About a year ago, I started a new hobby - painting. Yes, on a canvas. I know, I know...most of you that have known me for a long time would have a hard time picturing me as the artsy type. I'm right there with ya. Who'd a thunk it?
Well, I could never even draw a stick man. Just ask Mr. Ludy, my art teacher in school. But I've always been intrigued by painting. But was always afraid to try. So one day I finally asked my friend Jackie at church if she could give me some tips on how to get started. What to buy, what to look for, etc. Well, being the kind hearted (an apparent gluten for punishment) she is, she went one step further and offered to give me a lesson. Well that day opened a whole new world to me. Painting is both easy and difficult. It's liberating and captivating at the same time. It's an opportunity for someone to take a thought, an image an emotion - anything- and translate that subject onto a blank canvas.
I'll never forget Jackie's encouragement. She'd say, "It's your painting...so you can't get it wrong." She'd emphasize that it didn't matter if I messed up. You can always correct it, and if you can't - so what?! It's just a canvas. Just paint over it all and start over. What freedom! Anyone that has spent any time with me knows that I can't sit still. I usually find it difficult to focus. But not when I'm painting. I can paint for hours upon hours. Not even stopping to eat or use the restroom. I have only finished a handful of completed projects. Most of the time, I practice technique on a canvas pad.
I'm not exaggerating when I say this opened a new world to me. Jean and I go to art museums. I'm always looking for opportunities for inspiration. And it is one more way that I can worship my Creator.
If you are interested in seeing any of my paintings, you can go to the left margin of my blog and scroll down a bit and click on my "Virtual Gallery". Each slide has a short description of the painting.
Bless you for indulging me in this.
Peace!
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