To be able to paint is fun, but let's face it, those of us who make a living at it need to be fed. What do you do when you've lost the muse. You just can't face another blank canvas. I've discovered what feeds my creativity is to teach others how to create. Watching the excitement on an art student's face when they complete a work of art that is worthy of framing  is the single most inspiring thing I can do to improve my own art.  Verbalizing what I know energizes the brain and causes it to climb to greater heights. I've noticed that by teaching, my own work automatically improves.  I have my own Main Street Studio where I have created hundreds of portraits and limited edition prints. But staying creative even when I have ongoing commissioned work is a challenge for me. In tough economic times, I would rather be making money by teaching what I know than spending money on art classes for myself. Time is money, so let's make the best of it.  When my business was slow, I advertised in all the local papers that I was having a Photo Contest.  I got 29 entries and hosted a fabulous OPEN HOUSE.  Taking the focus off of myself and putting it on others some how energizes me and get's me creating.  I recently launched a new website www.MyHeritagePrints.com. If you visit my site, you won't hear much about me, I'm tired of self-promotion.  I decided that promoting others is the key to success.  Give and it shall be given unto you, pressed down, shaken together and overflowing. It's a verse I can live by.   Deanna Wiseman