Outside Montgomery. Oil on stretched canvas, 8x10, $75It's been a while since I've had a three-painting day. They are rare and they are special, and I treasure them.
Yes, painting comes from inspiration. It comes from the muses, and the heavens and the time before time. But I have to be ready for it. I feel it's my job to prepare myself so that when inspiration lopes in, I have the strength and agility to leap up and ride.
Yesterday, I grabbed a hold and rode for all that I was worth.
I made this painting as the sun was setting. I'd seen this field 200 times, and I knew there was something in it for me. I set up and began painting, and right from the start, I knew it was good. Then, Ricky from Con-Way freight pulled his car over, got out, introduced himself and asked if he could look. He was on this way to work, he said, and he'd seen me painting and just had to stop. He was a happy man with a big smile and strong hands, and he helped round out a day of pleasure and sustenance for me.
Thanks for reading!
9 comments:
I like life when I throws in a happy curve every once in a while. I look at your painting and read about your friendly visitor and to me it confirms you're traveling the right path. I hope you see it that way too. Hugs.
Sheila, my most faithful commenter, I do indeed see it that way. He was just like this happy little man set down to make me smile and let me know that it will all be OK. As that rainbow picture that James sent says, Don't be afraid your life will end, but that it will never begin.
Beautiful works from a beautiful person. You are, indeed, blessed Carrie...new wonders will unfold every day. Now you gonna try for four?
Three paintings in one day?!! I feel productive if I spend three minutes painting in one day. (Sad, but true.) What a wonderful day for you. We all need a visitation from a truck-driving Ricky once in a while. I'm glad it left you smiling!
I'm a world-class procrastinator, so the Universe has seen fit to remove from my painting life all possibility of waiting for inspiration. It has been good for me. I almost always have a deadline looming, so whenever I find a free moment, I sit down and paint--whether I feel like it or not. Inspiration often follows. The positive effects of this disciplined practice have spread from the easel to many areas of my life. As you said, inspiration comes when we make ourselves ready for it. So whenever I feel rushed and stressed and lament my lack of free time, I remember to be thankful, to remain open, and I repeat my mantra: Procrastinate Tomorrow!
I only began painting about 10 years ago. Did it for a few months and then put my brushes away, but it is something I truly enjoy.
One day I will travel the world with my cameras, and I will take my paint and brushes with me - and I shall have a three-painting day.
You explain the thought process behind your paintings the way I do with my photography!
hola, James - some day soon, I hope, I will have a four-painting day! And to you and Kim and David, thank you for your kind words. The spirit does speak in an amazing voice when we listen for it.
Hi, I'm Debbie. I'm over from authorblog. Congrats on the POTD mention. Beautiful painting!
I love the sentiments you express, and the painting!
Thanks, Debbie and Judy, and welcome! I visited your blogs and enjoyed them very much -
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