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Jessica Libor

~ Studio Journal

Jessica Libor

Tag Archives: female artist

The Strengths of the Feminine Artist

22 Monday Feb 2021

Posted by Jessica Libor in Courses, Inspiration, Journeys, lifestyle

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art, artist, creativity, female artist, female creative, feminine archetypes, feminine artist, feminine energy, jessica libor

    In my last post, I talked about the challenges that a feminine artist might face as she builds her art career and life.  If you missed that, you can read it here on my blog.

    However, the feminine artist also has so many strengths and advantages!  First of all, what is a feminine artist?  We all have masculine and feminine aspects within us, but if you have predominantly feminine energy in your artwork you might feel:

1. Sensitive to your environment
2. Feel your emotions deeply
3. Make art that means a lot to you, and reflects your heart
4. Are drawn to depicting “soft” subjects in your art, like florals, fashion, love, and beauty
5. You are more drawn to being absorbed in your art and creation, and marketing, numbers and strategy is something you avoid or overwhelms you
6. What is going on in your life and the world affects you and your artwork

If that’s you, you’re in good company!   I believe the advantages outweigh the challenges of being a feminine artist.  The feminine strength is a quiet strength; like the roots of a tree, our strength is anchored in a deep well of subtle power, that eventually grows to become seen and admired, almost like a surprise.  There isn’t a lot of noise…until there is massive flowering.  So what are some of our unique gifts?

First, femininity is magnetic.  It isn’t all about pink and ruffles, either!  The essence of a feminine energy is an exquisite acceptance of herself and her work, a deep knowing of the worth of what she makes and who she is.  Think of a beautiful flower blooming in your backyard.  She is so fragrant, the colors so perfect, her petals so welcoming that the bees are naturally drawn to her.  She doesn’t have to chase them down. 

This analogy is true in all aspects of life, but if we use it for the art world, think of how an artist with something really special going on in her work is a magnet for opportunities.  She doesn’t have to chase or beg press to write her up, or show up at another person’s exhibition to try to talk to the gallery owner.   

But that flower still took action by blooming her best in a place where the bees could find her.   Likewise, feminine energy artists can blossom in their work, and let it be seen: on the internet, by sending introductory emails, by engaging in opportunities, by showing up and simply being present.  But she does so with a deep inner knowledge that her work is worthy, NOT to gain acceptance or prove anything.   She shines, and lets her work be seen, so that opportunities that are WORTHY OF HER can be magnetized to her.

Secondly, feminine artistry is deeply creative.  Of course all artists are creative, but feminine creativity especially in females is encoded in our DNA.  We are literally equipped to create souls, if not in the literal sense, then in birthing our creations. 

We have a natural propensity to lean into our creations and put our heart and soul into them.  The feminine artist’s work often is full of curved lines, unexpected textures and a beautiful, intricate look to it.  This is a mirror of her mind and heart, and the more you let open that door of freedom to your creativity, the more striking and powerful your imagery will become. 

The key is TRUST, trusting your inner psyche that you always have more depths of unexplored creativity that grows more powerful the more you use it.

Third, feminine energy is full of powerful archetypes and enduring story.  Just look at the stories and fairy tales that resonate with cultures all over the world and don’t go away, that always center on a female protagonist.  We do not always embody the princess (although I’m not gonna lie, it’s one of my favorite archetypes!) Feminine archetypes include the Queen, the Teacher, the Princess, the Angel, the Servant, the Heroine, the Crone, the Witch, the Healer, the Saint, the Virgin, the Fallen Woman, and more with almost endless variations of this. 

These archetypes are repeated in stories throughout the ages and have been embedded in our psyche.  And although none of us is just one of these things, it can be helpful to take some of the powerful stories and imagery of these characters that you identify with, and incorporate it in your business and persona as a feminine artist.

Imagine LEANING INTO the archetypes you like to strengthen your art, your luminosity in the art world, and your understanding of human behaviors around feminine lore…that persist up until modern day!  And, you get to create your own story around your archetypes.

Red Riding Hood, by Jessica Libor

By leaning into your favorite archetypes, you can create a more striking and enduring feeling around your art that will linger in the mind.

I will be digging more deeply into Archetypes in my expansive course especially made for feminine, contemporary realist artists that will be launching soon!  If you are interested in getting on the waitlist (no commitment, you’ll just be the first to be notified when it goes live!) you can click HERE.

There are so many more benefits to being a feminine artist, and I just wanted to encourage you that you are not alone; that your femininity can be your strength, if you embrace it.

Have a wonderful week!

With love, light, and creativity,


Jessica Libor
Artistic Coach
The Visionary Artist’s Salon

Most artwork used with permission from the Birmingham Museum of Art

The special challenges of the feminine artist

16 Tuesday Feb 2021

Posted by Jessica Libor in Journeys, Teaching

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Tags

art, art course, artist challenges, creative, drawing, female artist, feminine energy, jessica libor, painting

 

 In a few weeks, I will be opening a new course that will be my most comprehensive course yet, especially for feminine, contemporary realist artists who are ready to make the next three months a flowering and growth like never before of their artistic practice and career. This course is open to both men and women but is written for people who create in an emotional, feminine, way in their art.

 I have experienced first hand the unique challenges that feminine, empathetic people face in the art world.  Some of these setbacks are self imposed, and others are external.  Tell me, have you ever felt like this?

1. You find yourself struggling to share your work because it is so close to your heart and emotional to you.  You fear being hurt if you expose yourself.

2. You are drawn to representing pretty things, love painting fashion, romance, motherhood and other “soft” subjects, that you fear the art world will never take seriously, but that touch your heart and bring you joy.

3. You are overwhelmed with the business side of art. When it comes to taxes, keeping inventory, marketing and advertising, you would rather just go back to the studio, put on some beautiful music and get lost in your painting again.  You feel like you’re not good at that stuff. ( Or is it that you have just been socialized to believe that? )

4.  You struggle with pricing your work over a certain price point because it then crosses the threshold into making serious money.  
( Is my art worth that? What if I make more than my partner and am no longer the feminine one? What if someone tells me it’s not worth that much? What if I intimidate people? Will people laugh at me? I will no longer be a cute, approachable artist if I ask people to pay this much! )

5. You struggle with feeling like you have to choose between a traditional family or a soaring career. 

6.  You feel like you never have enough time to expand your career because you are taking care of other people and things, and have given so much of yourself in other areas.


(Above) Portrait of Fanny Eaton, be Simeon Solomon

7.  Sometimes you feel like your desire to have a great, successful career is selfish.

8.  You often damper down your femininity in life and in your art because you do not want to appear silly, especially in a male-dominated art world.

9.  Sometimes you struggle to take yourself and your ambitions seriously because you have been brought up to believe that art is not a serious profession.

10.  You feel things very deeply, whether that be your cycle each month, the fluctuations within your family or romantic relationship, and world events, all of which impact and sometimes immobilize your creativity.

If you recognize yourself in any of these things, just know that you are not alone.  I have spoken to many feminine people who have felt these unique challenges. 



  But, we ALSO have unique strengths in the art world that are invaluable, which I will be covering in my next letter!

In the meantime, if this course sounds like it is of interest to you, please join the waiting list to be kept abreast of all developments (you can join the waitlist HERE, with no commitment of any kind).

I would also love to hear from you.  What unique struggles have you faced as a feminine artist? Do these challenges resonate with you? What have I left out?

Sending you light, love, and creativity,

Jessica Libor
Artist and Artistic Coach
The Visionary Artist’s Salon

Drawings in this email are from the Birmingham Museum of Art, used with permission.

You’re invited to my upcoming virtual exhibition, WILDLOVE

04 Thursday Feb 2021

Posted by Jessica Libor in art, Exhibitions, In My Studio, Inspiration

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contemporary realism, creativity, female artist, jessica libor, painting, Philadelphia artist, pre-raphaelite art, romantic art, the inspired painter podcast, virtual exhibition, wildlove

I’m very excited to share that I will have a solo exhibition in April called WILDLOVE!

This will be an all new collection of artworks I’m currently making.  It will be different in many ways than anything I’ve made before.  I will be giving you glimpses into my process as I create the pieces, but the actual work will be a secret only to be unveiled during the virtual exhibition!

I invite you to register for the special virtual event and read more about it by clicking the button below! Those who register will get a hand-signed postcard of a show image signed by the artist and mailed to your address.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR WILDLOVE SOLO SHOW

This week, I began a magical piece involving spiky pink cactii flowers, the palest violet shades, and a lady and her wildcat for WILDLOVE.  I also finished my #21visions challenge, which was to create 21 small ink pieces during the month of January. 

Fragonard’s Garden, ink and watercolor on paper, 9 “x 12”, by Jessica Libor 2021

These new ink pieces are now photographed and you can browse and purchase them by clicking the button below!

BROWSE WORKS ON PAPER

I also recorded a new episode on The Inspired Painter podcast, about how the accumulation of our efforts creates success. Have a listen by clicking here!

Have a wonderful weekend, and sending you light, love and creativity.

Visual Artist

www.jessicalibor.com

Using challenges to kickstart your creativity: a conversation with artist Nancy Bea Miller

25 Monday Jan 2021

Posted by Jessica Libor in Interviews, Uncategorized

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Tags

artist, creative, female artist, female painter, jessica libor, nancy bea miller, painter, Philadelphia artist, philadelphia female painter, the inspired painter podcast

In this episode, I chat with Philadelphia artist and educator Nancy Bea Miller about using challenges like the Strada Challenge to increase productivity, skill and efficiency within your art practice!  Having completed such challenges several times Nancy gives us tips to help complete each challenge you set while using it to further your art practice. Enjoy this fun and relaxing conversation between friends.

Episode 33 of the Inspired Painter with Jessica Libor

Listen to more episodes of the Inspired Painter here.

Follow Nancy on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/nancybeamiller_artwork

Check out Nancy Bea Miller’s blog at: http://nancybeanews.blogspot.com/

Other links mentioned:

As another gift to you to start out the new year, here is my free printable calendar for 2021! DOWNLOAD HERE. It highlights twelve of the pieces I made in 2020.  

Jessica Libor’s art: www.jessicalibor.com

The Visionary Artist’s Salon courses and coaching for artists: www.thevisionaryartistssalon.com

Free guide to selling your art online authentically:

CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE GUIDE!

Jessica Libor featured on The Art Blog

18 Thursday Jun 2020

Posted by Jessica Libor in art, Exhibitions, Press, Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

art, artist, artists in the time of coronavirus, coronavirus, female artist, jessica libor, pastel drawing, philly artist, the art blog, the artblog, virtual exhibition

Screen Shot 2020-06-17 at 9.12.38 PM

Les Papillons Roses, pastel and gold leaf on paper, 18 x 24, by Jessica Libor 2020
Sunflower Portal, pastel and gold leaf on paper, 18 x 24, by Jessica Libor 2020

I’m excited to share that two pieces from my recent pastel collection from my show “Enchanted Portals” has been featured on The Art Blog, on their series “Artists in the Time of Coronavirus”.
Several pieces from this collection are still available through my shop here.

The article includes my statements on the work:

Each portrait revealed is a different woman, and these drawings are inspired by the idea of the selfie as a self portrait. The enchanted portal today is technology, and through technology we can curate the way that we are seen, in the same way that artists in other centuries flattered their subjects or imagined a different surrounding for them. I was particularly inspired to do this series because of the impact on millions of quarantined individuals. With nowhere to go socially, how wdo we as individuals still express our creative personalities through our styling? Does it still matter to get dressed up if no one will see you? How does creating a selfie with your cellphone mimic the process of creating a work of art? Many things are the same: choosing the elements, composition, lighting, colors, and subject matter. In many ways, the selfie and the self-portrait are the same thing: the artist’s version of themselves that they want to reveal to the world. Through blending fantasy and reality, they can be perceived as who they aspire to be. How does creating an idealized fantasy world surrounding you create relief psychologically? Is it escapism, or creativity?

It is my belief that the self-portrait of today is the selfie—a way for any individual with a digital device to record their own existence in whatever way feels good to them. It is a way of asserting their presence in the world and reflects the human’s timeless desire to make a mark on society and the world: it is a way to be seen.

Stay well and have a wonderful week!

xo,

Jessica Libor

Florence Memories

15 Friday Nov 2019

Posted by Jessica Libor in art, Inspiration, Journeys, lifestyle

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advice for artists, art, artist, beautiful, beautiful art, classical realism, contemporary art, contemporary realism, creative, creativity, drawing, emerging artist, emerging artists, female artist, Florence, Florence academy of art, how to be an artist, how to paint like the masters, inspiration, inspiration for artists, jessica libor, oil painting, pafa, painter, painting, pennsylvania academy of the fine arts, PHiladelphia

“Everything about Florence seems to be colored with a mild violet, like diluted wine.” —Henry James, 1869 • I was fortunate enough to spend a summer in Florence a few years ago, studying painting with the @florenceacademyofart . It was the first time I experienced a step by step process of building a painting, and was amazed at the results that could be achieved—paintings that looked like old master works—by following the same steps they used carefully. I was instantly hooked in this ultimate fantasyland of classical painting. That summer seems golden and beautiful, in part because of the overwhelming art that filled the city. This photo is from Florence, Italy, at the Villa Medicea de Lillian… I couldn’t find the photographer, but it is representative of the beautiful structures and paintings that are around every corner in the beautiful city. What is a city that has influenced your art?

Into the coppery halls: the end of autumn

13 Wednesday Nov 2019

Posted by Jessica Libor in Inspiration, Journeys, lifestyle

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advice for artists, art, artist, beautiful art, classical realism, contemporary art, contemporary realism, creative, creativity, drawing, emerging artist, emerging artists, female artist, how to paint like the masters, inspiration, jessica libor, oil painting, pafa, painter, painting, pennsylvania academy of the fine arts, social entrepreneurship

Into the coppery halls; of beech and intricate oak; to be close to the trees; as they whisper together; let fall their leaves!

—Whim Wood, by Katherine Towers ✨. The first frost has come and winter is almost upon us. Each season brings its own aesthetic I enjoy for its own reasons. The end of autumn feels very mysterious and elusive to me.

What’s your power color?

31 Thursday Oct 2019

Posted by Jessica Libor in beauty, fashion, Inspiration, lifestyle

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advice for artists, art, artist, beautiful art, classical realism, color, color psychology, color theory, contemporary art, costumes, creative, creativity, drawing, emerging artist, emerging artists, female artist, halloween, how to paint like the masters, inspiration, jessica libor, pafa, painter, painting

Color is powerful, especially to us creatives. Color can determine your mood, and has been proven to effect the way that we feel. I’ve always been drawn to purple and lavender colors. I love this current time of year because it’s socially acceptable to let your personality really shine with unusual costume choices. I was able to break out my lavender wig this week, and it was so much fun! It definitely let out a different part of my personality, something more playful and more creative. Just seeing myself embody this color made me feel differently! So what about you? What’s your power color? Here’s an interesting list of colors, and what some experts think they represent. Red: ambition energy, confidence, bold, passionate. Pink: sensitive, intuitive, loving, caring, respect. Purple: fantasy, creativity, distinguished, modesty, deep. Black: strength, power, professional, accurate. Orange: freedom, social, warmth, motivation, impulsive. Yellow: optimism, energetic, fun, logical, attentive. Gray: balance, neutral, timeless, practical, solid. Green: growth, nature, equilibrium, positivity, stable. Navy: responsible, integrity, trust, peace, order. Blue: ambition, perspective, aware, open. Let me know your power color and what you associate with it in the comments, I’m curious to hear!

Self Care Enhances Creativity

29 Tuesday Oct 2019

Posted by Jessica Libor in beauty, Inspiration, lifestyle, Wellness

≈ 1 Comment

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advice for artists, art, artist, beautiful art, beauty, classical realism, contemporary realism, creative, creativity, drawing, emerging artist, emerging artists, female artist, inspiration, jessica libor, oil painting, pafa, painter, painting, pennsylvania academy of the fine arts, self care, stress, stress relief, time management, wellness

I don’t know about you guys, but I often feel like I am rushing around every day, trying to check off a list of things to do and never seem to have quite enough time. It gets to the end of the day, and I always wish that I had more time to get the needed things done. The to do list actually never ends. There’s always more that we could be accomplishing and that we could be striving for in life. I took some time out this week and allowed myself to just relax for an afternoon. I allowed myself the luxury of a bubble bath. I read a few articles that were interesting to me and generally enjoyed doing nothing for a few hours! I honestly can’t remember the last time that I did this. At the end of that time, I realized that I was in such a relaxed and creative state of mind. I felt more playful, more optimistic, and so excited to dive back into the paintings and the projects that I’m currently working on. The time away made those things feel interesting and dynamic again. Also, we must remember that we are not machines! We are organic human beings who need rest I need variety in our lives. We can’t be healthy if all we do is work and all we do is put stress on our self to constantly be accomplishing things. Life is about more than that. Also, what is the point of accomplishing all these things if you can’t even enjoy life? So, I highly recommend taking some time to just relax and guilt free do nothing for a few hours once in a while. You might be surprised how positively it affects you, when you are so much more excited to be present in your artwork, and in your life!

Playing to win or playing not to lose?

03 Friday May 2019

Posted by Jessica Libor in Inspiration, Journeys, lifestyle

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advice for artists, art, artist, beautiful art, classical realism, contemporary realism, creative, creativity, drawing, emerging artist, emerging artists, female artist, inspiration, jessica libor, oil painting, painter, painting, pennsylvania academy of the fine arts

Are you playing to win or playing not to lose?

I heard these words this week and it made me think. I don’t like to view the art world as competitive— in fact, I think the only person you compete with is really yourself in this life.

But, it’s interesting to think of how the mindset of “playing not to lose” looks like rather than “playing to win.”

In a small example, perhaps I’ll do a small painting rather than a large one, to minimize cost loss in case it’s not bought for a long time. In that way I’m not playing to win (or, to really actually use my vision in the size which would make it look best). Or maybe when applying for a grant I don’t spend too much time on it because if I DO spend too much time on it and I don’t get it, I would have lost that time. In that way I am playing not to lose (time) rather than playing to win (believing I have a shot and giving it my best).

I can tell when I’m playing to win because there’s a sense of leaning in and commitment. What do you guys think about this concept? Have you ever “played to win” or “played not to lose?” How does it feel for you?

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