A painting can become a meditation. Particularly for me. The meditation could go on for weeks, perhaps even months. How is that even possible?
By a series of fortunate and unfortunate events. I still can’t decide which is which. Disconcerting to say the least.
I could broadly label an unfortunate event being the fact you set out to paint a piece and it doesn’t go to plan. You’ve put a lot of work into it and are reluctant to abandon it.
A fortunate event would be the adoption of the mindset where the outcome doesn’t really matter any more and you lull your conscious mind into a false sense of security and the inner critic slumbers with one eye open.
Then you keep prodding away at the piece with no expectation of outcome or desired reward. You are painting for paintings sake. Just one discordant brush stroke after another to see where they lead you.
I can’t give a cookie cutter answer as to where they lead you. How long is a piece of string? Everything is different on any given day. Perhaps that knowledge is enough and the willingness to give up the attempts to shoe horn a piece into a category.
Sometimes the practice can turn the piece on its head and real, real, progress is made. Other times you were right the first time and should have abandoned the piece months ago. It’s not really for us to decide; only time will tell.
None of it is a waste. I believe that. Little beauties like these are born out of constant practice and dedication to the craft. Beautiful things make beautiful Christmas presents for beautiful people.
As to what is beauty? Well, each of us has to answer that for ourselves.
Have a lovely day.
Hi, I'm Jimmy.
On this site, I share how writing and painting can provide meaning and enhance our lives.
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