement! What probably is most important, is that you claim a little space somewhere in your house, garage, apartment, wherever.
Somewhere to leave your art supplies out and ready to go!
For me it took years and I had no excuse (because I have room) to have my studio space set up, but I didn't. And because of that I lost 5 years I could have been painting. Of course, I thought of it everyday about how I should start painting again, but since it wasn't set up, it was a hassle, so I put it off. And for that, it's 5 years I wont be getting back. So my advice, find a place for you to work and dedicate it for your work! Make it a priority or it could be your 5 years lost.
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Galleries, the least of my worries !!!!


Whether it's in your town or online. Why would anyone lose sleep over some art snob, and believe me they are alive and well out there, accepting my work pfffffffffffff!!! I don't have time for that. I do have work in galleries and have sold, but to be honest, I'd rather be the captain of my own ship. Meaning, the online opportunities, they're endless!! you can control your own destiny and it's only as far as you limit it!
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