Devotion and Gratitude

It’s time to share some devotion and gratitude this week. But, before I elaborate, here’s information about this blog. This is a place where, each week, I share my paintings, process, occasional infuences from art history, studio sales and inspiration. Whether this is your first or millionth visit here, hiya, hello and a warm welcome! I choose a theme to guide my paintings each year. To read about this year’s painting theme, check the description in this link here. To subscribe and get a weekly dose of color for yourself, subscribe here. Ready for more about Devotion and Gratitude? OK! Here goes!

What’s All this About Devotion

We live in a world of speedy, faster than fast and ‘get it done’ culture. And, don’t get me wrong, I see the need for ‘get it done’ here in the studio sometimes. When? Mostly when it comes to the “drudge” work. Such as? Oh, you know, cleaning brushes, tidying up my palette, vacuuming. The sooner I get these tasks done, the better!

But, devotion? To me, just thinking about this word makes me slooowwww down. Personally, I couldn’t have fathomed learning a new, challenging craft such as oil painting without it. Especially as I reflect upon the quiet personal decision I made in 2014 to devote as much time and effort to this endeavor as I could. The result?

New Companion

During my home studio sale in Raleigh, this past weekend, I told a few people that painting is my companion. Painting accompanied me through the dreadful pandemic. And, just like most relationships, we, painting and I, have certainly had our ups and downs. Meaning? Painting is my pal and my tormentor all built into one ever challenging bundle.

Since I paint most of my paintings from “life” meaning I either head outdoors or set up the ‘thing’ I’m painting in my studio, painting has helped me see nature. And, to me, the only truth out there is nature. So I’m really really really grateful that painting has helped me see nature more clearly. Now, here’s where gratitude kicks in!

Studio Sale Gratitude

Shazam I am so grateful for every single person who took the time to visit me during this past weekend’s studio sale. It was delightful to see people eye-to-eye in my small but cozy space. And, it was such a thrill to see so many people decide to buy my paintings. Here’s a gallery of many of the paintings that have fledged the studio!

Favorite Way

My absolutely favorite way to celebrate gratitude is Thanksgiving Holiday! I will toast each and every one of you who stopped by this past weekend on that day next week. How about you gentle reader? Do you enjoy this season of Thanksgiving? Do share your thoughts on gratitude, devotion, Thanksgiving and all this season has to offer in the comments below. I will be grateful when you do!