One Step at a Time

Lemmen's Inlet, 30X30", oil on canvas

Before I talk about the above painting, I want to tell you something....those that have been following my blog will know that I have been navigating through an experience of having a palsied right hand.

With no improvement evident over the last three months, I was scheduled for surgery this past Friday, November 20th in which the surgeon would attempt a nerve graft.   Then, less than 48 hours before my surgery, a finger moved.  Very exciting from my perspective.

My surgery was cancelled!  I am doing the happy dance over here.  Feel free to join in.

It will take some time, but the hope is that things will continue to improve without a surgery...that my body is finding a way to repair despite the degree of trauma it has had to deal with.

This would not be a painting blog if I didn't weave this life experience into my painting experience (art imitates life...or does life imitate art?) so here it is...

The studio piece above, painted about a year ago, was one of those paintings that I just didn't know how to tackle.  So I just started with what seemed to be the most obvious and straightforward.  After that, I found the next area that seemed obvious, etc.

Here's the lesson:  when you feel overwhelmed, in life or in art, just start someplace.  Anyplace that makes sense.  When things are started, momentum is created, and a relationship between the parts starts to form.  In other words, what you have just done will help you find your way to the next bit, etc.

I have no formula or typical approach when I paint, and so I paint the way I live, one step, one day at a time, trusting that the next thing will unfold as I approach it.  Think of it this way:  when you are driving a car at night, you only need to see as far as the headlights shine - beyond that, trust that the road will unfold.  Don't panic, just carry on.

My easel and my next cup of coffee are calling, so this is where I leave you, hoping your easel is calling to you as well.

All the best,
Gaye