Treasure hunt

Combarro

Watercolor by Fernando Artal

I'm really enjoying blogging. Not only is there the fun of letting out some of the many things in my head, but there is the adventure, the scavenger hunt, of exploring all the wonderful things that you have put up to share. Wasted moments sitting at my computer have been transformed into explorations.

You stimulate me. You encourage me. You inspire me.

Somedays I find myself going to paint so I can have something to show you. I suspect the same is true for some of you as well. Especially those who've signed on as daily painters. Wow, its a huge commitment and I admire the dedication it takes to accomplish this. As someone who doesn't paint daily, much less finish a painting daily, you inspire me to go to my studio.

Yesterday I did just that.

My painting is well on it's way. In shades of yellow and blue my model dances at the beach. I'll share her later when she's done. This one is not a child.

...am I keeping you in suspense?

While breaking for tea, I visited your blogs. It helps to keep my painting energy at its peek, even in my down time. I came upon Fernando Artal's work. I was very taken by it and I wanted to share it with you. He is from Spain and his blog is in spanish. Fortunately for me, most of his posts are paintings, so the language is not a problem. He has 23 followers. I suspect many of you have not found him yet. Therefore, I've decided to share my treasure hunt find with you. His watercolors are unlike anything I've ever seen. I tried to leave a comment, but it malfunctioned. He doesn't know I'm posting about him...

I want to return to work on my beach dancer. I left her skin half finished yesterday and I really want to complete it with the same colors...

Thanks for keeping me stimulated on my down time. Keep creating, posting and blogging. We all benefit from each other!

2010

The blank canvas. The big white blank canvas stands before us. Endless possibilities. Hope is in our hearts. Hope for change. Hope for improvement.

What will you do?

Its your canvas. You're in charge. You're the definer of much that will be painted on it. What color will you start with? Will you be timid and begin with a soft pastel or will you be bold and make yourself known with vibrant red? Its your life and I hope your living it. We only get one.

Forget the typical, I'll lose weight. I'll exercise more. Yes of course they're good and healthy, but think bigger. Dream. Really dream! Then set yourself on a path towards it. You don't have to be afraid of doing it alone. We can march on together. Your giant internet support group awaits you!

Have you taken steps to meet a stranger yet? Its a great place to start. Everyone has so much to share. Meet someone new and your mind will suddenly be exposed to new possibilities. Share your ideas and in conversation, a different point of view will add to it, encourage it, inspire it. Suddenly you'll feel the power to try, the power to act on it, emerge and grow. You can make things happen. You can reach out. You can be proud of who you are. You can stand tall and march on with enthusiasm! Dare to imagine and then go do it!

Grab that paintbrush. You know, the biggest one you have and go dip it in red!

Write a BLOG?

Last night Mike and I watched Julie & Julia. He suggested I start a blog. Why would I do that, I wondered? Well a good night's sleep later and here I am. I love new experiences, so why not. Usually when you begin something new, much more comes of it than you first imagined. I guess I'm up for the ride...

I'm an oil painter. I can't imagine being anything else. I love it so much that I started teaching a beginner's class several years ago. I wanted to introduce others to this amazing joy. It was a good step. Presently I have many students who come to the house for classes. For me its more like fun than work. Its become a social night, or afternoon depending on the class. In the process of painting the students reveal much of themselves and a wonderful bonding and healing has occurred. I never imagined this when it all began.

I'd love to connect with you. Creativity blossoms when inspirations are shared. An artist's life can be such a disconnected journey. Working diligently day after day, expressing yourself on canvas. It can be a lonely experience. I go to great lengths to connect with other artists. You will soon see. I look forward to sharing some of these experiences with you. Perhaps it will inspire you. Perhaps it will help me grow.

So pick up your brushes or pencils or whatever and move color around! Allow your worries and stress to disappear. Its ok to make time for yourself...