The date as of this writing is Saturday March 4th, although the actual publishing date will most likely be the next day Sunday the 5th. Depending on which day you follow, it is either 24 or 48 hours before my next birthday. Sorry, you never ask a woman her age. Regardless of my age, this birthday will be a benchmark. I feel that I'm finally painting what I want, the way I want. The colors communicate on the soul level with the viewers. There is nothing else to relate to. Even though I've been painting for over 30 years, have covered an extremely wide gamut of subjects and mediums, have sold numerous paintings, and even have won awards for some of my previous works, I've never given up the idea of what a painting "should" be.
My painting career has been a journey - never in a straight line. Numerous twists, turns, victories, and defeats. To this day, I am still astonished every time I face a blank canvas. I am in awe as the brush moves the paint over the surface and at the finished product. The painting creates itself with a certain speed, certainty, and meaning. I still have a passion for my work, even though my works have changed over the years. Life is not outside itself. I get drunk with the freedom, possibilities, space and wonder. If I'm not careful however, I can hold on too tightly to tradition, security, and comfort. What is the meaning of life if it's not to go to the source of it all through the natural language of total expression?
On Thursday afternoon, I obtained more polish in different colors that I wanted to experiment with. By early Friday afternoon, I was in my studio and I applied the polish over the designs and works that I had previously painted. I completed two creations and only have one left for this series that will go on display starting in August. More frames have been ordered and the framing portion will be tackled next month. It has been a process - this is my first large show (approximately 20 works, all 16x20 or larger). I am excited, yet nervous. However, I know this is just another part of the journey. That is what matters - not the destination.
Until next time,
The Happy Painter,
Jill
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