Mine was a week marked with some anxiety, mixed doubt, a little fear, a turn-around surprise, and terrific success. With my perceptions at times, if I don't have a problem - I can create one in my mind. I began last week thinking I would only get one day and maybe an additional hour somewhere to work on the ocean sunrise mural I've been commissioned to do, as my client's schedule and mine did not coincide. I imagined all sorts of chaos and fiasco's that could happen (but didn't) like spilling large jars of paint all over the floor and not having enough cleaning supplies to take care of the mess.
As the days passed, I visualized the colors I was going to paint and had a decent, clear idea of what I wanted as an end result. By Thursday, the day before I was due at my clients house again, my frustrations were mounting. I usually allow myself at least a 4-5 hour block to paint; whether it be a large canvas or a large wall. I also imagined (there's that word again) only getting a fraction done of what I wanted to accomplish. By Thursday evening however, things started turning around. My Friday morning appointment with another client postponed a week, and my husband Dave carpooled with a co-worker so I could have the car all day. That made things much easier. I finally broached the time block subject with my client and we resolved that issue that was spinning around in my head.
Friday came, I gathered my supplies and headed over to my clients house. I can be so OCD at times and this was one of them; I had packed my painting supplies days before, so I could just grab and go. As I was heading out the door, I was still double checking that I had everything I needed.
After I set up my work area and laid down my drop cloth to catch any of those spills my mind was determined I would make, I began at the top of the wall lettering in the words: "EACH DAY IS A NEW BEGINNING". So far so good. I then mixed up a batch of color that consisted of brown, white and yellow, painted in a bunch of dunes and rolled it across the bottom. I effectively covered up the last of the Caribbean Blue color.
Next I was going to paint on a pale Cobalt Blue for the sky, but I couldn't find in either of my painting bags. I was positive that I packed it - but it wasn't here! I was frantic. Now what do I do? I paused, prayed and reflected. The idea to use a different shade of purple came to me. I mixed another batch of purple and white that resulted in a rich lavender and rolled it on the sides of what hadn't painted over yet. Afterwards, I was pleased with this improvisation. I then speckled it throughout the top of the mural going over my guidelines for the lettering. Moving forward, I went back to the yellow, mixed in white, and went over the sun. I wasn't happy with the yellow - I could still see the Caribbean Blue through it. I also painted on the sparkles of the glistening water.
I stood back, pulled out a chair, and sat down - looking over my mural contemplating my next move. My next idea that came to me actually crossed my mind two weeks ago; to paint in the pink clouds with crumpled paper towels. I felt a small wave of fear course through me, but then it passed. I boldly stood up, mixed red and white paint into a pretty pink, dunked the paper towel in it and smeared the wall with it. When I relaxed, the fun began. That's one thing my husband always tells me to do when I paint - above all, have fun! I danced the paint on the wall as well as covered myself with it. I had a blast! I redid the lettering with a glaze of yellow and then redid the sun yet again. Lastly, I paper toweled in some orange in the clouds.
Realizing I was entering the home stretch, I painted in the walkway and the details with the dunes. For a moment, I exited my painter zone and realized there had been noises outside, but I never registered what was going on. My plan was now that the dunes were done, I was going to sit down and appreciate how the mural finally came together, but I ended up going to a window instead. That's when I saw some large front-loader tractors clearing the streets of snow. Once again, my brain kicked into gear and I thought that they might have my car towed. I hurried to my painting area, took a picture of the mural, hustled the clean up process, and ended up leaving an hour before I had planned. And no, my car did not get towed...
I felt so alive and exuberant. Satisfied at a job well done! It feels good that I can still produce a type of art work that I hadn't done in a long time. I am ready for my next wall. Please feel free to contact me for a free consultation.
Until next time,
The Happy Painter,
Jill
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