tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992188361901924074.post325607869631255786..comments2023-11-12T15:22:03.945-07:00Comments on Liz Wiltzen-A Painter's Journal: Navigating the 5 Phases of Rejectionliz wiltzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11968282661175393214noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992188361901924074.post-89175742503150179572013-03-24T15:04:02.762-06:002013-03-24T15:04:02.762-06:00Thanks for expressing what so many of us have all ...Thanks for expressing what so many of us have all thought! Thanks for being so honest. Your paintings are amazing and so are your written words.Ann Osgoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10831883567166094170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992188361901924074.post-23477075750145394412013-03-23T23:17:08.266-06:002013-03-23T23:17:08.266-06:00Keep it up, hope you get in. I like the Night on t...Keep it up, hope you get in. I like the Night on the Town painting, has nice depth and not to overpowering. Hope you get in next time Liz, your paintings looks great.<br /><br />~RandallRandallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14944587596023240421noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992188361901924074.post-75027241582601004392013-03-23T10:05:36.774-06:002013-03-23T10:05:36.774-06:00Thanks for sharing your thoughts here on this. I d...Thanks for sharing your thoughts here on this. I didn't get in this year, either... again. My work was accepted into one national show a couple of years ago and it was more than a little strange to see a green check on my entry at the online jury system. I had to look twice to verify I wasn't actually seeing another red X. (There's a long line of red Xs at my account..ha.)<br /><br />Your painting is wonderful. Who knows why it was rejected, or at what point. Maybe it almost made it. With so many excellent paintings to choose from, painted by hundreds of top artists, the judges have to draw the line somewhere.<br /><br />The work that makes it into the OPA shows is always outstanding. With one or two exceptions, I am always impressed at the quality of art in the national and regional exhibits.<br /><br />Rejection is hard. We artists see it a lot, day to day, even, especially if we're putting our work up for sale at an online venue and no one buys it.<br /><br />I really like the way you laid out the steps to attitude recovery. Let us keep working and enjoying the gifts the Lord has given us, even the ability to see... especially the ability to see.<br /><br />Happy painting!Diana Moses Botkinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06254521493118166524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992188361901924074.post-88854069903846762262013-03-19T19:04:24.718-06:002013-03-19T19:04:24.718-06:00Great post. I love your use of language, especiall...Great post. I love your use of language, especially the description of "spinning"... so true. Thanks for being so generous, and I love your cityscapes.Jody Reganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14042330297369057882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992188361901924074.post-23320671411162979582013-03-02T09:55:23.532-07:002013-03-02T09:55:23.532-07:00Hey Julia, thanks for your comment, I love what yo...Hey Julia, thanks for your comment, I love what you said about doing it for "me", it's so important to make that the priority.<br /><br />I find I paint and write not just for me, but also with a desire to move people. I think the trick is to know that I will never move everyone, but if I create authentically I will deeply move some. And that's more than enough. :-)liz wiltzenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11968282661175393214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992188361901924074.post-11528958922434979152013-03-02T09:25:48.501-07:002013-03-02T09:25:48.501-07:00Sorry to be so late to the party, but thanks for s...Sorry to be so late to the party, but thanks for sharing this, Liz. I've been rejected from OPA too. Also from CAC (though I did get one in once!) and other clubs. AND - just to get EVEN MORE rejection on my plate - I'm a writer who's been rejected by agents and publishers! <br />But somehow I keep going - I just do it for me. Me me me, because what I paint and write is really only for me. If someone else likes it that's frosting on the cake but if not, I'll keep going anyway.Julia Watsonhttp://fineartbyjulia.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992188361901924074.post-69568323737503279992013-02-27T10:57:24.194-07:002013-02-27T10:57:24.194-07:00I disagree, that the post was too personal and out...I disagree, that the post was too personal and out of place on the blog. A blog is personal and is a vehicle for sharing information about our experience as well as our work. Mary Sheehan Winnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07739304038978908921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992188361901924074.post-42810336322812462212013-02-27T10:54:39.578-07:002013-02-27T10:54:39.578-07:00exactly.
And although when we get the prizes, it ...exactly. <br />And although when we get the prizes, it feels good, keeping a perspective about the variables ie., preference of whomever is judging, number of entries (when it's relevant) is a good thing.<br />But, one cannot help but compare and wonder....Mary Sheehan Winnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07739304038978908921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992188361901924074.post-84724994124511029942013-02-25T10:22:28.017-07:002013-02-25T10:22:28.017-07:00Your honesty in dealing with our feelings of rejec...Your honesty in dealing with our feelings of rejection is refreshing to say the least. I gathered strength from your openness in showing what goes through everyone’s mind when we too receive a “no”, in whatever form, art particularly, but also in our daily lives. It is refreshing to see that even an artist with such huge talent as yourself does deal with the same emotions as those of us who are still struggling. Thank you for your honesty in showing that this emotional issue is not ours alone, and that a positive attitude shines through in the end. I too love your entry piece. You captured the rain and the lights to perfection. You remain a total winner in my books, and as always, an inspiration. Cecilia Leahttp://www.cecilialea.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992188361901924074.post-46594063416882160052013-02-25T08:52:48.822-07:002013-02-25T08:52:48.822-07:00I think it is important to put your thoughts down ...I think it is important to put your thoughts down in writing, to see your process of dealing with rejection in a physical form, like this blog or a journal etc...rejection is part of what we do, dealing with rejection will be part of who we are as artists and thank you for sharing your thoughts and strategy. Your work is strong and worthy of merit and recognition...that is a fact. You are an amazing artist held in high regard by a host of knowledgable people and on an incredible artists journey that has and will lead you to incredible heights. This in inevitable....life is good Liz Wiltzen !!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14790750653146235077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992188361901924074.post-16978523601410159482013-02-25T07:13:44.722-07:002013-02-25T07:13:44.722-07:00Hi Liz,
Just found your blog through a post about...Hi Liz,<br /><br />Just found your blog through a post about artist's block which was amazing, then saw this. I am a newbie at painting but have been an Interior Designer for many years. There is a similar creative process and publication/awards. The one thing I have learned is that the most important judge are those to whom you bring joy with your creative process. The people who gave your paintings the ultimate value by spending their hard earned money on something that brings them joy. :)Kikiblancahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02439919155070256283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992188361901924074.post-91514788213708828442013-02-24T20:55:01.038-07:002013-02-24T20:55:01.038-07:00right on!!...and hes not the only one....right on!!...and hes not the only one....sharonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02529895941009940357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992188361901924074.post-55302571651303757612013-02-24T08:13:01.129-07:002013-02-24T08:13:01.129-07:00Now I get it. Sharing...to help others. : ) I like...Now I get it. Sharing...to help others. : ) I like it. annettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06022704399762464355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992188361901924074.post-79107116777944528032013-02-23T23:31:06.079-07:002013-02-23T23:31:06.079-07:00Hey thanks for the offer Robin - the ball's al...Hey thanks for the offer Robin - the ball's all yours :-)liz wiltzenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11968282661175393214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992188361901924074.post-17110548934607355872013-02-23T23:27:55.993-07:002013-02-23T23:27:55.993-07:00Hi Annette, your comment echos a couple of others ...Hi Annette, your comment echos a couple of others that seem to be missing the point of my post. <br /><br />It is not about lamenting the rejection, it is simply sharing what I find to be the natural process when you put your best foot out there and things don't go as you would like in your best envisioning.<br /><br />Kinda like the audience not clapping when you've given the best performance you can.<br /><br />It's not a problem, just a process, and my post and reason for sharing was to let others who have done fewer laps with it know that they are not alone and they will get to the other side.liz wiltzenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11968282661175393214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992188361901924074.post-68027311470032981902013-02-23T21:46:22.813-07:002013-02-23T21:46:22.813-07:00Wow- for the well written post. And WOW for the r...Wow- for the well written post. And WOW for the rejection. Let me feel angry and bad and mad and you enjoy the sensible healthy way to process it. Just don't understand it. Robin Robertshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10359153477284637805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992188361901924074.post-3853587234666482162013-02-23T20:30:42.287-07:002013-02-23T20:30:42.287-07:00Hi Liz...why the pressure...enjoy the process...ye...Hi Liz...why the pressure...enjoy the process...yes...we know the world if very political...and yes you are a master painter : why not just enjoy?<br /><br />annettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06022704399762464355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992188361901924074.post-54882401029228019082013-02-23T20:00:24.851-07:002013-02-23T20:00:24.851-07:00When I opened the link to your wonderful painting ...When I opened the link to your wonderful painting I was talking to my computer and expecting an answer. What? Seriously? It's a gorgeous painting. And thank you for sharing and reminding us of the process for processing the disappointment, no one is immune.<br /> Tracey Mardonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12261386338875871326noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992188361901924074.post-54148055502829659382013-02-23T16:43:17.954-07:002013-02-23T16:43:17.954-07:00This was a great post. I love your entry painting...This was a great post. I love your entry painting. I put it in my "inspiring paintings" folder when you first posted it. I seem to float between the thrilling sensation that I get to paint, and the excruciating fear of failure. The above painting is wonderful. The taxis really look like they are moving. You are so talented and you will win you entry eventually. It will be so satisfying.Christinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15597915315535016674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992188361901924074.post-3774964414731794172013-02-23T11:59:29.988-07:002013-02-23T11:59:29.988-07:00Thank you for writing this for ALL of us. And some...Thank you for writing this for ALL of us. And sometimes it does hit harder than other times. When you have a truly stunning piece like yours, it's a shock.You could wonder why your best is still not good enough.I am grateful to you for sharing the internal process that many of us go through in such a thoughtful manner...so comforting to know we're not alone in this!Susan Williamsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16653352066442574536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992188361901924074.post-8860787232138516062013-02-23T11:44:26.186-07:002013-02-23T11:44:26.186-07:00Isn't is great to know that we all have these ...Isn't is great to know that we all have these feelings to some degree Pam? I love that we have a fabulous tool in the internet which allows us to share the journey at such an open and honest level.<br /><br />Surprisingly someone commented on another forum that my post was too personal, and too much information for a professional blog. I couldn't agree less. Standby for a post coming up on that shortly.<br /><br />Glad it resonated with you!liz wiltzenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11968282661175393214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992188361901924074.post-56874224210308160392013-02-23T11:35:30.439-07:002013-02-23T11:35:30.439-07:00Thanks Claudia!
I have been getting some interes...Thanks Claudia! <br /><br />I have been getting some interesting mail from people who have greatly misinterpreted my words. Thank you for clearly hearing the message I intended and the spirit in which it was offered.liz wiltzenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11968282661175393214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992188361901924074.post-57804829377848267952013-02-23T11:33:09.413-07:002013-02-23T11:33:09.413-07:00Right on Roberta, so true! It's what we decide...Right on Roberta, so true! It's what we decide is true that either ties us up in knots or frees us.liz wiltzenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11968282661175393214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992188361901924074.post-3295350229819084872013-02-23T09:50:25.108-07:002013-02-23T09:50:25.108-07:00I LOVE your post (and your gorgeous painting!). I ...I LOVE your post (and your gorgeous painting!). I appreciate so much your honesty, thoughtfulness and insightfulness in posting what all artists feel at some point. The "why bother" can hit with rejection as well as those frustrating stages of learning where you wonder if/when you'll break through with the next "aha!". Thank you for sharing the answer, too. It IS all about what drives you in the first place to do art—the unending passion to consistently improve and create the best paintings possible. Glad you're back on your feet! Looking forward to reading about your success next year! Pam Perrashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04437520492596758860noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4992188361901924074.post-74807495094951344192013-02-23T08:41:22.503-07:002013-02-23T08:41:22.503-07:00Sorry you didn't get in. Rejection always suck...Sorry you didn't get in. Rejection always sucks, but without it the wins wouldn't be nearly so satisfying. A couple things I always do when the rejection blues set in is ask myself how getting accepted would affect my life/career (vs how I perceive it would affect me); and how not getting in affects my life/career (vs how I perceive it). The answer is invariably - probably wouldn't have much effect. I just think it will. Roberta Murrayhttp://www.uncommondepth.comnoreply@blogger.com