Thought for The Day - Finish it!

Linen with a swirl (in process, still)

A coworker asked yesterday, what my goals are in painting. Without hesitation, I said it's to complete the painting I'm working on. I know by the look on her face, she was looking for something like "to be featured in ______ gallery" or "appear in _____ show," but I realize where my life sits for the moment. Aspirations, goals and dreams are important, but additionally, an honest assessment of your current situation is critical as well.

Completing the painting, being certain that it is where I want it to be, is critical. There have been times when I didn't know what else could be added to a painting. There have been times I said at some point, "it's finished," with that lingering sense that something else remained. Not this time; there is a strong sense of what needs to be done and a stronger sense of the completed image I'm looking for. But it is a slow process and worth each time I look over my shoulder as I write.

There's more at stake than completing a picture or saying "I did it!" No, I have intangibles to rise above; there is a sense of accomplishment and another "brick" to add to my identity. Eddie Hudson needs to go through this process and see it through to the end because he has walked away from too many things. Completing this painting is seeing a project through to the very end!

Thought for The Day - Radiance, A Burst of Light

Words and Images...I love this work!

A few months ago, when I began this process of blogging the "Thought for The Day," I told a coworker that there are times when this is HARD! She said "I thought you love doing it?" And I said I do, but love isn't always pleasure; there are times when love is pain and ache and longing.

There are days when I look at my work and ask myself "what am I doing? This is a waste of time and those brush strokes are terrible!" There are days when I can't help but think about what I'm working on (in my head) as I sit testing software. There are times when I wake and I "have to" put a couple brush strokes or place a couple strokes of the pastels.

A labor of love, some tears and a blend of my soul as I pour it out. The words aren't always poignant and soft; sometimes truth hurts. But then, there are times when the very brightness of the effort is the reward longed for.

Peace!