Go for it, quit letting it intimidate you!

So after about 15 years I decide I am going to go back to my "roots" and try a painting. 

It was my concentration in college....oil painting that is.

Since Fred died I have had to learn to do so many things that intimidate me. So far figuring finances (dear God how I hate numbers), running our tractor mower, the blower, power washing the deck and even cleaning out the gutters for a few. Well if I can do those things why not an acrylic painting? 
So off to Michael's with my 40% off coupon I went.

So there it was...a 2'x3' wrapped canvas. 

It might have well as been Mt. Rushmore, honestly!

Nothing is more intimidating for a creative person than staring at a blank canvas, a blank page or whatever beginning of a creative project it is.

Dawn, from The Feathered Nest, a blog I have been following for years just spoke about this on her lovely blog:

the-feathered-nest.blogspot.com/

She is the kindest most giving person and does beautiful things with vintage pieces.

 She had just purchased a melting pot for beeswax to use on a piece. She spoke about how she had put off trying the new process like me.

I felt like, thank God, I am not the only person who continually puts off her creative pursuits until after the wash, the cleaning or whatever because we get intimidated. I thought well what a relief, I'm not the only one...another lesson learned!

Ok now what subject, well, I love flowers and I love painting iris's and I had done a tromp l'oell iris mural for a client  that I loved doing so there was my subject. That is only the beginning...so many decisions....colors, composition, size and more. 
Let the sketching begin....

At first I thought a collage type approach using vintage sheet music. But I decided to keep my first adventure on the simple side, but I am definitely pursuing this collage concept later especially since I got so many positive reactions to these posts on my Facebook. (Thank-you MJ, Heather and Debbie)

Somehow I always am happier with the sketchy first stages of a painting. I often dislike all the painterly midway steps. Maybe I should listen to that.

I love the look of pencil, charcoal and paint.

Now I can't seem to put it down and work late at night...remember I have a job too so time is limited.So after weeks of work I think it have decided I need to stop and call it finished.

So there it is after 15 years, I've completed an acrylic painting. It is hanging in my great room for now although I may sell it, I don't know. So if you are procrastinating something that may be intimidating you, I hope you go after it and pursue your passion. Don't let the everyday obligations prevent you from going for it. 




























Hope you enjoy the links:
The Common Ground