The Daily Spectrum - Gallery Wall Talks #18

This painting was inspired by something that didn't exist yet. I had a grandiose garden plan for my half acre back yard / property. Fairly ambitious or downright crazy? You can decide and hold the comments please. In a nutshell, I wanted a Japanese pagoda with a dining area, a fish pond of some type, and a long circular garden path that wrapped around the perimeter.

While the plan never came to fruition, I thoroughly enjoyed the dream as well as creating the design. However, I received the most enjoyment from painting it. Painting the concept was also far easier than executing the idea. Looking back, I feel it had something to do with not necessarily using a shovel, but the fact that the entire back yard would have to be excavated.

2005 was a tumultuous year at our house; our oldest daughter was away at her first year of college (and all that entailed with that event) and our second daughter was in the full throngs of teenage-hood at age sixteen... need I say more?

I started reading books on Japanese tea ceremonies and long desperately for a serene escape. Like all things in life - whether a garden, teenagers, college, or what-have-you, "this too shall pass". I embrace the same concept with my paintings - even if I'm enjoying the process to the fullest, I know this moment will indeed pass. I can embrace it... and enjoy it... now.

Until next time,
The Happy Painter,
Jill