The Art Blog

This painting reminds me of passion and pursuing things that really ignite my spirit . . . . . .so today I’ve got my calendar out and I’m blocking out time in the new year (and the remaining days of 2017 )  to do things that I really want to do. Like seeing people I want to connect with and learning some new skills (want to try out some Thai cooking).  I’m also blocking in time just to relax and recharge my creative battery.   The key here, is that I’m putting it down  in writing...adding it to my calendars and making a commitment to myself. By doing so, I’m giving myself permission to pursue these goals and ideas and you can do the same thing!  Give yourself permission to pursue your passions, however big or small they may be, and listen to that fire in your belly that lights you up inside. That excitement is your compass...trust it! The one question that always gets me moving forward on my ideas is: If not now...then when? And if that answer...

The  Learn To Burn  E-Course is now available! ​ ENROLL HERE! This course delivers all the detailed information and resources of my  Live Workshops   with the ease and convenience of an online class. Oh my...YES...this day has come!  After nearly a year in production the Learn To Burn Online Course is now  Open for enrollment.  You can head right on over to the   Online Studio Portal  now to sign up---or click   here   for more detailed course information and video previews. The   Learn To Burn   e-course   is a monumental labor of love that I am beyond thrilled to finally make available. As an artist and a teacher, it is my honor to open up this virtual atelier and create an opportunity to share with you my knowledge and passion for encaustic painting. I hope you'll come join me in the virtual studio. Online course preview here! Learn ...

Oh my gosh...I am so excited! I'm so giddy that I can hardly get a decent night's rest these days. And just in case you're wondering what's causing my insomnia and has me up all night... here's the skinny... For several months now, my studio team and I have been working fiercely on the creation of a very special online encaustic course  for you and now we are closing in on the launch date. Oh my...I can hardly believe it!  Learn to Burn Encaustic Painting  with  Alicia Tormey  ...is almost here! I'm spilling all my secrets and I just can't wait to share them with you. I will be making lots of milestone announcements as we near our actual release date! The online course will be available very soon (early October if all goes well).  If you don't want to miss the launch party be sure to sign up for email notifications here: Get the scoop: Alicia Tormey's Newsletter Sign-up Shellac Attack... This is a ve...

With spring finally here I wanted to give you that extra bounce in your step with this inspiring reminder of the creative process. This is a video adaptation of the Ira Glass article I shared with you last month in my post about "showing up" and creating success in your creative practice. If your an artist or creative this will hopefully keep you from throwing in the towel too soon. Ira Glass shares a great reminder to us all that we are not alone as we struggle and strive to create better work. Hope you get a little jolt of inspiration from this. Ira Glass on Storytelling from David Shiyang Liu on Vimeo .

Even if you are not a writer I recommend watching this thoughtful and inspiring interview with Marie Forlio and author, Cheryl Strayed.  I guarantee this is time well spent. The topics discussed translate to any creative field or endeavor and as I watched,  I was replacing the word "writer" with the words "artist" and "painter".  This is empowering for those of us in creative fields and especially enlightening if you are waiting for permission to live out your creative life!  Watch this NOW!!!!  

Is there a secret to success? Yes! And I'm about to let you in on it. It's one of the best known secrets for achieving success as an artist, (or writer, musician,  photographer, maker…you name it)! It's surprisingly simple really.  The big secret is this... Seriously…that's it! Show up! Show up for yourself,  for your craft and  for your own success. Show up everyday and do something that will impact your creative goals. I f you only have an hour…then devote that entire hour and d o nothing but focus on your project or goal during this creative time. ( see my tips below for help with this ) Obviously the more time you commit to showing up for yourself the sooner you will see results. You will be surprised at how quickly your time compounds into real progress…and how progress can translate into success.   Make it a priority to show up  in your studio and produce your art, compose your music or write that novel .  Sometimes you'll mak...