New Work Has Begun

As I look up from my laptop, I can see the beloved old apple tree out back. Many a grandchild has found joy in that tree, so I decided I should pay it tribute.

I don't usually sketch a drawing on the canvas before I begin a painting, just many small ones on paper. But yesterday, using my paper sketches as a guide, I marked the canvas with charcoal to be sure I had the composition right. Those charcoal lines will be gone today once I block in the underpainting with very thin oils. Wish me luck!

Breaking Through

Well, my website is almost done so it won't be long before I go "live." Painting is getting to be more routine and it's easier to remember that this is my job; my new career. I do however, still have a room full of materials that I used in my previous life of long-term care and consulting. Maybe if I give it all away it will be easier to let go.

What a blessing to now be able to do what I have always dreamed of doing - spending my days lost in the creative flow of painting! The transition has not been easy and I still struggle with feeling guilty for having so much fun at my work but I'll continue the process of letting go of that and surrendering to the joy that comes from doing what I love.

When did I Become Invisible?

When I was in graduate school, a friend of mine told me that out of the blue, his beautiful wife who devotes her time and energy to children's theater mused out loud, "When did I become invisible?"

I have thought a lot about that since getting back to my painting and realized that this theme is depicted in many of my works: an old woman in prayer, an old man who had just lost his wife, 2 old sisters sitting on a front porch, an Indian woman with her papoose, my dad's ancient & well-used canoe, and more.

Then I realized that I have felt that way most of my life! At my father's funeral one of his best friends said to my uncle, "I didn't even know he had a 2nd daughter before John!" (the beloved son.) His best friend! And I was standing right there when he said it!

So I can relate.

I'm not sure how someone who is pretty much invisible can make it in the art world. Us introverts don't do well at standing out in front. So this will be a real challenge, but one that I am willing to take on. Creative self-expression is critical to health and wellbeing so I hope to set a good example through my painting and my writing.