The Importance of Variety in Life and Art

As I approach the final stage of a group of work I am reminded of this quote

“Variety's the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavour.” ― William Cowper (poet)

I am currently finishing off a number of mixed media paintings. Some will be going into an upcoming exhibition in Belfast, others to a local shop. This means I am tidying up the sides of the panels, sanding the backs (they can get a little messy with paint) and deciding on what protective final coats I want for each one.

I don’t take these decisions lightly. I make my choices for each piece based on how I want it to look and feel. Some will have resin, which may then be sanded back and a wax or varnish added, some will just have the varnish. I may eventually settle on a finish I like for all of my work, but I am not there yet.

However, even though it is not prescriptive, this stage can become a little monotonous. It’s not the fun creative stage or the exciting starting stage but it is an important stage.

For that reason I want to give it my full attention, I don’t want to rush. I want each finished piece to be the best that I can make it

Of course there are all sorts to temptations which could distract me. At times I just feel the need to create something messy, or try a new technique or have a day out in nature.

That’s when I remind myself that it is better to step away and allow myself a little of the variety I crave rather than pushing for the finish line so that I can start something new. 

I have learnt from some great mentors the benefits of having variety within our art but more importantly I have come to appreciate the value of variety in our lives. I believe that is what keeps the artist in us motivated and inspired to create. As people it brings us joy and reminds us how wonderful life can be and how very blessed we are to be able to do the things we love. So when I feel myself losing focus or rushing a process, I know it is time for me to seek out that variety. So over the last few weeks I have been doing just that.

I have visited exhibitions and had work displayed in one.  

Image above showing some of my work in an exhibition in Belfast.

I have got out in nature with my camera, being inspired and capturing images for future work.

Newcastle beach in County Down.

All of this allows me to return to the studio renewed and ready to focus on the work I need to do.

So if you are feeling little bored with your routine I encourage you to add a little variety into the mix, it really is the spice of life.

You can view some of the variety I bring to my art in my fine art prints