Dear Robert,
I happen to be one of those artist,who heads up a group in a church basement. We are "The Monday Morning Artist" We meet in the spring and fall for 8 weeks. We are a watercolor class and have had the privilege of having Bill Perry as our teacher for over 5 years. The spring classes started yesterday. All of students that I spoke with are so exciting to get back to painting. Life has away of getting in the way of our Art. Getting back together does improve creative quality. Susan

In regards to art societies, I have been involved and at times, so involved I have no time to paint. I think they are great, provide a place to meet like-minded people, exhibit your work even if you are not very good, combine resources to put on workshops and more.

There comes a time, however, when you have to ask yourself, "Do I socialize or do I paint?". Then you pull away from all the society work and events to work alone. Until the next time.

Some things just don't don't go together well; like tire warehouses and children's day care.

Your thoughts about the happiness in the world, how countries rate, and how this affects artists made me think of a book I'm reading by Jonah Lehrer, Imagine: How Creativity Works. Apparently neuro science has learned a sadness factor helps artists focus and perhaps that's why many major writers and artists have been know to suffer from depression.On other hand the happiness factor is connected to bursts of insight, and mostly the brain of the creative person incredibly does it's job shifting from lieft to right to peak some kind of balance.

Happiness in those countries may have more to do with economic stability than anything. Extreme northern climates also have high alcoholic and drug dependency rates. My years in Alaska (even though I was young) lent themselves to times of boredom inside it was enough to drive my parents and us kids to distraction. Six months of darkness and bitter cold would induce the most sane to a little down behavior.
Common interests are great for socializing but I've always done better alone or cultivating friendships beyond clubs, some with artists, some not.
Love and family are basic to human experience but aside from that, art will always be a lone pursuit.

Was it was a coincidence that I recently read this article from the NY Times? I thought so when I saw the topic of your Letter this morning. You might enjoy the lengths to which Stefan Stagmeister goes in his pursuit of 'Happiness', which appears to be a hot topic in the art world this week.

Elaine Prodor, Alison Miyuchi and I had the opportunity to hear Stephan Stagmeister speak in Toronto at the Design Exchange a few years ago. Radical, but entertaining and thought-provoking nonetheless.

Hope you and Sara have a great time at Hollyhock this year.

This is not exactly a response to your latest, happiness, but some of what you say about 'clubs' reminds me of the book I'm currently reading, 'IMAGINE - How Creativity Works' by Jonah Lehrer. It's an interesting read.

It is interesting to know that Canada ranks high in the happiness factor in the UN World Happiness Report and I am glad that I live in Canada. In my early years I was also happy living in the Philippines. Those days I was content and happy in the knowledge that I have a support system with my immediate family and friends. Here in Canada I have a family that supports each other and friends who share interests and information. In Canada we have a very multicultural population who are happy to have the opportunity to achieve their potential and fulfill their dreams. They have strong family ties and kinship where they can observe their cultural traditions. Happiness comes from contentment and acceptance of what you have and not expecting more than you can afford. In art I am happy that I am able to pursue my lifelong interests and I am glad that I have found friends who share my enthusiasm in creating beautiful images of the world around us. There are times when rivalry and challenges arise among friends and sometimes we ask each other to critic our own work in a constructive way. I have the final decision of what to do with it. I like learning different cultures and respect them.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Artist Thomas Kinkade once said that he had something in common with Walt Disney and Norman Rockwell: He wanted to make people happy.

And he won success with brushwork paintings that focused on idyllic landscapes, cottages and churches — highly popular works that became big sellers for dealers across the United States.
The self-described "Painter of Light," who died Friday at age 54, produced sentimental scenes of country gardens and pastoral landscapes in dewy morning light that were beloved by many but criticized by the art establishment.

Kinkade died at his home in Los Gatos in the San Francisco Bay Area of what appeared to be natural causes, said family spokesman David Satterfield.

He claimed to be the nation's most collected living artist, and his paintings and spin-off products were said to fetch some $100 million a year in sales, and to be in 10 million homes in the United States.

Thanks, Robert, I needed a laugh today....GUBSPDA - fabulous!

While I attend workshops, demonstrations and belong to three art groups I prefer to paint en plein air alone or atleast in my own space. It is interesting to see what others do and how they do it and so one absorbs what appeals. That said I do not want to paint like another person because that's their doing. Art takes me to the place from which I write poetry and short stories, to the place where I feel the music I play or sing. I believe creativity is best left to it's originality. Turner was a great example of this!

I consider my life well-lived as I’ve gotten most of what I truly earned and fortunately for me - only half of what I really deserved.

Uncanny timing about being alone in Lahore, Pakistan - and not alone at the same time. Enjoyed the article very much.

This is so funny and so true, love your letters.

I find changing media keeps things fresh. If I painted all the time and only painted I would grow bored for sure. As artists I think we are better than that.

I firmly believe that people are happy when they are free to do what they want to do. This starts with their personal and economical freedom and people like family, friends or soul mates. But it can only be complete with a work of love. That’s really all there is to it. Do what you want equals happy, do what you don’t equals unhappy. Just try walking a cat on a leash.

Funny, funny, funny. I was laughing out loud. Loved the very last sentence under Esoterica best of all. How true! Hanging together while on our own is by far the best description of the global artists' club. Thank you for this one, Robert Genn! Loved it! BTW, I'm Dutch, fourth happiest in the world. Woohoo!

I love your club! Thank you so much for all your inspiration!

I so very much enjoy your letters and have to say that this one was hilarious! Thanks so much for keeping us laughing.

When you're in tune with the unknown, the known is peaceful.

Hi Shailaja,
Welcome to the wonderful brotherhood and sisterhood of artists Robert has created by uniting us through his twice weekly letters. He is the best thing that ever happened to my art life and I know you'll gain much wisdom as you read his letters. Good luck to you.

Not having a proper mentor these letters are highly valued!

I can't imagine my retired life without my two painting groups. Home is in Boone, NC, USA for six months and the winter six months in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. Both places I have wonderful groups that meet weekly. We have such a good time supporting each other and passing along tips. Gallery hopping on Art Crawl Nights together is also an inspiration. I feel so lucky to have these friends. My husband also attends my groups on occasion as he is beginning to paint again after many years away from it.

Well, all I can say is, Canadians' happiness rubs off on their visitors. My son and his wife live there, and we have visited three times now. Each time we come home saying how kind, friendly, and caring Canadians are, and that is coming from people who have lived in two countries renowned for their friendliness: South Africa and now Northern Ireland.

I have a request though, and I do hope, Robert, that it's okay to put it in here:
if there is ANYONE out there who can tell me about an art group or quilting group within easy reach of Antrim town, I would love to know about it. For years in Cape Town I belonged to two quilting groups, and to a wonderful art group, the South African Society of Artists, and I miss them both so much.

Eighteen months ago I retired from a 24/7 job, and after I'd recovered (!) set about trying to make friends, by joining a club that either sewed or did art - I wasn't fussy. Sewing classes were vaguely mentioned by a few people I asked, but someone who's been sewing for over fifty years and started quilting in the 1970s doesn't want lessons - and nor will I teach - I don't have the patience. ;-)

I recently joined a newly-formed community choir, which is absolutely great, but would still love to make friends who are also interested in my two great passions.

Thank you in advance!
Tel: 9446 1506 to locals.

These are sketches??!! They appear to be finished paintings. Don't know how they can be improved by enlargement. Hardly experimental--thought out and completed. Go on to other ideas for while. Take Robert's always wonderful suggestions less literally. Just paint!!

I think Richard Alm's humor is showing, or he is testing out his "Happiness Factor" on us by placing what looks to be a tennis ball in the golfing picture. Hmmmm...

Beautiful art work Richard. Wish I was that good. Keep it up

I teach high school art and my senior students have their own studio spaces. I tell them all the time that they can't make art in a bubble (or in bubbles). The studio environment, comraderie, support and feedback push them to be better artists. Working alone, we may be limited in how far past our comfort zone we go - and as a result, how much we grow. The tortured artist persona is old-school and not a true reflection of how one can best grow in a creative, collaborative environment. That said, silence and the opportunity to focus inwardly is essential to making good work. Finding the balance and way to make that work is as important to ARTMAKING as the ideas we grow and develop into something significant.

Luscious colors. Sketches look finished to me.

Wow, they are sketches? They look like finely ddetailed finished artworks. Even my finished artworks are much much messier than your lovely sketches.

Great to see your work-especially like the light on your white trees.
I find workshops and classes stimulating-but admit it's vital to keep on painting/drawing. (Now I have to practice what I preached!)

The problem is not how to be happy - we are all naturally & intrinsically happy - the difficulty is to avoid unhappiness - which can impact on us from many sources especially in today's smash & grab culture which values money more than people.

Richard Alm's work is excellent. I had better get started by going to my room. As a fibre artist, in a slump, I think I can do some small works and get myself going again. Great idea. Enough with the pity party!

It has been a delight and an honor to be able to walk by Richard Alm's 'back alley art studio', stop and chat, and watch the amazing development of a true artist. Can't wait to see the next 149 'sketches'. For Carol A. regarding the golf ball: The size of the golf ball personifies Richard's optimistic approach to life. Most would see a difficult shot - the ball surrounded by brambles and roots. Richard sees it as an opportunity and a challenge to be better than most.

It has been a delight and an honor to be able to walk by Richard Alm's 'back alley art studio', stop and chat, and watch the amazing development of a true artist. Can't wait to see the next 149 'sketches'. For Carol A. regarding the golf ball: The size of the golf ball personifies Richard's optimistic approach to life. Most would see a difficult shot - the ball surrounded by brambles and roots. I think that Richard sees it as an opportunity and a challenge to be better than most.

Good Evening - what a wonderful gift that The Lord has given to you regarding your art abilities. Your art is so precise, at first, I thought that they were photos.........are you using oils?

Yes, I would make giclee prints on watercolor paper........Dianna

I doubt my creativity has declined although i find myself having too many ideas to pursue and hoping my time isn't limited. Last year on my birthday i promised friends, family, and myself that I would create/paint/draw, etc., 80, 8 by 8 inch, artworks by my next birthday this year to celebrate my 80th. I made it a week before my 81st and am so tired of that size. I will not make that promise again (100, 10 by 10 inch, artworks for my 100th?) but it did cause me to rethink and plan to have a variety of images. Some should be burned and some I like but that is the way it goes. I doubt age had any play in the year of 8 by 8's, as I was able to accomplish a few other artworks.....and now plan to cover, learn and review more of the Art Apps on the iPad, to be entered on my blog. Washington DC but now in Southern California for another week.