Abstract Color, Musings and Paintings

Morning ritual....cup of coffee in hand I step ten paces to the studio porch. The door to the studio opens and once again I'm confronted by the need, the desire, my own admonishion to create. Awaiting me is the blank stare of the white canvas. Some find this moment daunting - so painful in fact - that flight is the only course! And if running isn't an option, some find that procrastination will work just as well. Think of all those chores, or just sit, take a nap, go shopping....lose one's self in a busy week! Sound familiar? I am both humbled and blessed by that blank space. It is my job, my calling, and my passion. It challenges me with it's quiet, and therein is peace. As the first stroke of the brush caresses the canvas, I'm at home. Be at home today with your creative challenge. Brush of Yellow 36 x 36 mixed media on "a blank canvas"

How do friends and/or family effect you as an artist? Short story.... I began sketching seriously when I was about 10...really don't remember much artwork before that. My brothers laughed at my first rendition of our pet collie....but they were younger. The real pain came when my mother looked at my drawing and gave a negative comment. I allowed no one to see any sketches from that time until ten years later. My boss noticed a sketch of sunflowers on my desk and wanted everyone to see "what a great artist they had working there"...his words, not mine. Hearing that positive comment changed my attitude toward my drawings completely. However, even today, I'm nervous to show my artwork to someone close to me, but I've also learned to accept a negative the same as an accolade! "Thank you, I appreciate your comments."  Another way to release the negatives is to "paint them out". That's my term for pouring those hidden emotions into