If you stick it out, the fruit of frustration is, frequently, joy. Eyrie — original oil painting and signed limited edition print at Steve Henderson Fine Art; licensed open edition art print at Great Big Canvas (click on the picture to see more)

From Start Your Week with Steve, the free weekly e-mail newsletter of Steve Henderson Fine Art.

Steve Says:

“Whether I am teaching a workshop or working with a student in the studio, I see a lot of frustration — and this is really, really good.

“Living in a society that emphasizes success, all the time, at all costs, we are losing an understanding of the value of frustration. It doesn’t help that much of our reading revolves around success stories that are heavy on the result and light on the process. A sentence like this,

“‘He gardened for ten years before he finally figured out how to grow a decent, tasty bunch of celery,’

“does nothing to define and express the hard work, discouragement, determination, irritation, confusion, and sheer frustration of the gardener, interspersed with feelings of encouragement, inspiration, and hope.

Even putting up one’s hair takes practice and patience. Figurative II, Licensed print available at Great Big Canvas, AllPosters, Art.com and Amazon.com

“So I find with anything worth doing, and many people who want to learn to paint (and there are a lot of good people who long to do this) do not understand that frustration, and a lot of it, is part of the learning package.

“Frustration is a sign that you are reaching toward a goal that — while achievable — is beyond you right now, but you don’t move forward if you stop and stand still.

“Frustration is a symptom, not an unresolvable problem, and the more you do something, the more frustration you encounter.

“But, also, the better you get at whatever you’re doing, and the next time you’re frustrated, it’s at a higher level, because you’re progressing.

You can own the original watercolor, and/or you can take a shot at painting it yourself with the upcoming Digital Watercolor Workshop by Steve Henderson

“And speaking of progressing, my Digital Watercolor Workshop is nearly done, and will shortly be for sale at the Steve Henderson Fine Art Website. Effectively a two-day workshop in DVD or digital format, this digital tutorial walks you, step by step, into painting Purple Iris  as you pick up and hone watercolor skills.

“I am excited about this new opportunity for people to learn a skill they have always wanted to embark on, in the comfort of their home, and I will definitely let you know when the Digital Watercolor Workshop is ready.”

Read the rest — Wanting to be a millionaire, how we ate $250 worth of gourmet food for $10 this weekend — at Start Your Week with Steve

Steve Henderson’s fine artwork, which celebrates the beauty and joy of life and adds exuberant color to your walls, is available in all sizes and price ranges, from originals to licensed open edition prints.

Find more of Steve Henderson’s Art in the following online venues:

• Steve Henderson Fine Art (original paintings, signed limited edition prints, posters)
• Great Big Canvas (licensed open edition art prints)
• Light in the Box (licensed open edition art prints)
• Sagebrush Fine Art (licensed open edition art posters)
• Amazon.com, AllPosters.com, Art.com (licensed open edition art posters)

Manufacturers and retailers — license Steve’s work through Art Licensing