Day 30. Ride the waves
“Circling Back” 8×8 oil on canvas
If you aren’t a painter, let me describe the typical process for you. 1. An idea! 2. A decent start with the first few marks of the piece. 3. Looks like trash. 4. Looks like the most glorious things you or anyone else has ever created 5. Looks like trash again. 6. Looks fine.
I don’t know why such extremes are involved, but I’ve talked with enough painters to know that it’s not just me, we somehow require them.
Today’s painting was extra extreme for me. Moments of glory and devastation all wrapped up into a tiny little 8×8 inch canvas. I’ve ended where I usually do: it’s fine. It’ll do. And tomorrow, well, tomorrow, there will be potential for magic once again. Rinse, Repeat.
The month is closing out more quickly than I could have imagined a couple weeks ago when time was moving slower than a herd of snails traveling through peanut butter. But here I am with only one day left. One more attempt to ride the waves of emotion that show up every time without getting thrown out into the abyss.
All 31 coming exclusively to my subscribers list Feb. 1 at 8pm. Make sure you’re on it here.
Denise Hopkins
January 30, 2023
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One Response
I can confirm photographers have all those thoughts, too!