Meet Frederic Edwin Church from the prestigious Hudson River School, the only pupil of the founder Thomas Cole.

Frederic Edwin Church was born on May 4th 1826. He was born into wealth which allowed him to pursue his interest in art from a very early age. At 18 he became a pupil of Cole who founded the prestigious Hudson River School.

Church learned the art of landscape painting and used extraordinary detail, romanticism, and luminism in his paintings. With excruciatingly detail he lighted nature.

One of his most famous painting was painted in 1860, Twilight in the Wilderness. Painted on the eve of the Civil War, it may represent the uncertain times facing the country.

Church’s art was extremely lucrative, he was reported to be worth approximately half-a-million dollars at his death, about 12.5 million dollars today.

Americans were enamored with Church’s all-American appeal and brilliant body of work.

Toward the end of his life he was affected with rheumatoid arthritis which greatly reduced his ability to paint. He eventually painted with his left hand and continued to produce his work, although at a much slower pace.

What is the Hudson River School?
The Hudson River School was a group of landscape painters who were active from about 1825 to about 1880. Their work was characterized by an interest in realistic depictions of nature and a burning desire to celebrate distinctly American scenery that was influenced by romanticism. They helped to shape the American Landscape and also defined a distinct vision for American Landscape art.

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“Creativity takes courage,” as Matisse once said. This is especially true when you can’t get into the zone.

You stare and the blank canvas or paper and see nothing. You look at your files of inspiration and everything comes back flat and blank. It’s as if you don’t care. You lost your energy and and can’t seem to get in the zone. Your frustrated, you feel like giving up.

You’re stuck. What’s next?
It’s an awful feeling. Especially when you’ve experienced the high of instant ideas and visuals and create new, fresh and dynamic art and images on a whim.

First things first.
Walk away from it, walk away from the fact it’s just not working out.

Put it out of your mind.
When your under pressure to create something and your stressed or not finding the creative vibe that you need RIGHT NOW… switch gears.

Take a nap.
Something about being unconscious (in a good way) refreshes the spirit. The exhaustion that come come from creating or trying to, sometimes needs a nap.

You need a change of scenery – get outside.
Find a quiet spot in nature to help you get back into the creative zone.

Music.
Focus your senses on other things such as music or whatever makes you happy.

Exercise.
It’s amazing when you get out of your creative space/studio/office how much better you can think. Take time for your body, nourish your spirit.

As you let it go and focus your attention on not trying so hard… what is already inside you will appear.

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