Someone once told me a number of years ago, that "... time flies faster the older you get." I guess now that I'm older, I can agree with that unproven wisdom. Time does indeed seem to go faster. My grand-niece was born about two weeks ago, and I have been struggling to find the time to juggle multiple projects in order to get them all done in a timely manner. I think one of the problems is because since time is now going faster, I can't see where it's all going. Or maybe my eyesight is going...
I began crocheting a baby sweater back in December and was still working on it this past week. Monday's are one of usual painting days, but it was crocheting instead. Working overtime may be a more accurate description, but I was determined to finish the sweater before the baby outgrew it! The same drill was done for the next three days right through Thursday. By that time, I had sewn all the separate pieces together and was finishing up the ruffle. Shortly thereafter, the little hat that went with the sweater was also completed. By late Friday morning, I had the sweater, the hat, a small baby quilt, and a congratulations card all packed and ready to go. Finally - done!
I was feeling a little high strung - full of energy after such a success of completion. I found an 18" x 24" primed canvas and placed it on my easel. I laid out my paints and brushes and then searched for an oil-spill photo for a very basic composition. I began with yellow streaks across the canvas. I followed that up with orange, pink, green, sky blue, and dark violet. I was only about twelve inches away from the canvas. The pattern I created looked wild up close, but not very appealing. I moved the easel about ten feet away and walked away from it. I then turned around and sat on my sofa.
The work looked completely different from a distance. The lines all flowed together with almost no gaps as I had seen up close. Patterns emerged - at the bottom portion of the canvas, I saw patterns and figures that looked like lovers. The remaining space represented their energy in the room. My husband says he sees other lovers in the work, but I'll leave that up to you. I am quite content with the way the last few paintings I've completed have turned out.
Saturday is always family day. My husband Dave and I took our two oldest grandkids to see the movie "Sing", which I think most people, by now, are pretty familiar with. If not, you can Google it. Better yet, go and see it. It's a good movie, even though it is geared for kids. Without posting any spoilers, the theme was, in regards to your passion, just do it. Do it afraid. Believe it or not, I feel that way every time I face a blank canvas. Will this work be good enough? Will people like it? Will someone purchase it?
In the end, I just end up doing it. It is my passion. I know this - and I must follow it.
Until next time,
The Happy Painter,
Jill
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