In spite of the fact I’ve very recently told you that it’s possible to fit your art into the small spaces of your life, I was starting to stress yesterday, wondering how it was all going to work, really.
I got up before sunrise and jumped right into it. I was deeply inspired and excited. I started my day writing. There were two big posts I wanted to do. It was fun and exhilarating, but it was taking more time than I thought it would (sound familiar?). I wanted to paint, too! But I wrote on and it continued to be nurturing and soulful. However, the clock was ticking. I finished late in the afternoon and told an anxious Kelee we’d go for a walk, and I told myself I’d paint when we got back. The walk was invigorating and beautiful. It was very cold and snowing lightly, the music on my iPod reviving.
When I got home and set everything up to paint, though, I looked at the clock, thinking about feeding the animals, and acknowledged I was totally wrung out. I was tired from a very good day of creating and I was done. That’s when the worry set in, and the hand wringing (I know you all get this, too). Was it really going to work, writing this blog AND finding enough time to paint? I began to try to control it all. My brain was spinning, piecing it all together.
Then something altering happened: I remembered how much I had loved writing today and, in that moment, I accepted that the blog is a new and welcome part of my art. I thought about my controlling nature, and how art is supposed to spring from enthusiasm, not discipline, and I knew Spirit was telling me I had to let go. Isn’t it simply amazing how we learn and unlearn the same lesson over and over again, in as many forms as it takes, until we get it? The universe is relentless! Good thing.
I made supper for us all (Have I mentioned before that I have SEVEN, count ‘em, SEVEN animals? That black cat you keep seeing in my photos is actually three black cats) and settled in to watch a movie. The evening was gentle, the movie good, and as I was readying myself for bed, it occurred to me that I was restored! In letting go of my need to produce, in allowing space to rest and relax, my mind and body were rejuvenated. I had energy! I felt inspiration nibbling at my heart and thought, “What the heck?” and I went into the studio to paint.
And what a magnificent session I had!
First, I sketched the big piece. Yay! What FUN!
I played, some, with the black lines on the square painting and then started working on the large canvas. Both of these are Llano Series pieces. The smaller one is what I call my gray and whites and the other is a horse painting. This is just the first layer on both. Many layers will follow.
Here’s a good example of “erasing”. I wasn’t happy with the shape of one of the horses so I used white paint to take out the parts I didn’t like and then reformed it using black.
Then I noticed something very cool: Taken in small pieces, the large painting was actually a group of abstracts coming together to create the horses. I think this may be the next version of my horse series being born! How cool is that? (Are you seeing this, Bill Franke, over there in the mid-west?)
Something to always be aware of, in our work, is what I call surface quality. We all know about enjoying paintings from a proper viewing distance to get the best effect, but how a painting looks up very close is important, too, I think: The kind of stroke, the lay of the paint. So keep this in mind as you make marks on your sub-straight and play with it.
Take a look at the two pieces I’m working on together. Even though they are different, you can see they are by the same artist and born of the same inspiration: My walks on the Llano. I love that.
So it was 1:30AM and I had to get to bed. I was done for the night and at a good stopping point. I pulled out three small paintings to base coat another time.
I went to bed with a deep sense of gratitude. The universe had made its point: It IS possible to do everything I’ve taken on. And, not only is it possible, it’s NECESSARY. It was meant to be. Writing, painting and photography all fit beautifully together. They feed each other. I just have to let go and allow it all to unfold, as it’s intended. I don’t have to control anything, just listen to the messages, present myself to the work and be nurturing of my artist self. The universe supports it so it will happen naturally, organically. It truly is a magical journey. Are you with me?
This article was useful when looking for:
- motivation to paint (74)
YES I’m with YOU!!! Good for you to go with the flow and accept the fact it was your day to use and create in -how ever it evolved. I always LOVE your horses…and anything else you create.
YEAAAA U!
Grace
I’m so GLAD you’re with me because I want you to do the painting class I’m going to do online. I was talking to someone tonight about different ways to do it. Let’s get you back to your art! What do you say?
Actually I bought some basics to replace the painting/oil pastels etc items lost in the 08 fire just a few days ago:) I almost bought a couple of already painted canvas boxes to repaint over at a recycling store…but of course the next day they were gone…so instead I cozied up my living room with new red pillows and sofa throw. I have been surrounding myself with red things for months now. Kind of nesting my creative energies for a birth of some kind. So yes I would love to do a creative class online with you my dear…what a great thing!!:) Better than “its a good thing” as Martha might say.
xoxoxo
Grace
Cool! I just spent three days with a wonderful new friend from Massachusetts. Her husband creates ways for people to teach online. Adam (my blog partner) and I are renaming and reworking the blog over the next several weeks. The online classroom will be developed during all that. So you can be my first student! I also think you could benefit from the Artist’s Way class I’ll be doing online 🙂
Me too! I have those same nagging vestigial habit of compartmentalizing my time to make my day as efficient as possible. It’s left over from our “corporate lives” I think….
Yes, I think so too. Just another way art heals, huh? Teaching us to shed the corporate structure!
Jeanne, what a wonderful lesson for all of us. We will show this process to Leah (our household artist)!! Really great to see process. Bill (and Margaret)
Hi guys! I’m MISSING you! Glad to talk to you through the blog. I’m thrilled you’ll be getting Leah involved. Ask her if you can shoot a piece she’s done and send it through the blog. I THINK that can happen. I’ll ask Adam and let you know. (I just found out this isn’t possible yet, but will be later).
PERFECT! Every part of it. The gifts are always there in big ways and small ways, they are all brilliant. And, sharing your process as an artist, as a human being, is a wonderful gift you’re giving to so many others, myself included.
xoxoxxo piper
Thanks Piper! I’m so glad you’re still here reading the blog. And I’m happy the unfolding process may support yours. It’s fun to see the blog shift and grow too. It’s all a process.
Jeane…the new blog name is perfect! Even though I am not an artist, I enjoy your process, your words, your photos and the paintings as they come alive. Yikes I think I will probably need one of the Llano Series to honor my horse seesters, same size as the Mountains I bought when I visited! Save me one, okay? And I better pay you while I have the money! HA! Hugs to Keele and the kids. Your OLDEST friend, of which I am honored to be declared!!! LoveJoy
Thanks Joy! I like it, too. Life is such an interesting process. It doesn’t seem anything happens in a straight line. High Road Artist seems to make so much sense now but it took several months for us to find and realize it. Still some bugs to work out but we’re getting there.
I’m glad you like seeing the process, even though you’re not painting.
What size is your mountain piece? I don’t remember.
Your OLDEST friend 😉
Dear Jeane,
Thank you for that wonderful post. I, too, struggle with keeping music, painting, writing and daily life balanced, and ended up painting at 10pm last night after a day much like yours, putting it off. Music didn’t get done exactly, but ideas are simmering, and your post is so encouraging. Blessings on you and your work and your animals and your life. Mary in Boulder
Thank you, Mary. I’m so glad this post was able to offer you some encouragement. It’s the reason I write the blog–to reach people like you. Thank you for letting me know you’re out there. What kind of music do you do?