Love notes on the desk. My fiancé leaves me little love notes, every day. I also have a reminder to live in “day tight compartments” from a speech by William Osler. When you are self employed your mind tends to become overloaded with duties and projects. This one concept has been a great help in staying focused.
David Hockney is such a magician with modern painting, and incredibly articulate with what motivates him. He is a pioneer in so many ways and incredibly generous with sharing the core truths of his art. Plus, he seems like a fun guy who would have a million amazing stories.
Nature is my number one inspira- tion. Tuning into the trees and flowers and waves and rocks just opens infinite worlds of inspiration. I think to be a good artist you have to have a sensuality that informs your work. Tastes, sounds, visions, aromas, and feelings all converge in good art. Revelation comes with being receptive and open. As much as my cats terrorize my studio, I learn from them every day. We watch the birds together.
Flowers for Molly, Adam Carolla and Lynette
Carolla’s Labrador Retriever. “I can’t thank you enough, Robert. The painting is now a Carolla family heirloom. It’s brought so much joy to us.” Carolla is a comedian, radio personality and the most popular podcaster ever.
Changed the “to-do” list to a “ta-da” list. An early-riser, I like to take my time getting started. Coffee and reading for the first hour or so. After feeding all the animals and getting the studio together I attend to my daily “ta da” list. Sometimes, if I am feeling overly serious about my work, I’ll stare at the work of my favorite painters. It’s good to be reminded of the core components of what we’re all trying to accomplish. Also, I waste time on Reddit. I can’t help it.
Every day is dedicated to painting. I usually am working on a series of pet portraits at the same time. Rotating between them keeps my perspective fresh. The rest of the day involves accounting, marketing, samples for clients, and composing paintings.
A fascination with color combina- tions. I love all colors and am a bit of a maniac about them. Colors are universal but also distinctly personal.
www.TheNewBarker.com
I tend to take my work very seriously and put a lot of effort into creating to the best of my ability. It has been an absolute epiphany to me that the shadow side of the creative process must be indulged in to complete the cycle. I have a heavy bag that I love to hit and I play a very destructive video game called Shadow of War that just lets me revel in battle and destruction. I feel that this side of the human psyche is often underestimated, especially with creatives.
THE NEW BARKER 45
Never underestimate the impor- tance of play. In our culture, we put such a priority on accomplishing and hustling that we forget that play is essential to a healthy and balanced life.
It’s not so much about engaging the dark side as it is making room for the new and allowing the pendulum to swing fully in both directions. So much of art is building, creating and curating. The wave has to go back out to the sea before a new one rolls in. It seems obvious to me now, but it has helped my creative process tremendously.
Punk band singer for years. Most people know me for my happily colored pet portraits or my traditional murals and faux painting. I have always had a rebellious streak and in my early years I stumbled into an opportunity to join a band. I was not an amazing singer but I had a great time living out my Iggy Pop fantasy for a few years. It was a wonder- ful catharsis that I needed at the time. So many bruises and so much fun.
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For more information, visit
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