A New Song

New songs have unknown harmonies and never before heard melodies. It can be a challenge to break out of the box of conformity and preconceived notions to "sing a new song". I found that to be particularly true as I began to paint this piece. The overall image had come to my mind's eye while in quiet meditation about Psalm 33. My mind's ear heard "Sing to the Lord a new song. Let all the earth break forth in singing." I saw the image of the rocks breaking and cracking as new shoots rose to glorify God. Then, in the midst of the painting I hit a roadblock; what I saw in my mind was not translating effortlessly on the canvas. I was forced to retrace my steps, pause and ponder how to proceed. As I sat at the easel and worked things out I heard a whisper, "You're singing a NEW song; it will be a challenge".

Yes, new songs are a challenge, but if we are to grow and keep learning there will always be new melodies to learn and new harmonies to recognize. May your day be filled with fresh sounds!

Less is More

Less is more; that is a concept I have been pondering ever since I returned from an art festival in Louisville last month. Since that time I have taken a good long look at each and every painting in my inventory and have even "repurposed" nearly a dozen canvases. That means I primed over them and they are ready for new paintings. Anything that did not meet my current level of expertise and vision was gessoed over. Amazing how liberating that was. I have decided that I am going to be more purposeful with my work, creating only those pieces that I am truly inspired to paint. The task can be daunting when you are in the art business, but I believe the universe will smile because I believe the heart message will be more noticeable in each painting. There you have it. Less is more...unless you are talking about keeping up to date with a blog, to which I am rededicated. Just ahead: turning the top of a Steinway baby grand piano into a piece of art, hitting the road again...this time to Chicago, and getting the word out there that I'm available for speaking engagements. Until tomorrow....