The Painting Spectrum - The Bucket List

   Spring is in the air! By looking out my studio windows, it certainly doesn't look like it. There's still almost a foot of snow on the ground from last week's snow storm. I could cheat and just look at the calendar, but I need more clues than that. My husband and I went for a walk this morning and saw a male pigeon strutting his stuff to a female along the boardwalk. She fluttered off... he just sat there either dazed or wondering.

   This week has been highlighted by one of the worst head colds I've had in years. It wasn't a bad week overall, but the other drag was the fact that my husband caught the same type of cold this week! We were two pathetic peas in a pod! Studio time consisted of only one day this week, and I somehow managed to complete two paintings. While painting doesn't exert a great deal of physical energy, it can tax me mentally at times, especially when I'm exhausted and feel like shit! Like I wrote in last week's post - it's not about me; when the creative muse and spirit take over, I step out of the way.

    One night over the past week when my husband and I were home sneezing and sniffling, we watched a movie we hadn't seen in a while. It was "The Bucket List" starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. I'm not going to spoil the film for you in case you've never had the chance to see it, but it does pose numerous questions that we could in fact take seriously. Throughout the movie, with it's humor and drama, the two main characters of Carter (Freeman) and Edward (Nicholson) are changed forever and not just by the bucket list.

   Life presents us with the greatest challenges - to live or not to live. To engage or just to pass by. Can most of us say that we just don't exist from day to day? Or what we do is "...for the sake of my family."?  Are we taking time to do things for ourselves and to live a balanced life? My husband Dave and I have added skydiving onto our bucket list, but we've got a ways to go before we accomplish that, mostly health reasons. But - we can do this.

   You can do this too - engage and live. I know you can.
   Until next time, The Living Painter,
   Jill

The Painting Spectrum - What Is Ugly?

"Let the beauty we love be what we do." - Rumi

If, we as artists, have ever taken the time to contemplate this following thought, there is so much beauty in painting a shape for the first time. Truly think about it. I am still amazed when I witness that special moment where the body, mind, and spirit join together in one action. The creative force molds its work as simply and boldly as it must. How alive is this totally original and perfectly authentic creation. I'm not attempting to push you off the deep end here, but when one thinks about the creative process, it is truly incredible.

In my opinion, every painting has its cycle of birth, growth, and death. It has a beating pulse. There are many levels of completion. Often a time, when I'm creating an original piece of art, at one point during the actual physical painting of the work, I think I am finished. Then, an inspiration suggests something more. Sometimes it's hard to explain, but suddenly with this particular work, I must plod onward... challenge myself further. I've been amazed at how easy and joy filled I've been as I am carried by a new wind of change. I've reached beyond my self-imposed limitations and have become more passionate in my work. I believe all artists, at some point, face a void. Then relinquish control and turn in to the deeper energies within us. When this occurs, we become receivers - not doers.

Creative painting is an exploration into my inner landscapes. The painting requires the fragrance of my life force - no thinking is required. Life is born of itself. When I've done everything I can without forcing anything, the process of creation is fulfilled. There have been times I've questioned what it means to trust oneself... to trust the wisdom of my own soul. I know why I question myself; it is usually based in some type of fear. However, if I can disconnect from that thought, I have found it is best to let the soul do its work without any interference.

To create is to unite with my spirit. I abandon myself to call on my intuition. Even though I have a cold and have felt miserable all weekend, the soul within me came back to what I truly am - dazzling - a sparkling soul. Creating is a meditative activity. It happens when everything inside and out joins in one action. I was lifted out of my dismal abyss effortlessly as the brush caressed the canvas.

According to the calendar, Spring is just 11 days away. However, it has been colder than normal and the only time it warms up, is when it's raining. Also, for the second weekend in row, it has been brutally cold and windy. Temperatures have been running as much as 20 to 30 degrees below normal... and there's a decent size snowstorm due to arrive in approximately 48 hours. Yippee.
I sometimes struggle this time of year as winter moves into it's fourth and final month here in New England. I really haven't felt motivated to go into the studio. Today was the first day in over a week that I actually painted. However, I don't look at the situation, I look at myself. I'm still an artist, I still love what I do, I still have passion for art - I'm all good.

The painting below is the last in my oil spill series (at least to my knowledge as of this moment). The series has taken me from a drop to the ocean. The first painting, which represented a drop of oil on the ground, to the painting below which represents a large sea turtle in the ocean, the series is complete. All  my frames for these works have arrived and will be framed next month, ready for the shows I have upcoming this summer and fall. This series has once again proved that it is the journey that is important - not the destination.

Until next time,
The Happy (and Stuffy Nose) Painter,
Jill

The Painting Spectrum - The Myth Of Inspiration

"Wherever you are is the entry point" - Kabir

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

The Painting Spectrum - Finishing Touches

  
   This week came and went in a blur. It was one of those weeks where you felt like to accomplished a great deal, but when you look back, you start to question just exactly how much you actually got done. I do remember numerous things; when I say this I coming from a place of recollection... my friends call it the start of dementia.

   I remember going for my daily walks, meetings with clients, writing my book, taking care of the business end of things, and seeing my kids and grandchildren on two different days. One of those days involved a sleepover. I also remember being just too tired to paint. In fact, I didn't even pick up a canvas until today (Sunday) and touched up three of them. This week was most likely just like your week - where there were good days and not-so-hot ones. There were challenges and victories. I had inspiration, and at times my mind was blank when it came to painting or writing.

   But today was the day. I was more rested and the sun was shining brightly in my studio. With renewed energy I painstakingly stroked on the nail polish. Up close, the polish doesn't seem to add all that much to the work. Yet when viewed from at least six feet, an amazing transformation occurs. It was as if the painting was in a caterpillar type state and now it has emerged as an iridescent butterfly.

   My excitement and anticipation for my upcoming shows this summer are mounting. In one way, I can't wait to see the public's opinion of these works in person. Then again, I've never been one to handle criticism very well. That's one reason why my husband handles all the marketing and sales aspects in regards to my art. I just don't want to deal with it. Then again, peoples opinions must be taken with a grain of salt; and regardless of whether it is positive or negative, it does not reflect on who I am as an artist nor as a person. To my own self be true.

   Until next time,
   The Happy Painter,
   Jill

The Painting Spectrum - Polishing It Up

   Until I wrote this post, I guess I never fully realized just how much the "little things" added up. Everything from how I spend my time to the weather. And most of those little things also effect my studio time and painting. This week began with a 24-hour blizzard (the first one in two years) and a snow day for not only my two oldest grandchildren but also for my husband Dave. We had them sleepover Sunday night into Monday afternoon. We enjoyed everything from pizza, movies, board games - you name it. We had an absolute blast. However, this also equated to zero studio time.

   Tuesday was Valentine's Day - I focused my creativity in making a few hand-made cards. My husband and I enjoyed a romantic dinner that evening; which to our surprise, was the first in about three months. Thursday is the day I get all the "business" aspects done in regards to my profession, and Friday is writing day, mainly working on my latest book.

   That left Wednesday as the only day this week I grabbed studio time. See what I mean by all these "little things" adding up? Don't get me wrong - they are very positive aspects in my life, very necessary, and it all leads to a balanced life. However, there's always that perfectionist ego that stands on my shoulder and whispers from time to time, "You're not spending enough time in the studio. You're not painting." Can be very annoying...

   So Wednesday was painting and polishing day. I worked on three paintings that were part of my oil spill series. Like others in this series, I applied sparkling gel to each one, one gel color at a time. I must admit, this aspect of my creative process is very meditative for me. I work with a tiny brush and have to repeat the strokes many times. I was very particular in the polish colors I chose and I've been very pleased with the results. The polish adds more depth to the work and helps eliminate "flat" areas and color. Best way I can describe the outcome is more radiant. Six months ago, I would've never imagined the finished results. By sheer exploration with a basic product - play if you will.

   Like I mentioned earlier in the post, it's the little things that can add up. It's also the little things in life that truly matter. Whether it be little strokes, little folks, or a little free time.

   Until next time,
   The Happy Painter,
   Jill

The Painting Spectrum - Twists And Turns Of Fate

   Seasons change - and even within a season, elements can change rapidly. As I write this, the sky is grey and another snow storm is due to hit. Less than a week ago, I had bare ground outside my studio. By Monday night, there will be over two feet of white winter powder. The same can said for a painting; an artist can look at it, work with it, and struggle with it for weeks or months. Then, at a moments change, it evolves into something completely different. There are the occasional times when I struggle to get myself to paint; there's not as much natural light, the muse isn't with me, or I just feel like snuggling and being cozy on my sofa.

   Life in general, can also mirror the creative process. Even as something as routine as going to a weekly church service. My husband Dave and I have been engaging in this ritual together for over 30 years. But, like the creative process, sometimes I fight it. It's too cold, I'm too tired, or maybe I just don't feel motivated to go. However, just like engaging in creativity, if we get lazy, we will miss extraordinary moments in what seems like ordinary. For example, if we didn't go to church this morning, we wouldn't have realized that today is "World Marriage Day". Furthermore, we would not been part of the married couples "renewing of our vows" portion of the service. By engaging and being in the moment, it was very moving. Dave and I looked into each others eyes the entire time we recited the vows given during the service.

   Needless to say this day has been surprising. Dave and I have been like a couple of young kids all day. We share each others passion - just like we recognize the others passion for creativity. He understands how and why I literally throw my soul into my art. Ditto with his photography. The day has been full of twists and turns. It reminds me of this past week as I went over three more paintings I had done several months ago. I added darker colors to the works, (similar to what I did to the paintings in last weeks post), but I also retraced the twists and turns of the lines in the paintings.

   Like a marriage, a painting, over time, goes through changes that in the long run can make for a better, more vibrant work in the end.

   My love to all,
   The Happy Painter,
   Jill

The Painting Spectrum - Writer In Maine

   February can be a difficult month in general, but even more so here in Maine. Like numerous parts of the country that get their fair share of cold and snow, I had another snow / ice / rain day last week to stay in the studio and paint. While I was inspired by the pastel colors of the sky that lit up when the sun came out briefly towards the end of the day, I had zero desire to venture outdoors. However, that inspiration from Nature was enough motivation to "lighten up" three of my canvases that I did early on in my oil spill series. I'm more confident of the colors that "work" together now and I was able to go over some older works with ease and unify the composition without the worry of "ruining" them.

   We had the opportunity of having our only grand-daughter sleep over this past Friday night. She's 10 years old and as lively as can be. In other words, she's darn good at it. But, opportunities like these will become more rare in the near future. It gives my husband Dave and I another chance to be young at heart. We can't let these moments slip through our fingers like sand. As we journey through this life, it's another reminder of what I was born to do - for example, to paint and be a grandparent.

   We watched a classic Disney flick called "The Apple Dumpling Gang", which Dave and I shared many years ago with our own kids. Most of you are probably familiar with the movie, but for those who aren't, here it is in a real nutshell. The story takes place in the old wild west where no one wants three young orphans. It's not until the kids discover a huge amount of gold in a mine they've inherited, that everyone and their brother wants to adopt them. The two main characters, who can't stand each other at the beginning, grow fond of each other as well as the kids. Of course, before everything works out in the end, there are twists and turns, but finally they all live happily ever after. The bottom line with this movie is, you never know where life is going to take you, and along the way, one of your true purposes is usually revealed.

   Another case in point - 30+ years ago, I never dreamed I would be living along the ocean in Maine, in my studio, mentoring my grand-daughter in art. While my husband was out doing some much needed errands (like getting more food in the house for this 10-year old to eat), my grand-daughter and I moved tables and chairs in my studio and began to create. First, it was collage. Then, it was making some clothes and a blanket for her dolls. A few hours later, we all attended a monthly "art lab" at the local contemporary art museum. Our grand-daughter has come to love these labs, mainly because she can get creative while following an extremely loose set of rules. Sounds a lot like her grandmother...

   Creating is a miracle of life. We celebrate this miracle all week - whether it be from painting, to making meals with love, to entertaining a 10-year old. When you do what you are born to do - which is a great many things - miracles do happen.

   Until next time,
   The Miracle Painter,
   Jill