Using Creative Discipline for Maximum Success

The painting above, Bicycles in a Row, by RD Riccoboni

When artists come to me and asked me for gallery show, or how to get a gallery show, I asked him a few questions about discipline, consistency, and quality of their portfolio, and usually wind up giving them an exercise that has worked for me and I will share it with you. Many an artist comes back and visit, thanking me sharing this suggestion and that they now have an show, or new client by using this creative tool. I am so grateful to be of service.

I usually speak in the context of art, so when I say work I’m usually referring to ones craft or skill in the arts, you can apply this to anything.

One of the best ways to increase your value and worth is to always do your best work, and show your best work in all you do. You'll learn to cooperate and not just your success but the success of others around you on a fun journey of co-creation and co-operation. You will learn to focus on making decisions that lead you to your future, and serve the highest good of others with your knowledge. We live in an abundant universe and everything we do is part of that divine perfection and unlimited and the power to create is something that flows through you. The keys in this toolbox are Discipline and Perseverance and will promote your radiant success.

The price of success is discipline. Make a habit of what unsuccessful people hate to do. “You know what I hate to do”, they say; you can hear it all around you in the complaints. You do the opposite. In other words, we all visualize to realize whether it's a good thing or a bad thing. See the good in all and what it can teach you. Then discipline yourself to serve the world from your heart with gratitude, appreciation and kindness in doing what you love to. By thinking and focusing on your vision about what you love to do, creates a vibration that calls the action, creativity from your higher source or inner being, not your ego, to you, so first you create through vibration then comes the action! Artists, writers, actors, musicians and athletes call it being in the zone.

I’m not talking of tedious work here, that’s your ego, It’s very easy to become busy being busy, something you don’t want, balance is the key here, so keep an eye on your action so as not to get lost and sidetracked from your vision that you love, when in action, re-group by focusing daily holding your vision, trusting the process and continue taking action to get there. Like planting seeds, this all needs nurturing and patience. So tend to your soil and foundations, give them the ideal growing conditions and trust that the seeds will sprout and grow.

If you’re and artist you can’t expect to get a show or exhibition without any art of yours being created. The same goes for the rest of us to. In order to get the seed to grow you have to prepare the soil.

Unless you turn what you want over to your higher self, source, spirit, god force, nothing will happen. Perhaps this is why so many people say “Let it go and Let God” a lot of people mistranslate that as, “let it go and be apathetic” don’t do this, that’s not what it means at all.

Here is the exercise: I advise them “Have a body of work to show a gallery which consists of absolutely their best work. As an artist, you want to know yourself deep down inside that this is your absolute best work.” "Don't you agree?" I ask.

The way to do this is, to make 20 different pieces of art in the same theme. A collection, a body of work, that is your very best. How to get there is to do this exercise called "20 times perfect" I then begin to tell them that they are going to make 20 pieces of art, and out of those 20 pieces of art, select the very best piece out of the group of 20 they just made and set it aside. This is your perfect piece, he or he Now take those 19 other art pieces and put them away. Now we are going to repeat the process and do it again when you're finished with those 20 pieces for your exhibit. Do it again, take the very best one from the second group and put it with the other very best one is you have completed. Do this 20 times and you'll have 20 pieces of your very best work. When you present this to a customer, a gallery owner, or anyone asking to see your portfolio, you will know deep in your heart that this is your very best work as you bring it into the light and present it. This vibration will be picked up by the person you are showing your work to. They in turn will know that this is your very best work.
Is this a lot of work? YES, So is creating a lot of work with no direction!
Will you get the job? Would you get the show? That is to be determined, but you have to let yourself a great lesson in persistence and discipline doing the thing you love, knowing deep inside that you have expressed and shown your very best work and you are a professional. Besides you will have built an amazing portfolio that will knock the socks off anyone who sees it. Create what you love to create! Get in the zone and do it, release the outcome to the universe, but keep creating and nurturing your garden! Creativity flows through us, not from us and practicing this will open up your channel that taps into the unlimited power source where all brilliance comes from.

Here is my story with 20 times perfect. In 1994 when I was living in Los Angeles and my art career was just starting to blossom locally, early one morning I received a fax at. My roommate at the time Gary, came running in the kitchen hollering "oh my! Oh my!" On our fax machine, seemingly out of nowhere, was a letter from a art historian and art book publisher in London, England. Aubrey Walter had sent me a fax saying he had a postcard with my art on it above his computer for the last year he had been looking at it. He was in the process of compiling a book of American artists and wanted to inquire if I had any other samples of my work to share with him as the picture on his postcard, my painting, was one of his favorites and had brought him joy every time he looked at it. He wanted to know if I had more work and if I did he would like to consider me as being part of his next art book project. He needed at least 20 slides of my best work and if possible to have delivered to him within one week. While my jaw dropped and my roommate Gary was ecstatic as he was leaving for London England the next day to visit a friend of his. Did I ever pay attention!
You see, A few months prior to that I had spoken with an artist friend who had achieved good success in getting gallery shows in the area. He had advised me to always have a show ready to go to hanging off my best work. He said it should always be at least 20 pieces. so I thought to myself why not have three or four shows ready to go? I had some time on my hands so I created a large body of work and photographed it in slides. All of my very best work. I already had them labeled and into presentation sheets! All I had to do was put them in an envelope and send them to Aubrey! I decided to send about 80 slides just in case. My roommate who left for England the very next day and delivered them to Aubrey's office. Talk about grateful! And being in the right place at the right time and everything just flowed perfectly. Within a couple days I received a fax from England stating "my goodness! Your work is beautiful! I believe you deserve your very own book. What you think?" Well I can tell you what I thought and by 1996 I had a book about my art internationally published and selling on four different continents. Life can change at any moment when you are prepared and in the mindset to accept it.

Learn to be aware of your surroundings and attitudes, the previous exercise of relaxing and replenishing will help you fine tune your awareness; we are like magnets and sponges so pay attention to what's going on around you. As you attract what you want, that energy begins to attract more and more and like compound interest, whatever you put in comes back to you multiplied. When we pay attention, and come from integrity, we can embrace healthy challenges, and applaud other's successes. Everything is right on time, never too late and now you are taking action on your dreams.

You are the source responsible for your abundance. Believe in yourself confidently and lovingly, knowing that you are love loving and lovable. Create goals that are clear. Having clear goals for your self is an act of self-love. When your goals are clear you can move in positive ways toward your desires and your ultimate future. By doing this you will create joy and confidence. The best way to act on your goals is to have clear goals based on your hearts desires and true passions of what you want in life. When you know what your passions and hearts desires are you can make choice decisions that will improve your life greatly then get into action with discipline and perseverance.

You become successful by using discipline as a creative source method.
Use your talents to serve the world from your heart with gratitude, appreciation and kindness. This is how you make the world a better place.

Wishing you Success always,
RD Riccoboni, the Art Traveler

The painting above, Bicycles in a Row, by RD Riccoboni

Nuturing Your Creativity with The Artist Meditation

Sometimes we are bombarded and over stimulated by our outside world to the point where our creative process just is overwhelmed and we appear to be blocked creatively. That can be changed by nurturing your artist spirit by clearing your clouded mind. The artist meditation for creativity

Let’s start the day right off the bat with some quiet me time. Even if you have to get up early to say set your clock one hour earlier than everyone else in the house for some important quiet me time. This is important especially when you first wake up to think about the things you really want to attract in your life, your dreams and desires that would be so lovely to have every day. I suggest what I do which is I meditate in quiet first and as soon as I am done I visualize. Let's talk about meditation first.

Meditation is different from prayer. Prayer is asking, meditation is listening. To meditate you have to make time for yourself. Like prayer where you can do it anywhere anytime, you can learn to do the same with meditation. Be patient and learn to meditate. Even five minutes is enough to meditate and then you can use a little more time to visualize after meditation. The more you do this the more you will build up a reserve in your subconscious mind of the things that it will bring to you. Take time to think out critical issues. Make time, start small then work up to 30, 60, 90 minute uninterrupted time periods although 10 to 15 minutes once a day is plenty. Start with a small amount of time say 5 minutes. You will need quiet time for this that is uninterrupted, silent time. When you have quiet silent time you activate your super subconscious and trigger intuition, your inner genius. In your quiet time you can also go for a walk, do a chore and move about quietly with structure, however I like to sit and be quiet.

It is important to relax and replenish, nurturing your creative spirit everyday. Take time to rejuvenate your emotions, energy and vitality.

Here's a quick little meditation I do. I suggest for you if you're not sure what to do to meditate. I set aside a little quiet time, just for me, in the morning and evening.

The Artist Meditation:

Sit up straight in a firm but comfortable chair quietly with both my feet on the ground and begin to pay attention to your breathing. Breathe in deeply and breathe out deeply, as You do this You began to relax your body. Try it. Breathe in and breathe out, breathe in and breathe out. Then begin to relax. Start with your toes relax your toes completely breathe in breathe out, now relax your feet, breathe in and breathe out. Your toes and your feet are both relaxed. Breathe in and breathe out, now relax your ankles, now relax your lower legs relax your upper legs, relax your hips, relax your buttocks, relax your abdomen, relax your chest area, relax your shoulders, breathe in and out, relax your arms wrists and hands, breathe in, breathe out, relax your neck, your jaw, your facial muscles and breathe in and breathe out. You will notice that your breathing has become lighter as you relax your body. Do this for a full five minutes. Just concentrate on relaxing your body and breathing. As you become more comfortable meditating you can drift off and dream and let the thoughts come and go and take yourself to lovely places of rest and relaxation where sometimes brilliant ideas come to you.

One thing I like to do during meditation is picture myself in a beautiful sunny meadow, sitting or laying on the beautiful grass in my imagination and enjoying the peaceful setting. When I am ready I come back to the room fully where I'm sitting and then do some visualization exercises which I cover in some of my books.

If you fall asleep don’t worry, your body may have needed to rest.

Your body is a magnificent vehicle that houses your soul and spirit, treat it well and it will carry you to amazing places. By doing daily meditation you value and honor our body and appreciate it's worth. Spirit provides you with access to endless resources. Meditation sparks the creativity you seek.

Other Meditation Exercises.

Go for a quiet walk every day, let it go.., for 30 to 60 minutes. Physical Quiet exercise is one of the best forms of meditation. Often after quiet exercising you may gain insight and unexpected new creative ideas. This works for me and I hope it works for you too. Getting outside is also a form of getting grounded. Literally get grounded possible take off you shoes and socks and stand on the earth if you cant do that purchase a container or clay pot, some potting soil and some small plants or flowers, get your hands in the dirt and create a little potted garden, this is wonderful quieting grounding exercise.

Meditation is quiet exercise, not noisy a exercise. Working out at the gym is another form of meditation however many gyms have music blasting, people yelling and 24 hour news channels bombarding you with image negativity. Meditation affects your creative subconscious. Think twice about where you exercise, remembering that meditation is listening.

Meditation exercises help you develop living in the moment skills, a powerful tool for nurturing your creative and artistic spirit within.

To your artist success and creativity,
RD Riccoboni, The Art Traveler


Painting above: Winter on The Lake by RD Riccoboni.
See more paintings by Riccoboni here

You Become Successful by Owning it

An artist came to me today and said "I would like to create somthing like you have done. Youre Amazing." I said good. "You're amazing too, just for wanting to create the life of your dreams as well." We then discussed how to take intention and turn it into action. Without actions out intentions are only potential. the last thing anybody wants after we're gone from the scene is people going around saying. "What a nice person, he or she had such great potentional too." Sound familiar?

Here's what you do and How you begin to do it. Take Ownership of your Success by decision making and focusing on your solutions. There is more than enough of everything out there to go around for you to be successful at what you want whether it's being an artist or anything else.

You are living breathing part of the universe that overflows with abundance in perfect harmony. Breathe in and out and feel the abundance of the universe that keeps you alive. There is a prosperous windfall that awaits you.

Here is a fun excercise I like to do. I will make you think in new ways.

Get a blank note book, I prefer a spiral bound one to keep things organized, and use the following exercises to ignite your success your heart will be open and you will soon learn that the best things in life are available to you and the world is out to do you good.

Ask yourself: "What is my gift?" then find a way to give it to others by asking: "How can I use this gift to serve the world?"
Anyone who seeks to find their passion in life will surely find it in this way.
Be quiet for a few minutes and ask yourself these questions again.

What are your gifts?

One of my gifts is playing Show and Tell, I inspire others and use my creativity as well as make a living doing that.

Get your blank note book and pencil or pen, and start using it to write down your notes and inspirations in.

What are your gifts? List them in your note book.

Now take full credit for your gifts and own them. Across the top of the page where you have written your gifts, write the following statement: “I own and take credit for these gifts I have with love and gratitude.”

Now on a new piece of paper: Make a list of all the things you can accomplish with these gifts and on a scale of one (1) to ten (10) How much do they excite you? Ten being the MOST exciting! (you can have more than one TEN too, don’t worry about this at all.

Only choose those gifts to pursue that truly excite you. The Five’s through the Ten’s, Don’t worry about the others for now.

Draw on a blank piece of paper a simple image, symbol, of what each success gift looks like to you. Our mind see’s in pictures, which we will discuss later. Stick figures are acceptable, the simpler the better and drawn only by you.

How can you use these gifts to serve the world?

How can you make the world a better place sharing your individuality?


People lose that childlike purity and simplicity in what they love to do as they age, however they can cultivate it back. To cultivate what you love takes learning about your awareness and going within yourself to allow your light shine out again. A light that never went out, you just stopped paying attention to it. As you cultivate the awareness of what you love to do make a decision to surround yourself with objects, people, relationships, that reflect your vitality, aliveness and light. You are about to embark on a new journey.

When it comes to decisions about what you love to do, most people put them off, and procrastinate, feeling unworthy and selfish, that is actually a decision too, a decision to stay stuck most of the time. Intention without action is just potential. When you intend to do something, do not be lazy, start following through immediately. Make a decision to move forward and take Ownership of your Success. Decision making and focusing on the solutions then suit up and show up every day for the life of your dreams.


Make a declaration today, right now, sign and date it. A declaration that holds you accountable to study, grow and develop your success then own up to it.

I,____________________________ am committed to my journey of self growth, awareness, abundance and success. I know that I am an unlimited being and I agree to investigate my passions, honor and value my worth and gifts from this point on. I make a decision right now to give myself the best life ever. On these pages I will write and allow myself to dream big, be inspired, create my unlimited reality, and choose beliefs that bring me aliveness and growth. I hereby declare that I will speak of success and prosperity in my words and actions as I inspire and share my insights and gifts with others.

Signed ___________________________________ Date: _____________


Congratulations you have just created a contract for success just for you. Please share this exercise with your friends. Remember there is more than enough success to go around!

Wishing joy and happiness in your travels.
RD Riccoboni, The Art Traveler


P.s Here is great little movie with a great message and example of how our mind sees things in pictures.

Create an art show at your place of business for your customers and generate new clients.

You’re a savvy business owner or company and want to support the local arts community and help discover the next Van Gogh or Picasso. Congratulations you are a special creative individual and or business. As an artist, business person, or art lover the benefits of having such an art show or event are unlimited. Art is a multi billion dollar industry and is tied to everything in our daily lives. It can greatly help your business as well.

Banks, hotels, and restaurants are just a few familiar venues that have invited artists to show work to their customers so why not then you too? You have the space and the patrons the artist has the artwork and also the patrons, when done correctly it's a creative win-win situation.

How do I know this? As an internationally collected artist, best-selling author, consultant to shows, gallery owner and publisher I have participated in mounting hundreds of art exhibits across the country. Some have included my art and others have not. Some have been at Museums, Community Centers, Art Galleries, Non-Profit Organizations, Hospitals, Retail Stores, Attorneys Offices, Hotels, Coffee Shops, Hair salons, Day Spas, Doctors Offices, Restaurants, Banks, Private Homes, Art fairs, Real Estate Open Houses and offices, Street Festivals, Pet Hospitals, and could ad to this list add infinitum. Basically where ever your patrons are there is an art show to be given and usually readily wanted and have always had the most fun at the most unexpected places where everybody got involved. Back in the early 1990's One of those places was at The LAC-USC Hospital in Los Angeles, California where one wonderful patient's vision was shared and together we created a show for the patients by the patients and before you knew it, everyone was involved from the patients to the administration, doctors, nurses and out into the community. Everybody became united together and we received national attention right up to the White House. Suddenly what was a bleak and scary section of the hospital where no one wanted to go changed and became a vibrant place where others on the campus and surrounding communities wanted to be part of. Art can do things like that.
I want to help you out! I certainly don't know everything but after receiving many phone calls, emails, and letters asking many of the same questions over the years being constantly invited to sit on the boards of arts organizations, I believe I may know some things about this.

The most asked questions are: How do you get an art show?
How do I mount an art show?
How do I put an art show together?
How do I get people to show up for my event?
Is my art good?
Then there are all doubting quetions that come along with it. Like “But you're much better artist at what you do.” and “But you've got a book published about your art., But you're art has been in a museum.” The excuses go on and on. I say Horse pucky to all that.

What it takes is having a dream, making decisions, persistence, being kind, considerate, empathetic and fair. You will see the opportunities unfold before you.
You've got to want it. The best of the best will come. You will attract it, your, artists, your shows, your patrons, and the benefits from it.

I am most familiar with 2 dimensional art. That is art that hangs on walls, or can be displayed on easels, like paintings or photos, and you may apply some of this to other types of exhibits also. As I have said to artists and over the years, "anyone can hold the door open for you, including yourself, but ultimately it is you that needs to make the decision and walk through that door". So get into action and Go Get em! The artists await you. The walls of the world await you. Perhaps even your walls and your business could become the next place to be seen!

What are the things you need to do or have an art show or exhibit?

A Dream, Planning, Organization, Good Faith, Action, good Communication and the most important, having fun!

Here’s a checklist made up of questions that you can use to develop your fantastic exhibit.

1. Do you have an Artist or Artists? Do you want to have a theme? Choose something that fits with your business, community. Themes also give the artist a new chance to be creative. Have fun with this. You will be dazzled by the talent that is out there.

2. Group Show or Solo Art Show? Do you want to deal with one artist or many? One on one is sometimes easier. A group show features more than one artist. If you chose to do this I recommend no more than three artists for the first time. A solo show with one artist is most likely the best choice for your first showing.

3. Where do you find artists? Put out an artist call in your local paper and your website. Create a fan page on Facebook or other social media outlets. The artists will come. Ask them to come in person, by appointment with their portfolio, or your mail carrier will get upset. Set up a specific interview time and hold the artists to it. This is a job interview for the both of you. This reassures professional and hobby artists you are serious. This will be a fun learning experience. An artist who can’t show up for an interview will have problems following through in many others areas as well.

4. What kind of experience does the artist have? Ask for a Bio and exhibition history. Ask for photos from previous shows and set ups. This could be a big break for a new upcoming artist and they may not have either. That's OK, Tell them to bring photos of at least 20 art pieces and three originals. You will then if there is consistency in the art they make.

5. Ask to see samples only of work that is available for exhibition. If you award a show based on what you saw, make sure it's available. Sometimes artist have prints of their work, this may be acceptable if a piece is sold that you really like, however most patrons like to see originals. You be the judge of what you want to hang in your place of business. Make a note book with a calendar and a file for each artist in it. Put the artist contact info on the top of the file. Photo copy the artists info and give it back. The artist will tell you if you can keep it or not. Just ask. Artists spend a fortune on promotional materials, film, slides, cd's, memory cards, and never see 99% of them returned even when a self addressed envelope is provided. You can change that by being considerate and respecting the artist’s time and value.

6. The artist’s reputation. What is his or her reputation around town? Ask for references and follow up on them. Artist's usually love to brag. Do they have a website? Check it out. Do a Google search. Some artists are ready to go with a show at all times, others are not. This will work in your favor as when you want to schedule your shows. Go with your gut instinct, You can get a good or bad feeling right away. remember this is supposed to be fun! Like the old saying goes "If it aint fun, you're not doing it right!"

7. What sort of art does the artist show? Is the artwork consistent? How big is the art? You'll want to see at least 20 pieces of similar quality in a portfolio, or in person. Pieces should be marked with Title, medium (such as oil, acrylic, photograph, etc.) size, year created.

8. What is the quality of the artist presentation? Are they business savvy, regarding marketing and PR. Be kind, be fair, and be respectful, the artist may be disorganized but just could be the right fit for your show. Remember new artists are learning the ropes too and some artists may just always be aloof with their presentations.

9. How will this help your business? Displaying a local artist with a great reputation can be a blessing however disturbing, political or overtly sexual art might not work or it might be just fine depending on your business. Is the art safe? Does it have jagged edges that could injure someone? Or parts that could fall off? Use you best judgment and say which pieces you would like to exhibit. Ask about the art, a portfolio photo is flat and the art might not be.

10. You can make a decision then and there if you want to exhibit your new artist or you may want to get back to them at another time. If you choose to get back to them at another time tell them when and stick to it. If you choose not to exhibit the artist be professional, artists may be used to rejection but no one likes to be mistreated. Don't critique the art or call it STUFF, that is common but be respectful, artists cringe when they hear their art being called "stuff". So just tell them you appreciate the work and it doesn't fit with your vision at this time.

11. What will it cost you for promotion if any? Invitations/postcards if any? Do you or the artist pay for that? Are costs shared? The best thing to do would be design a postcard that is an add for your business and promotes your artist at the same time. (You keeping control of your Marketing and PR the best way to go however some artists are brilliant marketers, if they want to take it upon themselves to design promotion, be sure to tell them anything with your business on it must be approved. If promo looks amazing by all means offer to share the cost. You may have found a new asset to you business with out even realizing it.)

12. Do you have a contract if anything gets damaged? Do you have insurance for that? If not is the artist responsible for their own liability insurance? How about hanging the art? Will you or the artist be doing that? Some artists want to be present if they are not hanging the work, some don't care, some have great sense of how the work should be displayed, others do not. Do you or the artist supply proper picture hangers or easels? Be upfront and have both parties sign a document stating what is what.

13. Will you have an opening reception for the artist? (this will be your responsibility but don't be afraid to ask for help) Or will the art just be on display?

14. Free PR can go a million miles in the community, be sure to give the artist the correct name of your business and address. Nothing like printing up expensive give a-ways, sending out Press Releases and spelling your business or the artist name incorrectly.

15. Are the pieces on consignment? For sale? Do you get a cut? Or is this an amenity for your customers? Things to think about. Incentives for your employees can sell art; discuss business opportunities with the artist and your fellow employees.

16. Is the artist a licensed, incorporated business person? If they are you have a smart and savvy business person who may be of tremendous benefit to you.

17. How long does the art hang for? Put it in your contract. 60-90 days gives you an opportunity to change your art at a reasonable pace. Shorter shows can be burdensome to both you and the artist and you walls. If the artist needs some of the work for another show, ask them to be accommodating and if possible give at least 24 hours notice. Say If the artist or you want the whole show to come down which can happen. Do you have another artist lined up to fill in or bump up into their slot? What happens when the Art comes down and needs to be picked up? Your place of business is neither a garage sale or storage unit. State that storage fees will be imposed if work is not picked up in a timely manner, the end of show would be a timely manner. The best thing to do may be to always have the artist on hand when putting up and taking down shows. Will this take place before, during or after business hours?

18. Does the art hang on walls, easels, pedestals? Is it secure? Is safe? Is it too fragile? Think about these things? Could glass shatter? Acrylic may be a better alternative in framing large pieces.

19. Are frames unsightly? Good condition when they arrive? Are they in good condition when the show comes down?

20. If canvas is unframed are the edges to look presentable? Ask for edges to be painted and finished.

21. If the work is for sale who handles payments and collects sales tax? Do patrons deal directly with the artist or you? You may want to keep this accounting separate from your everyday business.

22. Most artists are easy to work with, ask them what they want, they are the boss of their art work and you are the boss of your place of business, be respectful of each other and you will make some great bonds in your business community. Have fun and you will learn lots about art and artist as you become a friend of your arts community.

23. Word will eventually get out that you are showing art and the artists may be knocking your door down to get in and have a show. Some business have a select group of artists they deal with, as artist’s leave, move on they replace them with new artist. Unless you love the process of mounting a show or have a designated employee that handles the art shows you may find the more power you give the artist to be responsible with their show the easier things will flow for you. Tell the artist what you expect and what you want. Keep the communication open, One or more your artists may even work out so well with you that they may assist you in your handling of art procedures.

24. Create a mailing list of people interested in the art show and for future shows and developing new customers and retaining current ones for your newsletters, website and correspondence.

25. Opening Night. Have the artist say a few words at the opening about your business, and agree ahead of time what will be said. Tell the artist what you expect and what you want.
Recapping what is needed to do or have an art show or exhibit?

A Dream, Planning, Organization - make a check-off list from the suggestions above, artists, artwork, and Action and the most important, having fun!
Like I said before: The artists await you. Your customers and new clients and the world await you and your walls and your place of business will be the next hot spot in town place to be seen! You may even change the way the world sees things.
Best wishes to you!

RD Riccoboni, The Art Traveler

Artist RD Riccoboni paints Old Town San Diego

Set the Stage, then Suit up and Show up!

I was asked the other day, how to get an art show by an artist who was frustrated. I asked them “What type of art show and what type of exhibition place do you see your art in.” “Do you know who your customer is?” and “Where might those customers hang out?” Asking how and where to get an art show is a great question, it means you have a desire to get moving and into action.

It really helps if you knw how to set the Stage so to say and then Suit up and Show up! You can do this with a powerful visualization tool I use and want to share with you as I do with other artists and business persons who ask me these questions.

I remember the first time usuing this type of visualizing and manifested an art show in Los Angeles. I was not a starving artist so to say, but I was hungry to offer my services.

Like the artist who had approached me the other day I could relate. Looking for places to show my artwork, nothing was turning up. However I knew a space would eventually appear somewhere. Doors always opened when going on those “gut” feelings I sometimes received.

To my knowledge, I had never consciously visualized before, however this one day out of nowhere that is what I indeed did. One morning in early 1992 after recently moving to Los Angeles, deciding to act as if I already had an art show on the books and needed to deliver my paintings to the gallery. Mind you I had no art show lined up. Loading up my old blue Toyota with twenty little paintings and acting as if my show was real. Fired up my chariot and headed into the big city like a gladiator to a gallery awaiting me. I stopped at a few gallery spots and to my surprise, none were open. Disappointing, yes, but I was determined to continue in my quest and grateful to be living in sunny Southern California again.

By two o'clock that afternoon, I pulled the car over, tired, and a bit overwhelmed, with my stomach, growling, thankfully, I had brought a snack. Sitting in my car wondering what to do next, with a clear picture in my head of exactly what I wanted and decided to play a game with myself.

This game came from a childhood memory. Growing up in a small Connecticut town next to a country playhouse where Summer-Stock Theater came every year. I loved watching the shows and actors evolve from rehearsal to opening night. As “the kid next door”, often was invited to see the show free. Those memories gave me a thought. closing my eyes and saw in my mind a beautiful old theater, inside taking place was production of my successful art opening, titled "My Art Exhibit" the curtain went up, and saw myself in the scenes, making paintings, delivering and hanging them at the gallery. In the next scene came opening night. I saw myself surrounded by friends, enjoying great food, conversation and taking cash and checks from buyers. Smiling, I ended the little play in my minds eye, feeling quite accomplished, with the big curtains closing to applause, and saying aloud “The End” clapped my hands, opened my eyes and let my vision go. Feeling nice and relaxed that’s when I looked up noticing a cute little café "Carolyn's" a few doors down from my parking spot. I needed food, the place looked great, and grabbed my portfolio to review it over lunch.

I walked into the cafe and the woman behind the counter asked: "Are you the artist?
"Yes." I answered. My goodness how did she know that, are all these folks in L.A. psychic? I wondered. "The artist’s here" she hollered to her boss in the backroom of the café.

The manager yelled back, "It's about time," looking out from the back room and said, "He's not the artist!" You see, as it turned out, they had an artist lined up for an exhibit who never appeared, in-fact, days had passed and those café walls were looking bare. "Do you have art with you now?" the manager asked firmly of me. "Oh yes" I answered, handing over my portfolio, and in my car, my paintings were ready to hang!

The cafe manager looked at my portfolio and said "These are beautiful, lets hang your art right now and let me buy you lunch. You know artists come in all the time wanting shows, they seem to have great potential, but they do not follow through. If you can follow through, then show your art here as long as you like, when something sells; bring in another to keep the place looking full. Do you want an opening party? You get people here; I’ll take care of the food. I don't want a commission, just beautiful art on our walls for my customers to enjoy while eating my food"

Wow! My own little gallery complete with opening night, fine food, and centrally located in Los Angeles! Okay, it wasn't the space I expected, but, let me tell you, I didn't have to think about that very long about this offer. I said yes right away. The next weekend we were enjoying my art opening complete with friends and buyers!
What happened to me that day? I wasn't the artist who was supposed to show up. I got an art show and made a local business happy. Not to mention my hungry belly was fed a delicious lunch. Here’s what happened. I visualized with intention, made a game out of it, sending strong positive and powerful “creative emotions” out to the Universe, I was aware, paying attention, and acted on that awareness and what it presented, then followed through with a decision, one I am sure, changed my life for the better.

What happened is this: I suited up, and showed up, for the life of my dreams! And you can too. I use this technique with those I mentor, we call it "Manifestation Playhouse" Set the stage and try it for yourself.

By playing the game Manifestation Playhouse a few minutes daily, you can slowly increase your positive vibration to where you want to be and implant in your subconscious mind the feeling achieving your wanted desires. This tool is much more than wishful or positive thinking because when you play “a game” your ego steps out of the way and quiets down. The ego cannot be bothered with those silly games; its job is much too dramatic and would rather feed on fear and uncertainty. This “play” exercise will create subtle shifting of your energy, using upbeat positive images to maintain a good vibration in attracting what you wish to accomplish.

Just as in anything, baby steps and balance, will eventually lead to bigger steps and further success. So keep track of your positive evidence. Vibrational change is a process that is best not rushed. That little show at the café turned out to be perfect venue for the service I could offer at the time. By saying yes to what manifested before me, more business career doors opened, eventually leading to living the artist life of my dreams with excellent patrons, gallery and museum shows, being published many times and eventually founding my art based companies.
When we decide, what we want, individually and collectively. There is no limitation as the Universe recognizes our desire immediately begins to deliver it to us. Whether we’re an artist or non-artist, be open to receive, a sparkling life with rave reviews. Identify your desire and then take steps to fulfill the outcome. Do you have service to offer? Are you ready to set your stage? If you said yes, good! Take these tools here in this story and like a director of the play would, shout out, ONE TWO and … Action!

Happy and artisic travels to you! RD Riccoboni

Self-taught California artist RD Riccoboni™ began painting at the age of five when he got into his mother’s paint-by-numbers. Riccoboni is an entrepreneur and visionary. Exhibited and collected internationally this painter and best-selling author is mentor to many. He has created successful art-based companies, which assist others to promote their artistic passions and come to realize their true artistic value. His painting “A Little Piece of Heaven” graces the cover of Manifest Success is about Stretching and Expanding.

See his beautiful paintings at Http://Beacon-Artworks.com

Beacon Artworks Gallery
2754 Calhoun St.
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
San Diego, CA 92110


Painting above: "A Little Piece of Heaven" by RD Riccoboni The Art Traveler

Just this close to Success....

Failure sometimes means we are just that much closer to success, and the universe and its strange ways is prodding us. “Over here, this way” and we look or not, go the other way and flop and boom fall right on or faces! Often because we don’t really know what we want, or what we once wanted has now changed. We seem to round and round like a carousel and ask ourselves "How did I wind up here again, right where I started or even worse?

If failure exists, so does success. The two things cannot exist without each other.

Here’s a suggestion to reach your succssful life. Discover your hearts desires, dreams and passions and get moving in their direction.

What is your dream, your passion, your heart’s desire? (write down on a piece of paper what they are. Do it right now)

Write your dream down in words that makes you feel good when you read it and read it daily. You can have more than one. In fact why don’t you identify the top three, right now. You may find you already are living your heart’s desire or it may be something entirely new.

Which one is the most important of the three, the second and the third. (they are all important) and there may be more than three. Identify the top three.
Write them down in specific precise detail. Don’t leave anything out. How does it feels, tastes, sounds, smells, to live your dream now? Use very descriptive words. It takes time, write it all down, use as much paper as you need don’t skimp anywhere.
Transfer those three things into one sentence and write them down on a few sticky notes or postcards and place them around where you can see them until they are instilled in you.

Make these dreams a priority by creating a system of accountability to get what you want.

Be accountable to yourself through others help and don’t be afraid to ask for help, insight, advice. Set up a dream team, master mind group, accountability squad, dream, or whatever you want to call it, just do it.

Dedicate a specific time everyday to focus on your dream. Relax and relish feeling good about it and how it would feel having your accomplished your passion. Once in the morning and once in the evening is ideal. 5 minutes is a good start.

Read books, see movies about and study up on people you admire who have achieved what you want to do. If they are living write to and offer to help, assistance people who have achieved your dream. You may or may not get a response, you may get priceless information. Always be gracious and grateful. Many of my friends are well known and respected in my industry. I would not be the person I am today without their advice that I sought.

When you know what your dreams are you can say no to the things that are not in alignment with them. Set specific parameters for your dream and be aware for things that you want - Get very clear exactly what you want so when distractions come along that say "I'm more important than your dream," you can filter them out say no thanks. You're not a match. Goodbye!

Make a list of who supports your dreams and who does’nt. If people don’t support you and deplete your energy what are you doing hanging out around them? Make room in your life for the people who genuinely support you. You most likely also support them.

You must have a an emotionally prosperous environment to get it done!

Keep track of all your positive evidence of the journey to accomplishing your dreams. Keep a record book or journal of it. See what a great life you have on paper written in your own words.

Now that you know what your top three desires are in detail because you wrote all that down…right? Go back and do it if you did’nt… You can read and listen to suggestions and advice indefinitley however You alone must get into action.

Start living and acting TODAY as if your dream is here NOW. Have faith it is and have the courage to take the needed steps to get it done. It’s your life, no one else’s and you deserve to have the best life ever!

You are now telling the universe and your subconscious that you honor and value your dreams and worth. You will start recognizing things everywhere that relate to your dream.

This is how you energize your imagination and vibration to get more of what you want.

I wish you much success in your journey!

RD Riccoboni, The Art Traveler


Painting; A Day at The Races by RD Riccoboni