Creating art requires space. I have been trying to make it again. What has appeared in that space is surprising. Or is it?
It has been a long time since I posted here. This is one of the longest gaps I’ve taken since I started this blog in 2007. There were many personal events that took over my life since my last post. They pushed everything else aside for months, and then I had to accept and adjust to those changes.
In spite of them, I’m feeling grateful. But, none of us must waste any more time. What’s important to take away here is that everything can change in a moment, any time. Are you doing the things you love? Are you making space for it?
After a long absence from contemporary realism, playing in the world of the abstract, or the semi abstract, I found my way back to portraits. I didn’t think it would stick. I made a promise that I would paint a portrait of a good friend. An angel of sorts! Her and her family’s kindness reminded me good people are still out there. I figured it would be a one off. It turned into an acrylic, an oil, and now more portraits.
It was a very rough start, but I feel like I opened a door to a room with so many treasures. Treasures I forgot lived within me. Painting a portrait is a very intimate experience. You get to know their face and, for me, it is like the spirit of the person or animal sits with you, like a good conversation, even if they’re a thousand miles away or years apart. I would lose myself for hours, something I haven’t been able to do in other genres for a long time. I had to slow myself down because working too long took a lot out of me.
I’ve done a pet portrait (beautiful sweet Heron on the upper right) and a portrait separated from me by 50 years. This one (below) is a work in progress. I’m not sure where I’ll take it yet, but it’s just the beginning.
I began by making a space, and now that space is opening wider. We’ll see where it takes me!
Plein Air season begins again in April! The horrors (usually the early paintings and bugs) and pleasures (being outside and with other artists) have been postponed by the pandemic. This is the first event for my group since Fall of 2019.
I have no idea where this year will take me. I’m not too worried about much other than just painting for the sheer pleasure of it again. Painting for me, for joy, and occasionally sharing it with you. See you again soon.
That is some great advice for you and everyone else. After these last two years we must not forget how invaluable each moment is. Better to paint or whatever else is yours to do today, instead of maybe next week.
Absolutely! I’d be curious to know what you’re working on, Ralph!
Another great post Michelle, and one that I am so happy to see! It looks like this is going to be a great year and I am looking forward to seeing what you will be creating. ❤️
I hope so! It’s your year too! I can’t wait to see what you’ll be doing by the end of the summer…
Thank you for reminding us all as to what is most important , even more so in these times. You have an artist’s heart and soul.
I think that Ralph said what we all were feeling after reading your post.
I am looking forward to what you will share with us In the future.
Take Care ….
We’ll see!
I live , or at least make my best attempt at living by the mantle “ just keep moving” Every step , keeps opening into another and in my mind I recite the mortal words of a fish named Dory…” just keep swimming, just keep swimming”
It is surprising how much you accomplish when you adhere to the practice.
Cheers, T
As long as there’s a focus. It’s too easy to be “busy” without purpose!
I really need to spell check before I hit send…immortal and mantra
Arggg!
LOL!
yep, best thing is to paint/create for the shear pleasure and happiness it can give you (ok and maybe also creating a few things that might sell if needed lol)
It can be a validation!
I don’t know why, but I felt quite emotional reading this. Part of it may be down to knowing something of what you’ve been dealing with, and the fact that you are still producing beautiful art. Part of it is the young self-portrait. I clearly recognize you in her, though I never met her. I think on the potential that we all have at such a young age, everything that we now know was in front of us, and the other routes not taken.
A 6th grade teacher approached me privately once, out of earshot of my schoolmates, waving something I’d written and saying with great sincerity that it was really very good and that I should keep writing. This is a message you have reinforced many times. I know approximately what it was Mr McDonald had read, and regret its loss somewhere, somewhen. I’m still struggling to find my way back to the young writer I was. I keep shying away from it, and I don’t know why.
I’m glad this reminded you of that event. It will only make me more relentless though! 😉
Fear of not living up to our potential is what can cause this procrastination. Sometimes you just have to do, and not be attached to the outcome, because when you first start – it won’t likely be too good!