So here I am at the end of a blog series with my 10 x 10-inch painting completed and ready to be displayed at the TAG Squared Box Show in Frederick, MD. It has been a difficult but insightful experience, mustering up the discipline to finish a project when I had little enthusiasm and was suffering from a severe case of artist’s block. So what did I learn in the process?
I learned that there is value in daily studio practice of drawing or painting, even when I don’t feel that spark of inspiration. It is all preparation and practice, polishing up my skills so that when the next flight of inspiration comes, I will be strong in my painting and drawing skills. I also learned that sometimes I have to “look” for that inspiration with a very focused approach, and for me, that was creating a sketchbook of ideas from Google searches, art magazines and especially the well-known idea catalog, Pinterest. Lastly, I learned that my desire to paint and draw comes from seeing the artwork of others and by pushing myself to do frequent studio practice because it reminds me of why I love to create art. For me, it is the process of making something new, the challenge of translating an abstract idea, such as imagination, into a 
visual language that gives art meaning. And most importantly, making art is my way of recharging my batteries and stepping back from the busyness and ongoing responsibilities of this life and just be.
My work on this project is done. Next month my piece, There is no Frigate Like a Book, will be on display at The Artists’ Gallery in Frederick, MD for the TAG Squared show. Many other local artists will be participating in the show as well and I look forward to seeing their creations on their 10 x 10-inch birch panels. I hope to see you there!
Art of Schmidt 