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When I was a kid, I loved taking my canvas covered raft out into the surf of Myrtle Beach and riding the waves in.  My sister and I would compete on who could ride the waves in the farthest.  Those friendly competitions were high points of family vacations in the sun.  We had to watch for a swell a long way out, one that held together until it approached our shallow water, where it rose up and crested.  The trick was to turn our backs, pushing to get just ahead of that crest to be carried in.  When it was done poorly, you ended up with a face full of seawater.  When done well, the excitement of that wall of water pushing you toward shore was a treat!

When creating art, I often scan the horizon, looking for trends in subject and color.  There are times when my palette is influenced by the "color of the year" or by interior design trends, simplistic or ornate.  I paint because I enjoy painting, but it doesn't hurt to sell that work and let someone else enjoy it too!  There are times when the coming trend, or the coming color combinations just don't speak to me, and I tend to stay put and wait for the next wave of inspiration.  I continue to create on my own terms, stockpiling work, or even venturing ever so slightly out ... just enough to secure the sales that I need.  Then there are the times that the trend or colors are all in my wheelhouse, and I revel in those creative swells.  Those are the times I ride the wave of creation that results in higher sales, greater enjoyment, and deeper accomplishment.  

I am now at a point when I can see the next swell, and know that it is bringing me some exciting painting times ahead.  The colors and styles fit my own, and I can hardly wait to see what comes next.  Regardless of what lies ahead politically or economically, I see positive times.

As an artist, how do you know when the next wave is YOUR wave?  Are you attuned to what is going on in the decorating field, or do you flip through an occasional magazine to get a feel for what is NOT being shown?  Some artists never look up, never look around, never vary from what makes them happy and brings them joy.  Some create artwork that is stunning regardless of time or fashion.  And some really want to get their work seen and sold.  Each has its following, as varied as there are artists.  Me....I like to create beautiful scenes..and I like to sell!