Mike True's Blog Archives

Blog Posts may be out of sequence where Multiple Posts are written featuring the same subject. This allows the reader to read those posts from first to last, as was intended.

10/5/2024

Tricks and Tips – Visual Art

“Mixing Primary Colors”

I got into this whole thing about blogging for primarily one reason, to share what I have seen, learned and experienced in the world of art making. This week I am going to talk about a basic, the mixing of acrylic colors. Of course, I am trying to give the beginner some guidance and to pass on a tip or two.

First, most art teachers will roll out the three primary colors: primary red or magenta, primary blue or phthalo blue, also known as cyan, and primary yellow. My base colors are usually phthalo blue (green shade), cadmium red hue, and cadmium yellow (medium hue). As you get into regularly mixing your own color combinations, you will likely begin to order larger tubes of your favorite three primaries in 6.75 oz. or in pint bottles.

Here I will note that every artist has their preferred brands. For my blogs I will limit my recommendation regarding brand names. Suffice it to say, some brands are better than others. If you are a beginner, the quality of the paint will not be as important to you as when you begin painting pictures for the general public. Over the years I have sold hundreds of paintings. As I got better at it and started charging more for each piece, I began looking closer at the quality of my materials, including: paints, canvases, and brushes.

So, some teacher might have told you that red and blue make purple, red and yellow make orange, and blue and yellow make green. These are secondary colors, right? Yes, but there is so much more to discover. It is the amount and combination of these three colors that go into so many other variations. Experimenting with and getting to understand the art of mixing paint is part of the fun of expressing yourself through painting with acrylics..

Here I will add that a touch of white or black to any color mix lightens or darkens that color. And so there can be a lighter or darker tint or shade of any color you mix. This, of course, is also true of the primary colors.

“Tint, shade and tone

In color theory, a tint is a mixture of a color with white, which increases lightness, while a shade is a mixture with black, which increases darkness. Both processes affect the resulting color mixture's relative saturation. A tone is produced either by mixing a color with gray, or by both tinting and shading. Wikipedia”

Again, I know there are many videos dedicated to mixing colors. I am recommending this first video as being aimed more at beginners. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEkw4QYjhT8

I picked the second video because the artist not only shows how to mix a variety of colors but also gives tips on what he may use each color for in his artwork. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mv9Vdfd0Krc&t=2968s

A pallet and mixing knife are very useful in this process but when I am mixing colors in larger amounts, I use a ceramic bowl and an old frayed bush. Basically, any old medium sized (10 -16) round -tipped brush will do.

Let’s say I am doing the base coloration for the sky on an 18” x 24” canvas. In this example I want the sky to be an inch or so lower than the ground element. I want this base coat to be consistent from top to bottom. Later I can add other objects, such as trees, mountains, birds, clouds, etc., which may go over the top of this base color. Covering this area is going to take a substantial amount of paint. Pre-mixing it in a white bowl allows me to shade, tint, or add other colors to my primary blue, to get just the right color for the sky area of my painting. This works the same for the “ground” portion of the painting or any large area you need to fill with a solid mixed color.

I start by putting a generous amount of the primary color in the center of the bowl. I will put either black or white, depending if I want this color lighter or darker, on the inside edge of the bowl. For example: I may add a small amount of red if I want a morning or evening sky. Slowly I add the additional colors to the primary color and stir the new mix. The trick is to blend the colors thoroughly and to use a testing paper or pallet to look at the color you have created before applying it to the canvas.

I scrape off as much paint from the brush on the lip of the bowl, as is possible, before testing it, also making sure that the color on the brush is well mixed and solid as a color. I then use a much bigger brush to apply the mix to the canvas.

I will add here that it is often necessary to touch up these areas at some point, so pay some attention to the exact colors you used to create the base coat. You may need to mix these in smaller quantities at a later time.

Some artists, including myself, occasionally use a thinning medium to ensure the paint does not dry out too quickly and to extend the paint over larger surfaces. You should know that using any substantial amount of water to dilute or thin the paint will break down the basic structure of acrylic paint. It will be more easily washed out and will often fade on the canvas sooner rather than later. If you need a slight moistening, dip your brush in a container of clean water then tap it on a towel or cloth to leave just a small amount on the brush before taking on more paint.

Whether you are painting a live scene or working from a photograph, matching colors is a vital part of the process. Many paint stores have color matching cards and if you are trying to decide on a good match, grab a handful of these color strips for comparison. I buy quarts of black and white acrylic paint for many of my projects so I can take a few now and then. Just remember that these cards do not tell you how much of any given color to use in making that particular hue. This knowledge comes with experience.

Another option is to find a detailed color wheel or color mixing guide at your favorite art store or on-line. They run ten to twenty dollars on average.

Finally, I should note that there are many acrylic paint sets out there with a handful or dozens of pre-mixed colors. They usually come in small tubes. Purchasing these pre-mixed paints gets expensive quickly but if purchased individually, a specialty color can add a spark to your work that you may not have otherwise been able to create on your own.

Follow your dreams – Make More Art! M.True

10/2/2024

Personal Information

“A visit to my family”

I suppose I should concede that I am human, and not a machine. It has been harder than I thought to write and post a weekly blog, especially when other things come up that take more of my time and present a higher priority in my life. In this case, an impromptu visit to my grown children in Indiana. Thus, my posts may at times be off schedule. (I had been shooting for a Friday/Saturday deadline.)

As you may or may not realize, I currently reside in New Orleans, Louisiana, while my three children live in Indiana, each with families of their own. Last week, circumstances presented themselves that allowed for a rare visit.

To begin with, I had just purchased a new van. I should say new “used” van, a 2013 Toyota Sienna. I had been saving for a transport vehicle since my Chevy van died two and a half years ago. My preference for a van comes from both my desire to travel and the need to transport art, especially the larger pieces, from time to time. For an artist, this makes a big difference, especially when scouting for new galleries, and delivering art to local patrons. In this regard, I have been relying on friends to help but that can only go so far...

Anyway, a few weeks ago, after much scrimping and saving, I bought this new van and my first inclination was to see how roadworthy it would be. I had a recent visit down here from my daughter but had not seen my two sons and their families for over a year. I was anxious to hit the road.

Without getting into too many personal details of my visit, going for three days each to their houses in Bloomington, (daughter) and Jeffersonville, (both sons), I enjoyed every minute. I brought several pieces of my art for them to pick out a painting for their walls and always inquire about the latest artistic endeavors of both the kids and grand-kids. All of them dabble in some form of arts or crafts, music, or literature. My eldest son paints and has written some short stories and produced a book. My daughter, also a painter, has likewise published a handful of non-fiction books. My youngest son dabbles in art and talks about a desire to do podcasts relating to movie reviews. He is very knowledgeable about anything current that had dropped on the various on-line media platforms.

This, of course inspires spouses and my grand-kids, as well.

Catching up on current events, video and phone visits to older grandchildren and great-grandchildren out of state, outings to restaurants and a front-yard cookout, between the mostly rainy days, capped the 11 day road-trip.

Glad to be back home again and much energized by the vacation.

Follow your dreams – Make More Art! M.True9/23/2024

Background Information – Music

"Songwriting 101"

Many of us struggle to compose a new “hit song”, in a time where AI and the plethora of existing music appears overwhelming. Choosing to create something fresh and original can often feel impossible to achieve. And yet people around the world are doing it every day!

In this post, I am focusing on songwriting. How do you get started? How do you get past the inevitable period of “writer’s block”? Even if you have written one or more solid songs already, reviewing this information will broaden your horizons and perhaps open up new ways to express your musical self. In order to jumpstart this process, I have found many on-line resources, some of which I will share with you now.

Every songwriter should take some time to learn about the variety of song styles, about song structure and basic arrangements and have a list of the ideas that he or she wants to write about in future songs. Below, Are some suggested Internet “searches”. Without getting caught up in any of the associated advertising, get into the content of some of these websites. Many are very informative.

Styles

Search “List of music genres and styles”

Wikipedia pops up on top for some of the most in-depth annotations of dozens of old and new music styles. As you explore individual styles, this amazing resource features a separate description and history of each of the genres. You will read about the various composer/performers that will further point you in the direction of specific songs that represent the chosen style. If you dig deeper there is also a listing of the instrumentation often associated with each style, as well.

Song structure and arrangements

Search “Song structure, Arrangements”

This search list included a variety of websites that outline the basics of songwriting formulas. Key elements such as Intro, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, and Outro are defined. The songwriter must delve into the style of music they have chosen in order to understand the traditional arrangements of each of these elements. Depending on the genre, many newer songs try to shake up or reconfigure these arrangements. You can either choose to stick with the tried and true or experiment with changes in the overall arrangement, tempo or instrumentation, to find your own unique composition.

Content/ideas

Search “ideas for new songs”

In doing so, a series of websites are listed that provide unique views as to specific or generalized song starters. These are a good source to pick through to decide on where your interests and inclinations lie. Some of these lists are quite extensive and provide hundreds of possibilities.

Overall, studying these websites gives anyone a fuller toolkit when it comes to making the better song. Personally, I also spend some time listening to a variety of radio/on-line music, to find out both what is popular these days and how the artist is showcasing the tune. I have also been known to listen to older musical recordings to find themes that have withstood the test of time.

The trick of writing current popular music, is just a matter of hearing what is out there already and finding new ways to make it fresh. This includes using words and phrases that have become popular, including slang. Arrangements and instrumentation also play a key role.

In this process, it is good to remind yourself that most “radio ready” music must be between three and a half to five minutes in length. There are many songs that are longer but these are usually album cuts that are sandwiched between several shorter songs. Having said that, a good rule of thumb is the tolerance of your audience. I have written some longer songs and then performed them before a live group of fans. If your fans want the jam to go on and on, as in a dance tune, then let it be, if it is too long or too “busy” your audience may become restless and disconnect. I seldom record a song until I get a feel for the audience’s reaction to it and edit accordingly.

I hope this gives you some ideas for honing your craft and getting past that notorious “writer’s block”.

Follow your dreams – Make More Art! M.True

*****

9/15/2024

Sorry for the gap - Hurricane Francine disrupted my blogging for the week. Most of you know I live on the Gulf Coast in New Orleans, Louisiana. The storm was a Category 1 when it reached the city. I, and a friend, watched it spin by my window. Between the prep, power outages and cleanup, things are just now getting back to normal.

Picking up and playing my guitar by candle light was the one artistic endeavor that required no electricity and soothed some of the tension created by the weather event. I have been playing a Takamini acoustic guitar for many years as it is easy to transport and can be played anywhere under almost any condition.

Speaking of various conditions, I will be doing some traveling by the end of this week. I am heading up to Indiana for a brief trip to enjoy a change of scenery and visit my adult children and grandchildren. Hopefully I will be able to write and post something before I leave. Please stay tuned...

Follow your dreams – Make More Art! M.True

*****

9/6/2024

Background Information - Literature

Tips for Reading Poetry”

Other than reciting poetry in a high-school English class, I had no intention of getting up in front of anyone to teach, to give speeches, or to lead administrative meetings, let alone read a poem. To begin with, I was extremely shy as a child. I avoided any hint of drawing needless attention to myself. But as I grew older, attended university classes and took on teaching and administrative positions, all of that gradually changed by necessity.

I had dabbled in creative writing, even as a young student but this work was seldom shared. While in the military, I began writing journals. But what got me started writing poetry was none too altruistic. I wrote a letter to a girl back home. I was overseas at the time. I included a poem with the letter. Perhaps I shared the poem with a friend to see if he thought it was good enough to send off. Regardless as to how it got out, other sailors soon began asking me to write poems for their girlfriends. It soon became a tradable commodity.

But I never read those poems out loud.

In my forties, I began writing song lyrics. I was a teacher and used music, (I played guitar), as a teaching tool and relaxation element of my classes. I began by writing a series of children’s songs. Shortly thereafter I was encouraged by the principal to lead two hundred and fifty elementary students in a weekly sing-along.

It turned out that these students were far less threatening than facing adults, which I would eventually do at open mic venues. The adults were terrifying. They could potentially judge me, find me lacking, or even heckle me off the stage. But I survived this ordeal, as well.

In 2004, at 52 years of age, I read at the first formal poetry reading since high school. I was as nervous as hell! My hands and legs were shaking, my heart beat like a drum and I was sweating up a storm. I’m telling you now, you just have to get past all of that. This is the effect of a surge of adrenaline. Once you overcome your apprehension, the adrenaline rush will subside.

As time went by and hundreds of poems were read to friends and strangers, alike, I learned some basic techniques for reading poetry:

1) Make sure that the lettering of what you read is large enough to be read easily. If you are squinting at words, especially in a dim-lit room, you are going to fumble through the presentation. (If you need them don’t forget your eyeglasses!)

2) Read your material several times before the event itself. I can’t stress this enough! Too many people come to readings with a poem that they may have written the same day or one that they found on-line or in a book and are eager to share, but without the necessary preparation to bring it off smoothly... Let's just say any good performance requires rehearsal.

3) Find the pace of a poem. Much like a song, most poems have a cadence. There is a certain speed to reading the piece and it is good to find it in advance of the reading. Those who do not consider the pace often read the poem way to fast or too slow and either lose the audience altogether or rush past the poem’s true intent.

4) Look closely at the punctuation and the line breaks in a poem. These are clues as to how the author wanted the poem to be read, how he or she would have read it. Pausing after every line will make a poem sound choppy and disconnected. Commas indicate a breath taken but not necessarily a pause. A period is usually where the pause is made. Stanzas separated by an additional space may indicate a longer pause, or that the poem is going to take a dramatic turn, in which case an emphasis on the change may need to be added to the reading.

5) To make a poetry reading more dramatic, certain words may need to be emphasized or spoken in a certain voice. If needed, underline or highlight these words or phrases.

6) Finally, relax. I cannot say enough about preparing yourself to speak before others. Slow, deep breaths before your turn at the microphone always helps. But use what works best for you. Focus on the words of your poem as you read and not on the audience until you feel confident enough to do so. Once, I was told that if you are performing without a script, looking just above the heads of your audience gives the impression that you are connecting with them without the distraction of eye contact. This helped me when I first started performing music, and later when I read my poetry.

7) Don’t be afraid of the microphone. Too many readers get focused on the sound of their own voice and may consider it to be too loud or too soft. Lips six inches from the mic is always the standard. Don’t eat the mic or push it away, thinking that it is getting in the way. Too close and the words get garbled, too far away and some in the back may never make out a word being spoken

Reading (and writing) poetry can be a positive experience. It is an art form. You are showing others the creative side of your personality. Everyone will have an opinion, one way or another, about poetry but if you are attending a poetry reading or an open-mic event, most of your listeners will be eager to hear what you have to share.

Have fun with any art you choose to explore. Share with others whenever and wherever you can.

Follow your dreams – Make More Art! M.True

8/23/2024

Background Information – Music

“The Business of Making Music” Part 1

Once upon a time there was a young boy who saw a famous band and immediately wished he could be one of the great musicians he idolized. There were fame and fortune to be had in those guitar licks, keyboard melodies, and cymbal crashes. It would be just a matter of picking an instrument, learning to play it and then…

For young students of music, the advantage of starting early is obvious. The more time you put into practice, the better the outcome. Some parents may jump the gun and enroll their child in music classes at a very early age.

However, if the student gets frustrated, or worse, bored, all of those good intentions may never be realized. I have known “manager” moms and dads and in some cases the negative results of a child being pushed too hard, too early in life. To those parents I would advise, “ease into it”. Even if you believe your offspring could be a child prodigy, exploiting your child is seldom a good thing.

Instead, expose your children to a variety of musical styles and immersive experiences. Encourage discussions on how music is made and the beauty of it. Get a sense of your child’s interests and nurture those interests slowly. There are plenty of toy instruments on the market. Don’t push unless there is a genuine desire expressed by your son or daughter to acquire a tutor or take private lessons.

To a young beginner I would say, try everything you might enjoy doing just for the fun of it. When it gets to the point that you are excited by your favorite singer or musician, ask your parents if you can rent or buy a beginner’s instrument. Otherwise, it will be up to you, as I did, to save up your nickels and dimes to buy something for yourself.

In junior high school I played the snare drum. The school I went to provided it. I think they may have provided some other musical items, as well. I learned how to play it and mastered the musical element of keeping a steady rhythm though band practice. Overall, I’d say, I was a fair performer. However, by my sophomore year in high school, I got bored with the snare drum and began listening to the rock ‘n’ roll music of the 1960’s. My older brother, Pat, started a four-piece band and invited me to play rhythm guitar. I thought about using my skills as a drummer, but a drum kit was intimidating and very expensive. I bought a cheap fender knock-off at a pawn shop instead.

I was glad that I had only spent around fifty dollars for it. At the end of the band’s run, (two years), my finger-tips still hurt when I occasionally picked it up to make music. Not unlike the snare drum, every instrument, I came to realize, takes some effort to play. Later in life I opted for nylon string guitars. But that’s not to say that thousands of others wouldn’t excel with the electric version.

But this blog is not just about the cost of performing music professionally. I also want to speak to the whole concept of recording and marketing the music you make.

I was not destined to be a rock star, but I still had my dreams. I got to where I enjoyed performing for family and friends. In my twenties I put together my own band with a few friends. We actually played a few paying gigs. All of us were in college. So, when we graduated the band was no more. But I had gotten a taste of it. I wondered, “How do people make a living in the music industry?”

Over the years, I found little gigs, here and there. Nothing ever paid all that much but occasionally there was free food thrown in. That was always a plus. With a wife and kids I went through mid-life working a regular job, as a teacher, usually. I was happy enough when my work allowed me the time to perform for students or at faculty gatherings.

I continued to fantasize about being a professional musician through the years. However, the older I got, the more I realized that this was a young peoples’ game. You could be a famous old rocker but you had to grab your followers when you were young and full of energy. For me, that ship had sailed.

Then, in my fifties, I decided that there might be another way to that hilltop of fame, and perhaps even a bit of fortune. At this point I tried to use my writing talents too pen my own songs. I soon found out that busting into the music industry was not going to be easy. In fact, in the era of major record labels, you had to know someone to be someone.

I was told, and eventually came to realize that acquiring lists of publishers and mailing each of them a cassette tape, featuring 5 original songs and accompanying lyric sheets was not enough to get anybody’s attention. I did this for a couple of years and spent a good deal of money on postage, printing and blank cassettes. Of the 100's of mailings, I got two positive replies which never panned out. In all of the literature that had I read, specifically aimed at singer/songwriters, there was always a strong emphasis on two things:

1) Have your song vetted by an experienced professional. That is to say, you had to pay someone to judge your song for its quality, its potential audience, and if necessary to help you re-craft the song to increase your chances of success. To this end I joined the American Songwriter’s Association and occasionally paid for reviews of my music by a private consultant. For someone with a limited income, (remember the wife and kids), this was something I could not afford to do excessively. The feedback, by the way, did not guarantee a signing.

2) Have your song recorded in a studio. If you haven't shopped around, you cannot imagine the cost of studio recordings! You may get someone to remix a song for $200 to $300 dollars or spend up to $20,000 for a recording that includes professional musicians, engineers, sound mixer and mastering technicians, etc.

After paying over $1000 in a “cheap start-up studio”, I had little to show for it. Three unmixed songs on an ADAT tape that I personally couldn’t use and a quick mix on a CD would just not cut it. Later, I would attempt to remaster the songs from the CD, but had no access to the individual tracks. It was at this point that I decided I would be better off recording my own music

Dear reader, I am running out of road. I will continue my story in next week’s blog post..

I also wanted to add, before I signed off, that this is just one person’s experience on the rough and rocky road of trying to make a living in the music biz. It is a worthy goal for some but a lifelong challenge for others. In the end, however… it is all about the journey!

Follow your dreams – Make More Art! M.True

*****

8/30/2024

Background Information - Music

“The Business of Making Music” – Part 2

Last week I started a story about my experiences trying to break into the music biz. I did not say that it was a success story, no matter how much I wished it could be. I also noted that I was a late starter, when it came to breaking into a business that is notoriously aimed at the young.

What I hoped to accomplish in this narrative was to give those out there considering this vocation, a peek at some of the ups and downs you are bound to encounter. The Independent music industry is alive and well and ripe for those who are eager to DIY and succeed.

As the nineteen-nineties rolled around, it became obvious that the digital world would quickly outpace the old analog systems and CD’s became all the rage. I started out with a Boss 900 stand-alone digital recorder. It gave me 6 tracks, enough for some simple compositions with a minimal of instrumentation. I also bought blank CD’s, one hundred at a time, stick on labels and plastic holders.

Recording, mastering and producing original music was/is a complex process and when the stick-on labels started bubbling in the heat, this home-grown idea pretty much fizzled out. I did begin to sell the CD’s at my small gigs, here and there, which made me feel a bit more legit. However, the simple guitar and vocal mixes were being replaced onstage with multiple players who I wanted to feature on the albums.

Here’s where I ran into another speed-bump. I had decided at some point to try recording live performances. That was certainly easier said than done. I could get a basic stereo mix but could not adjust individual tracks with the limitations of the small recorder.

Eventually I upgraded to a Boss 1800 to take in more tracks including backup vocals, keyboards, bass and lead instruments on top of my basic lead vocal and guitar tracks. But then you have to consider the prospect of splitting any royalties.

Oh, and did I mention the cost of copyrighting your work? Back in the day you could do thirteen or fourteen songs as an album for around $35. That went up to $65 or so, but only for a maximum of 10 songs as a collection. A single song is $45. When you are already running on a tight budget this is just another expense to really needs to be considered. Copy protection is said to be a given when you post a song to any on-line website and include a statement of copyright on the page. However, this is no guarantee that your song idea will not get ripped off.

Another avenue for protection was the poor-man’s copyright, a letter sent to yourself, including some form of recording and/or lead sheet. This would only be opened before a judge who would consider the date stamp as a certification of ownership on or after that date. This is one way to do it but if the envelope is lost or destroyed, you are pretty much out of luck in verifying the work as being yours at any given date.

Now back to the recording/royalties aspect of the business. To me the easiest and simplest solution was to pay every contributor for their recorded track. As a work for hire, I retained the royalties. I did throw out the caveat that I would publish the names of my contributors whenever I distributed the music. Today my music is out there as digital downloads.

So, the better part of a lifetime has come and gone. And I, despite my boyhood dreams, never managed to truly break into the music business. But that is not to say I will ever give up completely. Currently I have sound files posted on Spotify, Reverbnation, SoundCloud, Bandcamp and more. DistroKid is my distributor and I have upgraded, once again, to a computer-based recording system. NCH software was recommended by a fellow musician and allows for virtually unlimited tracks, (depending on the memory capacity of your computer).

I have also created this website as a means to publicize all of my artistic endeavors. Go to the Music Page and check out the links at the bottom.

I have found my joy in making my music, jamming with my friends, and knowing that folks will be able to find my songs online, for years to com.

Having related all of my trials and tribulations, I thought I would share some real-life success stories to keep you from diving into the pits of despair.

https://www.beliefnet.com/entertainment/music/8-musicians-who-beat-the-odds.aspx

https://info.xposuremusic.com/article/independent-musician-success-stories

Follow your dreams – Make More Art! M.True

*****

8/2/2024

Tricks and Tips - Literature - Part 1

"WRITING A FEATURE ARTICLE"

I have been communicating with a friend about getting into the business of writing feature articles. There are several on-line platforms that give beginners, and the more seasoned writer, a chance to see if they can connect with an audience, and perhaps make a little money in the bargain.

Dollarsprout notes many of these websites in a feature article by Jen Smith –

https://dollarsprout.com/get-paid-to-write/

As a former teacher, I like to assess my student’s potential and knowledge of the basics in any area I am discussing, in this case, writing skills. For any writer the most important skills are based in the knowledge of the language being used. For this blog, we are talking the English language.

Here are some core concepts that should be mastered before you even consider writing any type of literature:

“Know the basic rules of English grammar, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

Example:

• Be able to explain the function of nouns (people, places, things, or ideas), verbs (words that describe an action or state of being) and adjectives (descriptive words) in sentences.

• Be able to use commas and quotation marks in dialogue.

• Be able to spell common words correctly, use spelling rules and patterns when writing words.

• Be able to use dictionaries to check and correct spelling.

· Writing

· Be able to write a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end, using dialogue and description.

· Informational pieces

· Be able to write an informational piece that introduces a topic, groups related information clearly, uses facts and details, and ends with a concluding statement or section.

· Opinion pieces

· Be able to write an opinion piece that introduces a topic or text, states an opinion, clearly organizes and explains the reasons for the opinion.

· Using technology

· Be able to produce and share writing using technology (including keyboarding skills).

· Research

· Be able to independently conduct short research projects to gather information from print and digital sources and build knowledge about a topic.

· Be able to take brief notes and sort information into categories.

(Gleaned from: TODAY's Parenting Guide resources, developed by NBC News Learn with the help of subject-matter experts, and align with the Common Core State Standards.

After getting grounded in the basics, looking at your approach to writing different types of articles is the next step. Studying styles is very important. Obviously, writing a play is different than writing a poem or short story. In this blog I have been focused on writing feature articles.

For my student, I did a quick online search using the term, ”writing feature articles” and picked out this simplified tutorial for her to study.

https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffab&q=writing+feature+articles&iax=videos&ia=videos&iai=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DRienQJNXXmc

There are other videos, as well, but I thought this one was well presented.

After watching the video I, then gave her a short assignment:

Here are some writing kick-starts. This is the first assignment:

Topic - The Beach

1. Make a list of all the words and phrases that come to mind when thinking about the beach.

2. Write a poem using any of those words or phrases in any order. (Do not add non-related words to this step. Think about the words that best help the reader visualize being at the beach.)

3. Write a poem using "the beach" word list but now add any words not on the list to make the poem more complete. (It is very important to stick to the topic!)

4. Write one or two sentences about each word on your "beach" word list. (If you were trying to write an article, what are the most important things you would want to say about “the beach”? These sentences could make up the opening paragraph of your feature article.)

This will give you a feel for staying on-topic when writing. Next week I will expand this lesson to focus on the basic parts of any article and research versus personal experience.

Make more art! M. True

*****

8/9/2024

Tricks and Tips - Literature - Part 2

"WRITING A FEATURE ARTICLE"

I am going to continue from where I left off last week. The topic is Literature: Writing Feature Articles.

Last week I suggested learning or reviewing the basic elements of the English language. There is enough there to keep you going for quite some time. If you are young, your educational opportunities will include classes required to earn a Bachelor’s Degree.

Knowing the building blocks of reading and writing in English can seem tedious. However, if you have ever read a report, article, or a short story by someone who does not know how to properly construct a sentence or a paragraph, for that matter, you will know how difficult it is to read and understand.

I hope you had a chance to get through my little assignment from last week. This week I want to review.

Topic - The Beach

1. Make a list of all the words and phrases that come to mind when thinking about the beach.

2. Write a poem using any of those words or phrases in any order. (Do not add non-related words to this step. Think about the words that best help the reader visualize being at the beach.)

3. Write a poem using "the beach" word list but now add any words not on the list to make the poem more complete. (It is very important to stick to the topic!)

4. Write one or two sentences about each word on your "beach" word list. (If you were trying to write an article, what are the most important things you would want to say about “the beach”? These sentences could make up the content of your feature article.)

1. Word List of anything that brings the beach to mind…

I have divided these words into Nouns, verbs, and pronouns or adverbs:

NOUNS

Sun, sunshine, sand, waves, shells, ocean, bay, gulf, sea, water (salt), brine, salt sea air, suntan lotion, suntan, kelp, sailboats, sails, masts, sand castles, beach towel, sea breeze, tourists, feet, bathing suits, bikinis, skin, fog, sunrise, sunset, day or night, sea creatures, sand crabs, starfish, seagulls, sea shells, sand pipers, dolphins, pelicans, dogs, umbrella, cooler, cookout, bonfire, full moon, clouds, wind, driftwood, volleyball, shore, picnic, vacation, weekend, bread crumbs, tide, dinghy, lifeguards, boardwalk, wharf, men, women, boys, girls, children, treat, bodies, crowds, heat, sky, scene, scenery, reality, horizon, wonder, summer, adults, family, sea food, water front, imagery, things, landscape

VERBS

wade, swim, splash, sun bathe, play, laugh, reflect, shout, run, dream, dig, eat, watch, float, paint, admire, gaze, sail, bring, carry, tote, toss, shake, shiver, smile, walk, jog, rest, relax, enjoy, lap, crowd, seeing, rolls, scan, surfing, crash, school, bobbing, building, become (including with suffix “ing” or “ed”, etc.)

ADVERBS AND PRONOUNS

bare, hot, wet, sweaty, fun, excited, sunny, foggy,

overcast, exposed, good sea-side, endless, rough

or smooth, over-sized pleasant, picture-perfect, blue, panoramic, golden, deep, painted, watercolor, soaring, slowly, epic, sandy, endlessly, misty

2. Poem using only words on list:

Sunshine,

Sand,

Ocean,

Suntan lotion,

Beach towels,

Bare feet,

Sea breeze.

Sunrise,

Sunset,

Weekend,

Vacation,

Umbrella,

Picnic,

Panoramic, sea-side, imagery.

Gazing,

Deep.

Seeing

Seagulls,

Sea Shells,

Starfish,

Sailboats,

Blue sky,

White wave,

Bobbing dinghies,

Relaxing,

Enjoying

Dreamy

Sand castle water-color scenery,

Men, Women, Children,

Splashing,

Running,

Swimming,

Admiring,

Endless horizon,

Hot, sweaty bodies,

Swim trunks,

Bikinis,

Lifeguards,

Watching,

Vacation

Crowds crowding

Boardwalk,

Wharf, golden shore.

Crashing Surf

Picture-perfect.

Summer beach

3. Poems with added words: Prepositions, Conjunctions, Articles, and Interjections

For Reference:

https://writing-center.phsc.edu/grammar/sentence-structure/sentences/parts-speech

Here is my sample:

The Beach

There is no forgetting or getting over it,

Once you’ve spent a day or two at the beach.

Even pictures or videos will get you excited,

You’ll dream of white-crested waves, sand and bare feet.

There’s nothing like spending day at the sea shore.

Or a summer vacation on the sun-kissed coast.

Next week you’ll be boasting to family and friends

Of leaping dolphins, bikinis, and sleek sailing boats.

Great wide swaths of warm golden sand-scapes,

Water as far as a body can see,

A hand-over-eyes scanning of the ocean

Reveals billowing sails,

Fishing boats and yachts with their bob-along dinghies.

There is wading, swimming, running to be done,

Volleyball and surfing skills to display.

A weekend filled to the brim with its sea-side wonders.

This magical place where you tan as you play.

Hours of beach blanket slumber under over-sized umbrellas,

Coolers filled with cashes of food and drink.

People that come in all shapes and sizes,

To worship the sun, the sand, and the sea.

Sunglasses worn to protect the observer,

To hide behind as the eyes scan the scene.

Guys tossing footballs, dashing in swim trunks

Girls look to impress, adjust straps, rub on sun screen.

Building castles in sand, a pastime for many

Knowing time and tide will wash it away.

Scanning for sea shells and pieces of driftwood,

A leisurely way to spend the whole day

The pleasantries of a summer merged with the ocean

An azure blue sky dotted with puffy white clouds.

The rolling waves rolling, right up to your tip toes

Take pictures, make memories,

The sights and the smells, the tastes and the sound.

A gentle breeze blows, to tickle the senses,

As evening lights dim with a curtain of fog.

Gives rise to its visions of lost pirate treasures,

Full-moon bonfires and sing-along songs.

Now, the last of the bread crumbs go to the seagulls.

And yes, the kids will fuss when it’s time to go home,

Adults shake out their blankets, sandals and beach towels

As a picture perfect day quickly comes to a close.

(Note: as I worked this poem I added several new words/phrases to my list

for future use.)

This, is my take on the beach as a poetic subject. You’ll notice how I tried to make my poem more story-like. In a poem you want to include descriptions that involve all of the senses if you can. You also want to include your passion for the subject, your feelings about it. As we move toward an article format, you will see how this feeling can be advanced through imaginative descriptions or fact-based research.

To be continued… Next week I will convert words to sentences and paragraphs - stay tuned! M.True

*****

8/16/2024

Tricks and Tips – Literature – Part 3

"WRITING A FEATURE ARTICLE"

For those who are following my blogs closely, I have spent the past two weeks talking about advancing your writing skills. Specifically, I have been talking about writing feature articles. So why did I start out by writing poetry?

In choosing a theme for any article we must be aware of all of the vocabulary associated with any given topic. I had chosen the topic: The Beach, because it is something familiar to most humans. Not everyone may have gone to the beach, but most folks know and understand the concept. Seen in pictures, videos, movies, and written about over the centuries in various forms.

Gathering a list of words related to the beach, gives the writer tools for his/her use. I have given you some internet links to resources introducing the basics of reading and writing in the English language. Grammar and good sentence structure are the building blocks of our language. In communicating, we are open to some deviation, i.e. the use of slang or commonly used informal speech and idioms or commonly used phrases that are meaningless unless spoken or written together such as, “It is raining cats and dogs!”. We also use a sort of short-hand when we write texts, abbreviating and using fewer words. But we have to be careful of not getting too confusing with what we say and how we say it, when writing a feature article.

In writing to a larger audience, it is important that we don’t use words that are just recognized by a small group of individuals. The bigger the audience, the more ”likes” to be had.

So, we start out with our word list. We try to arrange those words into a story with a beginning, middle, and end by arranging them in some logical order. The single word poem forces you to consider each word in a position that makes some sense. The poem with added vocabulary, allows you to make simple sentences and continue to look for a good arrangement of your poem (story).

Now we come to writing the opening of your article. The first two or three sentences can make or break any story. It is important to get your audience’s attention right away. Therefore, introducing your story is very important. Even the title can pull readers your way.

I used “The Beach” as my topic and have outlined several things I want to share with my readers about the beach. So how would I start my article? First, I would set up the story line by giving the piece a good title.

“A Day at the Beach”, “Why Do We Love the Beach?”, “Are Beaches Dangerous Places?”, “Where are the Best Beaches in the world?” These are but a few possible titles for my article.

As you may notice, the first two titles imply that the author will mostly talk about personal experiences, while the second two will require some research and quotes from other sources.

“A Day at the Beach” seems catchy but the second title, Why Do We Love the Beach?” brings more passion to your readers. Most readers of feature articles read for enjoyment. They want to be entertained. By reminding people of a fun activity, you are bringing them into your happy zone. You want to give them something to smile or even laugh about.

So, “Why Do We Love the Beach”, as a title, allows the author to explore all of the many things they like about the beach. I will begin my article with that premise. From the second poem, I introduced the piece with the first stanza:

There is no forgetting or getting over it,

Once you’ve spent a day or two at the beach.

Even pictures or videos will get you excited,

You’ll dream of white-crested waves, sand and bare feet.

From this I compose my opening paragraph:

“We live in a world that adores beaches. Golden sand, white-crested waves, and bare feet in cool water. To most humans this is paradise! If you’ve ever been to a beach there is no forgetting the experience. Even if you have only seen beaches in pictures, or in movies, or having read about it in books, the excitement, the wonder, and the romance of the idea will certainly have you wishing you could be there to see it for yourself.”

Here I have introduced the topic in a very positive way. I have engaged people who have been to the beach and those who haven’t. Remember, we want to reach as many people as possible. Now we go on to the body of our work. This can be anywhere from three or four paragraphs to around 2000 words, on average. Now back to the body of my poem…

You will note that the next seven stanzas are the meat and potatoes of the poem. These lines basically outline all of the fun things you can see or do while at the beach. Remember, you are attempting to keep your audience interested in the subject at hand. If you start talking about a deep-sea fishing trip you took last summer, you will lose some of the readers that were expecting more beach-specific details. This is a danger many writers fall into without even realizing it. This is why having lists of key words can help you stay on point. Also, remember to engage the reader by using all of your senses: smell, taste, touch, seeing and hearing.

This is the body of my article:

“Every time I go to the beach it is like reliving a dream. A day or a week at the sea-shore invites us to relax and enjoy the panoramic vista. A vacation on the sun-kissed coast soothes and relieves the tension of the day-to day world.

A hand-over-eye scanning of the ocean can reveal fishing trawlers, yachts, and a variety of sailboats and cruisers. If you are lucky, spotting a breaching whale or a leaping school of dolphins may be in store. Seagulls and pelicans soar with the grace of figure skaters gliding in the air.

But the beach, itself, is really where it’s happening. First, you park yourself under an oversized umbrella, beach towels and blanket at the ready. This is one of few places that I have no qualms about stripping off the outer-wear to get down to those swim trunks. On a busy day bodies of every shape and size slather with suntan oil then play in one of the best playgrounds on the planet. So why should I be any different?

We have come to frolic in the surf, running, splashing, swimming, even fishing. It is like a cotton-candy amusement park with no lines to stand in and wait. (Although there may be one nearby!) Depending on your favorite beach you may also be treated to volleyball matches, a legion of joggers, football and frisbie tossers and professional surfboard riders. Personally, people watching is my favorite sport!

It is always important for me, and whomever I am with to bring along that trusty cooler. When hunger strikes you have at hand a smorgasbord of foods ready and waiting. As others sample their picnics you can almost savor the scents wafting on the already salt-sea flavored air. This is especially true if your beach allows for small hibachis or pit fires, mmmmm mmmmm! And we mustn’t forget our favorite beverages.

For those who come for the fashion show aspect of the beach, it is certainly a tour de force! A world tinted by your designer sunglasses, springs to life in a wide variety of the latest swimwear fashions. Men, women, boys and girls all busy sporting bright and often tight outfits and doing their “fun in the sun” thing.

There are so many ways to enjoy a day at the beach. Building sandcastles, throwing bread crumbs to the seagulls, looking for sea shells and small pieces of driftwood. Some sun worshipers look to improve their tans, while others read their best-seller novel or bury their kids in the sand! Everyone seems to be focused on doing their best to relax beneath the azure blue sky dotted with soft white puffy clouds.

Millions of people gathering on the sandy coast of every continent and island in the world finding a leisurely way to spend the perfect day. And it is never too cliché to say, “We wish it would never end.”

But the curtain rises and falls with the tides and the fog.

“It is estimated that 31 percent of the world’s coastlines are sandy. There are around 372,000 miles of coastline in the world. Some are packed with tourists and others are isolated with only a few visitors each year. A fierce storm can wipe out a sandy beach overnight or create a new one in a matter of days” according to an article in The Cold Wire, “How Many Beaches Are In The World?” (Ellisha Rader Mannering, 2023).”

I did want to mention using facts and other people’s quotes in your article. There are two ways to do this, first, as I did in the last paragraph above, you can simply mention the source in the paragraph. The other option is to assign a number to this information and then give the source as a footnote. Don’t forget to put the source information in quotes.

Internet reference for using quotes: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/in_text_citations_the_basics.html

Finally, you come to your summery or conclusion. One or two paragraphs is usually sufficient. Go back to your title, this is what you want to say again at the end.

“Why do we love the beach? Let me count the ways…

Few other places on earth rival the sights and sounds, the excitement of a day at the beach. Fresh air, sunshine, food, fun, and so much more are waiting there, waiting in all of its panoramic glory, for you and for me.”

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK YOUR GRAMMAR AND SPELLING!

That wraps it up for another week. Visit miketrue.net next week for a musical interlude.

Follow your dreams – Make More Art! M.True

*****

7/26/2024

Background Information – Visual Arts

"Internet Links To "Visual Arts" - An Introduction"

Today I am going to take you on a search journey. As I have noted before, the Internet can be a treasure trove of information. In this blog post I am going to share the key search words that I am using and post some of the best results. I will supply the links and their descriptions so you have a starting place. At this time, I will not address products or services. These websites will be focused on the nature of art in all of its various forms.

My first search term is “Visual Arts”.

Of course, Wikipedia is almost always at the top of such topical searches and this one is no different.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visual_arts

Definition:“The visual arts are art forms such as painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, photography, video, filmmaking, comics, design, crafts, and architecture. Many artistic disciplines, such as performing arts, conceptual art, and textile arts, also involve aspects of the visual arts as well as arts of other types. Also included within the visual arts[1] are the applied arts,[2] such as industrial design, graphic design, fashion design, interior design, and decorative art.[3] “

https://artincontext.org/types-of-visual-art/

“Types of Visual Art – Various Forms of Creative Expression

ByAlicia du Plessis PostedMay 6, 2022 UpdatedOctober 20, 2023

What is visual art? Visual art is work that is intended to be viewed visually. There are several different types of visual art, and creative works may be made with a variety of materials, methods, and techniques. In this article, we will look at the various visual art forms and visual art examples:

https://proactivecreative.com/types-of-visual-arts/

“Proactive Creative - Guides for Visual Artists > Resources > Tips & Guides > Exploring Visual Arts: Visions & Views Revealed

Visual arts is perhaps one of the most powerful tools within society. It has kept records of revolutions throughout history and evolved rapidly in modern times.

It conveys deep human emotion, depicts the world around us, and takes on thousands of different forms.

The arts are a fundamental part of society and fill up almost every aspect of our lives. Those who truly appreciate art know that art surrounds us.

Visual arts are mainly represented in forms of sculpting, drawing, painting, crafts, graphic design, and printmaking, among many others.“

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/inspiring-quotes-from-famous-visual-artists/ss-BB1ijABt

“Painting, sculpture, and other visual art forms have enriched our lives for millennia. From cave art to contemporary art, humans have created the most outstanding works of art and reflected on every aspect of human life and its relationship with creativity. And throughout the years, many artists have said some quite remarkable things about art and being an artist. In this gallery, we bring you a selection of some of their best quotes.

Ready to be inspired? Then click on!”

That should keep you busy for a day or two…

Explore, Get Inspired, Make More Art! M. True

*****

7/19/2024

Tricks and Tips – All Arts

"Finding Art in Cool Spaces"

As we dive into the heat and humidity of our Northern Hemisphere’s summer months, hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people are taking refuge indoors. With the aid of our fans and air conditioners we hope to avoid the various health risks that we see and read about on a near daily basis.

While the necessity of work compels us to be out of our homes 40 or so hours a week, the better part of our down time is spent confined to our living quarters. Previously I spoke of this off work time when I wrote about finding the time to involve yourself in some artistic project. I also wrote about using some of that time to study and improve upon your existing skills, as in reading tutorials or watching videos. But all of your spare time does not have to go directly into learning the nuts and bolts of your chosen art interests.

Today we are blessed with many windows on our world. We don’t necessarily have to leave our domiciles to engage with the arts. Whether DVD or TV, CD or radio, most of us can tune-in to some form of art. If you have a good computer and have access to the Internet, even more of the world can come to your fingertips.

STOP: First thing to do is to take the time to consider what it is that you are getting out of your usual routine. Mentally push all of those down-time activities aside just long enough to take some deep breaths, focusing on that alone. This can help you de-stress and allow you to consider how to use your free time creatively, instead of just going through the motions and repeating the same activities day after day.

LOOK: There is so much that can be seen from the comfort of your own home. As a visual artist I seek out people, places, and things to put into my paintings and sketches. If I am looking for underwater scenes with coral and tropical fishes, for instance, I’ll do an Internet search and look at the images and videos on the search results page. On my laptop I keep a Download4Art file that has several subcategories, (internal files), like birds, plants, animals, people, New Orleans images, sunsets, etc.. If I am able to copy a picture, I download it and put it in its proper file for future use. Often, I use several pictures to get all of the elements I am trying to get into the piece I am composing. Personally, I do not want to copy other people’s art unless it is in the public domain. I know I would not want someone to steal my work for their profit.

Similarly, I bookmark various videos and free streaming material that lets me explore nature, museums, the art of other artists of interest, and land and city-scapes around the world. If I see something I want to bring to a painting, I pause the video and then do a screen grab to download it into my Download4Art file. If I am unable to download a specific picture, I save the page with a bookmark.

There are so many other things to see in one’s own home. Arranging a still life, (fruit in a bowl, nic nacs on a shelf, etc.), even posing family members, or gazing out a window can inspire a new artistic project.

LISTEN: Keep your ears open to the arts. I like to surf the net and radio for new songs, unusual instrumentation, singular voices and unique arrangements of all kinds of music. I know a lot of people have music they prefer, but getting out of your comfort zone does a lot to stimulate the imagination. How many genres of music can you list? Here are just a few: Classic, pop, jazz, rap, hip hop, adult contemporary, country, folk, Americana, Rock n Roll, Heavy Metal, gospel…

The list goes on and on. You don’t need to force yourself to listen for hours on end to any one of these styles, but the occasional sampling goes a long way toward widening your horizons.

And listening can go far beyond the realm of music. There are numerous places to listen to people talking about art in its various modes. If you dig deep you might come across plays, operas, story-telling, audio books, and more.

As you experience the various arts that come into your home, keep a journal or take notes of things that you see or learn. Make sketches or organize your document, photo, or video files so that you can add to them over time and know where to find things.

A quick plug for your local library… another excellent place to delve into the arts. And it is air conditioned too!

I get inspired by all sorts of things. Getting out into the real world, going to festivals, traveling to new or favorite places, or just a walk around a park, can certainly put the juice back in the bottle. But everything has its season. May you make the best of your art-infused summer!

Follow your dreams – Make More Art! M.True

*****

7/12/2024

Background Information – All Arts

"Inexpensive Ways To Get Into Your Art"

In this day and age, many artistic projects include a price tag. If you have already chosen an art path, you probably already know what is involved in the cost of any given area of interest.

If you are just a beginner, I would like to point out some of the expenses involved, but also some relatively inexpensive ways to immerse yourself in your chosen form of art.

For instance, if you like visual arts, photography may be a path forward for some. Given the possession of a standard smart phone, there is almost always a built-in camera these days.

A small digital camera can be purchased for under $100. It doesn’t have to be fancy if you are focused on “framing” shots. What gets into a picture and is seen as the center of interest, (or focus), is known as the picture’s COMPOSITION. Learning what makes a good picture can lead to work or play with a camera as your primary tool.

Otherwise, before purchasing big sets of oil, acrylic, or watercolor paints, the appropriate brushes, art knives, solvents and thinning fluids, and canvases, for instance, perhaps it would be a better idea to begin with pencil and paper sketches. Skills like visualizing depth and perspective, determining the position of a horizon line, arranging the elements, (people, places, things… in your picture), mastering lighting and shading techniques, and so on, are all skills that will readily transfer to more involved works. Or you may just continue to excel at drawing and leave it at that. Know too, that there are many on-line resources to guide you on your artistic journey.

Other art forms, like acting, dancing, stand-up comedy, etc., that require the use of the body, coordination, and timing often come initially through simple play. School plays and musicals, any informal talent event can be a good time to try out your skills and presentation. Memorizing dance steps or lines in a skit or play can test your abilities. Don’t be afraid to take that chance if you have such desires. At an older age, community theaters, poetry readings, musical open mic nights, even Karaoke nights offer some relatively inexpensive opportunities for refining your talents. Don’t forget the on-line videos and other related resources.

If you continue to pursue those careers, you probably already know that there are a variety of training coaches and classes out there. Your personal apparel and trips made to auditions may eventually be involved. This is where the expenses begin to go up.

Concerning music, again, school-based classes are the most used accesses to these art areas. Joining a choir or jazz ensemble, marching band or other in-school program can give you a good idea of what instrument(s) suit you best, or if your voice can be fine-tuned for singing. Other community-based opportunities, including college classes, putting together a garage band of your own, or joining a string quartet, may move you in the right musical direction. Renting an instrument can save some money if you find yourself searching for the one that suits you best. Pawn Shops may also be a good source of cheap used instruments.

When it comes to a writer’s collective of skills, little will outweigh the basic reading and writing rules learned in school. Topic or report writing provides the student with the structure necessary in most literary endeavors. All the boring bits taught about the makeup of sentence structure, paragraph structure and specialized formats, including those used in poetry, short-stories, novels, and even blogging, come from this basic knowledge. If you are playing catch-up and need additional instruction, there will certainly be thousands of on-line sources available to you, as well.

I enjoy a variety of artistic activities but am never more inspired than by observing the works of others. I like biographies and autobiographies of a wide variety of notable artists. Going to concerts, the theater, watching documentaries, or reading about those who have made an impression in the world of art, feed my endless curiosity, teach me new ideas, and spur me on to continue my own creative projects.

My advice, start simple and work your way up. In the end, I do the best I can on the budget I must work with and I’m not counting on getting rich anytime soon. For me, art is a simple pleasure, like blossoming honeysuckle on a vine. Enjoy the journey and what you experience along the way.

Follow your dreams – Make More Art! M.True

*****

7/5/2024

Inspiration – All Arts

"Art Inspiration"

This week I am hoping my readers are looking for inspiration. There are so many artistic endeavors that finding your personal favorite and diving into the mix can seem daunting. To all who are already finding their way, creating something beautiful and meaningful, I say, the more the merrier! Our quest is not just to make it a prettier world, but to make it better. Everyone has a talent and that talent should never be hidden.

For those who are looking to try something new for the first time, I say, be not afraid. It is just like jumping into the pool for the first time. Make sure the water is not too deep. Use your whole self to master the art that you have chosen, keep your head above the water, and above all, don’t panic.

As far as the inspiration goes, I stumbled across this story and a quote from one of my favorite authors, Kurt Vonnegut. Here is his eloquent reply to a high school student seeking advice from a seasoned writer.

“In 2006 a high school English teacher asked students to write to a famous author and ask for advice. Kurt Vonnegut was the only one to respond - and his response is magnificent:

“Dear Xavier High School, and Ms. Lockwood, and Messrs Perin, McFeely, Batten, Maurer and Congiusta:

I thank you for your friendly letters. You sure know how to cheer up a really old geezer (84) in his sunset years. I don’t make public appearances any more because I now resemble nothing so much as an iguana.

What I had to say to you, moreover, would not take long, to wit: Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what’s inside you, to make your soul grow.

Seriously! I mean starting right now, do art and do it for the rest of your lives. Draw a funny or nice picture of Ms. Lockwood, and give it to her. Dance home after school, and sing in the shower and on and on. Make a face in your mashed potatoes. Pretend you’re Count Dracula.

Here’s an assignment for tonight, and I hope Ms. Lockwood will flunk you if you don’t do it: Write a six line poem, about anything, but rhymed. No fair tennis without a net. Make it as good as you possibly can. But don’t tell anybody what you’re doing. Don’t show it or recite it to anybody, not even your girlfriend or parents or whatever, or Ms. Lockwood. OK?

Tear it up into teeny-weeny pieces, and discard them into widely separated trash receptacles. You will find that you have already been gloriously rewarded for your poem. You have experienced becoming, learned a lot more about what’s inside you, and you have made your soul grow.

God bless you all!" ~Kurt Vonnegut”

Follow your dreams – Make More Art! M.True

*****

6/28/2024

Tricks and Tips – All Arts

"Taking Stock of Your Talents"

When it comes to finding not only a good job, but one that suits you as a person, taking stock in your strengths and weaknesses is the path to success. The same can be said for finding out what talents you may have.

Have you ever taken an aptitude test? This is not a test that determines how intelligent you may be, but, rather, it is a test that seeks to sort out what abilities you might have. It’s also geared to give you some insight into what interests you might have, your likes and dislikes.

"10 Signs of a Creative Person" By Kendra Cherry, MSEd, is a good read to size up the basic elements of creativity.

https://www.verywellmind.com/characteristics-of-creative-people-2795488

In summarizing her article, she notes, “Five common traits of creative people include being high-energy, disciplined, imaginative, passionate, and sensitive.”

There are tests that assess creativity but few that actually narrow down the skills required for the more specific aspects of any given arts or crafts activity. For instance, it becomes necessary to single out skills related to playing music or singing, as opposed to working in clay, or making wood or stone sculptures. Writing fiction or non-fiction would require a heavy emphasis in the knowledge of the English language, (or your language of choice), making it quite different from knowing what it would take to begin learning to draw or paint.

So, what do you do with all of that pent up creativity inside of you? First, and foremost to me, is to ask yourself the question, what do you enjoy experiencing as a viewer, listener, or reader? Do you really enjoy going to a museum that features fine art? Do you love to read murder mysteries or romance novels? Do you spend a good deal of time listening to your favorite music? Are you a movie buff or do you prefer cooking shows? Often, when we engage in any of these pass-times there is a secret wish that we could somehow be involved in the creative process that brings these things into our lives. Perhaps a desire to share these artistic talents with friends, family, or even a cheering audience some day.

When it comes to my immersion in the arts, I am loath to take on projects that feel like work. For me, it is all about the pleasure I get from doing what I do. I want it to be fun! Although there is a commitment to be made in learning new skills, I would always caution against overdoing it. Burnout and frustration from not being able to do something right off often leads to abandonment of the effort. Take learning in small steps. Believe that you will improve over time. Set aside the time that you will need to dedicate to your new skill development. And above all, believe in yourself!

Each area of your personal interest is a possible link to a variety of activities that we would call the arts, (including culinary arts). The exiting part of this self-examination is, whenever you decide what you might want to learn, there are thousands of Internet based resources for beginners or those who would like to continue to pursue their artistic interests at a later time in life. And, I must add, if you are serious about developing any talent, seeking out classes or private instructors can open a whole new level of competence.

Consider your likes and dislikes, your strengths and your weaknesses. Try something new and have fun with the experience!

Follow your dreams – Make More Art! M.True

6/21/2024

Tricks and Tips – All Arts

"Making Time For Your Art"

Trying to write something, (in this instance my weekly blog), seems like it would be easy. I usually do a short essay on something of interest to me, current events, hopes and dreams. But as it turns out, it is always a matter of finding the time.

Millions of Americans, and undoubtedly individuals from anyplace else on the planet, find themselves inextricably tied in to some kind of daily routine. In most cases, first there is work to be done. Making money or doing what it takes to provide for one’s self or one’s family, is a critical element of life.

Last week I was talking about getting creative. I was talking about finding the time to do something positive, constructive. I know, from personal experience that this is easier said than done sometimes. When the work is done, when the family is taken care of, when grocery shopping or home maintenance tasks are completed, what is the first thing that most of us want to do? Kick back and relax, of course!

But how we choose our “down time” makes all the difference. Many will watch movies or other entertainment broadcast on their big-screen TVs. Others may read a book or go out for the evening.

But if you truly want to invest time in any area of the arts, there is only one thing to do for it. You must set aside one or more periods of time in which to work.

I once read that the would-be novelist can still write his or her book by investing a minimum of one hour every week toward that goal. But here’s the kicker. It must be one hour every week until the project ends. The easiest way to achieve this goal is to designate this time-slot on the same day and time each week.

Having a routine time for your project will go a long way toward its accomplishment. However, I would also suggest a few more things. First, make it a time when you still have the energy to put your best self into the effort. Often, like me, it will be earlier in the day rather than later. Second, find a place/space where you are less likely to be disturbed during your work. Frequent interruptions will often diminish the chances of your success. And third, have all of the materials that you will need, on hand, in that space, before you get to your creative time.

Follow your dreams – Make More Art! M.True

*****

6/14/2024

Tricks and Tips – All Arts

"Some Hot Summer Advice"

I know a lot of us are in for a long hot summer. It has climbed into the 90 plus degrees range (Fahrenheit) here already and for the elderly, the very young, and people with significant health issues, the heat can and will prove deadly over the course of the season ahead.

My first bit of advice is to use fans to circulate the air. This seems obvious enough but I know a lot of folks who would crank their air conditioners to maximum power. But I have found that setting the thermostat to the mid 70s (temperature-wise), and using several small fans can be just as effective as setting the A/C lower.

But enough of that. Of course we all know that we need to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Water is always the best option. Drinks with caffeine and alcohol can do more damage than good, actually depleting the amount of water within you.

Now I want to get to the part that helps me survive these "shut-in days". It is easy to just want to sleep the days away. The heat fuels the lethargy, especially if there is little to do except maybe listen to the radio or watch programs beamed in off the internet. Without routine exercise, however, our tendency is to gain weight and to lose the energy that we once had. Arm-chair exercises are the best way to get past this hurdle. Just do a quick web search for a 10 minute routine. (I like this one: https://duckduckgo.com/?t=ffab&q=arm+chair+excersizes&iax=videos&ia=videos&iai=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DoumzMyqK-2I

Don' forget to drink that water!

Then it becomes a matter of finding some interesting ways for you to occupy your time. I have three main areas that I focus on: Music, Art, and Literature.

I will get into more detail on each of these in my future blogs. In the mean time... look for the beauty in the world around you. Use your time in constructive ways. Be patient and kind-hearted to family, friends, and neighbors.

Follow your dreams – Make More Art! M.True

*****

6/8/2024

"Fun Facts About Me"

I "retired" around 2010, having decided to take to the arts. To be honest, my health got in the way of my previous profession as an educator/administrator. I had spent over thirty years of my life looking to the care and nurturing of those around me. Now I needed to focus on myself.

I used to think that caring for oneself, at the expense of others, was a selfish notion. And yet, with a significant heart problem, it would become necessary to do what needed to be done for the sake of self preservation.

As fate would have it, I always yearned to be an artist. There had always been a creative element to my being and with the encouragement of friends and family, I found myself immersed in the worlds of art, literature, and music. To be honest, I always wanted to live a life of fantasy. For as long as I could remember, I had been trying to elude my personal circumstances and the accompanying mental stress that seemed a constant, no matter how hard I tried to dodge that bullet.

Episodes of severe depression have plagued me no matter where I moved or what I did to transform my life. Apparently there is some genetics involved. For many years the darkness seemed overwhelming.

So, after having survived open-heart surgery in 2005, I was determined not to slide into that mind-crushing abyss. Instead, I decided to do some of the things that I had always wanted to do. I must admit, I was "lucky" enough to have received some support from the Veteran's Administration, based on my service in the Navy during the early 1970's. On a meager disability stipend, I could just manage food, rent, and utilities. Mostly it gave me time.

I found time to write, time to paint, and time to strum my guitar and make up songs along the way. It turns out that these activities proved cathartic, and allowed me some peace of mind, despite the stress-ridden world just outside my window.

I'll write more about this as time goes on. For now, suffice it to say, that along with the emotional bonds of my children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren, the embracing of the arts has done more than I could ever have imagined to keep me, intellectually stimulated, happy and healthy.

Follow your dreams – Make More Art! M.True

*****

6/1/2024

"Politics as Usual"

We are all guilty of something...

If we deny it, we are lying to ourselves and all the world!

In the United States of America we are governed by the rule of law. Our representatives craft these laws endlessly. Some are good, some not so good. But if we ignore these laws or work to circumvent them for personal gain, there are, and must be, consequences.

More often than I like to admit, there are laws that I deem as unfair, derisive, and I, like everyone else, am entitled to my opinion about such things. Local, state, and federal officials are supposed to work for the benefit of their constituents. It is a widely held belief that these folks should be striving to enhance our society as a whole. We look to our lawmakers to consider our safety, the protection of our religious beliefs, to guard us from the corrupt and the assaultive elements within our society, and to provide for relief from those who have wronged us in some way. But this system cannot be vindictive or one-sided in determining its judgments. It cannot be based on one person's idea of right or wrong. It must be balanced and fair. To be sure, this is the American way and as an American, I must accept this reality.

Once, when civics seemed a critical subject to be taught in our public schools, there was an established notion that every citizen would be a part and party to the upholding of the laws of the land. By embracing a system of electing our favored representatives, we were assured that we had some say in the making and changing of our laws. But these laws have never been "mine" or "yours". With all of the many viewpoints, based on a personal understanding, beliefs and/or opinions, hundreds, if not millions , of individual ideologies are bound to impact the outcome of every election. And as the Rolling Stones put it, "You can't always get what you want!"

From the beginning of our nation's history, we most often regarded compromise as the means to make the best of this collective jumble of thoughts. With the means for public input; town boards, city councils, state and federal legislative bodies were each tasked with considering all reasonable perspectives of a given issue and doing what was considered best for the general public.

Some will say that corruption and partisan politics has always played a role, but wouldn't we prefer a more even-handed system of governance? Are we so jaded that we can only see our side of every issue and give our vote to those who claim they will give us what we want, regardless of what the majority opinion might be?

The U.S. Constitution provided a starting point, a compass for the many public welfare decisions that have been considered over the last 248 years. (I wonder now, how many of the voting age adults in this country have read the document, including the many amendments, and how many truly understand what it all means?) This single transcript is what binds us all together. Consider it essential reading.

I urge everyone to be aware of the power of their vote. Likewise, consider what others, not just those in your inner circle, are saying. Take the time to get to know the policies that each candidate is promoting. And above all else, ask yourself if they... if YOU are willing to compromise to make our country, and every citizen in it, proud to be a part of this unique , world-renown democracy!

Follow your dreams – Make More Art! M.True

*****

5/24/2024

"My First Impressions"

Seems as good a day as any to start something new. In these times when many are stuck on the idea that we must hunker down in the vestiges of the old, or worse yet, hide our heads in the sand and pretend that some dystopian future may not take shape, I shall offer up a challenge.

It is an old adage, to be sure. "Today is the first day of the rest of our lives."

In the moment, we have the ability, no, the responsibility to move forward in our small part of the world and carve out a positive and constructive pathway forward, for us, our children and our children's children. We cannot sit idly by and watch others impose their greed and power-driven intentions upon us.

In my art, music and stories, I seek to tap into the power of creativity, of construction, as apposed to destruction. Daily, I try to envision a better world, a better, country, a better state, but most importantly a better life, right where I stand. I strive to share my visions, which is one of the reasons for the creation of this website.

This website has been a dream of mine for the better part of a decade. I have had one challenge after another, (consider 2 years of Covid 19 isolation, limited financial resources, health issues, etc.), but I never gave up on the project. Little by little, I let the pages take shape in my mind. Much of the text had already been written, banners created, pictures chosen, often far in advance.

I am like that in my tenacity. It has often been put down as foolish stubbornness, but I am my own captain when it comes to such things. Perhaps I am wiser, as well as older and have found myself in a unique set of circumstances that allows me to pursue my own dreams. But that is not to say that you too can't carve out some " me time" in your busy life. I just hope that your individual actions will continue to contribute to a brighter future for us all.

Follow your dreams – Make More Art! M.True

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