We are evolving

Like it or not, we are evolving gentle reader. Why do I say this? I will share more in a minute. But first, I will welcome new readers and describe the purpose of this blog. Okeedokee?

Small Spaces Special Places

Welcome new readers! Each year, I select a theme for my weekly paintings. This year’s is “Small Spaces Special Places.” Why? I have been surprised, even delighted, with the small spaces in our house that have captured my eye.

Also, there are the special places I see on my daily dog walks. Each morning, rain or shine, I love getting outdoors and looking for things to paint. Sometimes, we venture on the road and I share paintings of special places from these trips, too.

If you think you will enjoy a weekly dose of unique artwork and musings on life, sign up here for this weekly blog. Let’s get to this week’s topic!

We are changing

On second thought, I guess I could have titled this week’s painting “We are changing” rather than “We are evolving.” The fact is, the oak leaf and dogwood tree berry I painted (See below) changed colors in the short time I was painting them. This is what compelled me to think of change and evolution. And, as hard as change can be to each of us as individuals, doesn’t it seem essential?

Besides each of us, I love to think of living creatures, trees, plants, leaves and how they have changed and evolved over time. It’s incredible to imagine the changes that have occurred over thousands of years. Isn’t it?

For me, painting is a way of ‘managing’ change. How? I am (ideally) so drawn into whatever it is that I am painting, that I fail to notice time or changes happening around me. I feel so lucky to have discovered that I love painting and that it helps me focus and work in the present moment. This doesn’t happen all the time that I paint. But it happens often enough, that the memory of that experience is what draws me in to get started on some days.

Getting Used to Change

Maybe it’s a function of age, or the pandemic of 2020 or the tumult of the past few years, but there seems to be a call to action in the universe telling us to constantly be ready for and aware of change. This can be so unsettling at times. So, the other ‘change management’ tool I have been using is a pen and paper so I can write down what I am facing. Have you found that sometimes just the act of writing about something can diffuse it? And writing can help you treasure a thought, too, it if it’s delightful?

I am pretty sure recording thoughts and dreams helped me conjure up the “Tomato Love” painting. Well, ok, the journal and a delicious tomato from a friend and several compositional sketches! Here it is:

Heck, in the midst of all of this evolution and change, I wonder if it might be possible for tomatoes to float and fly!

For Sale

Both of these paintings are for sale. The painting entitled “We are evolving” is 2×2 inches on a 3/4 inch cradled panel. Here’s the page with a Paypal link. The painting entitled “Tomato Love” is 5×5 inches on a 2 inch cradled panel. Here’s that page with a Paypal link.

Your Advice

What’s your advice for managing change and evolution, gentle reader? I would really love to hear. Please do share in the comments below and thank you!