Days Without Numbers and Little Things

“Little Things,” 4x4in, oil on 1.5in canvas $65.00 [creativ_button url=”http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/denise-hopkins/little-things/401745″ icon=”” label=”Buy Now” colour=”blue” colour_custom=”” size=”medium” edge=”straight” target=”_self”]

As I opened my browser to begin this post, moved my curser to the subject line, I was at a loss– how to a give a title to a post that isn’t one of my “days”. It’s a normal Wednesday. I’m not in the middle of painting 100 paintings or even 20. I’m just doing what I set out to do over a year ago now– paint. Paint not just when I’m inspired or bored. But paint regularly, consistently, and perhaps with a sense of urgency. I’m not in my twenties anymore. I don’t have luxurious time to waste. Forty-year-old me is going to ride the coattails of now me.

I don’t have any profound remarks to make about my 100 day challenge, and I think it’s partly due to the fact that it wasn’t all that different from what I’d been doing and what I continue to do every day (almost). Sure, I’ve gone on vacation and gluttonously enjoyed a nap or two, but other than that, not a whole lot has changed. That sameness, routine, ritual, discipline, whatever you want to call it, continues to carry me through the less consistent aspects of living.

Today, I attempted my smallest painting yet– it’s just a tiny little 4in by 4in. The canvas has been sitting around for a while. I’ve been working on some bigger pieces which I love. But they take more time. And every once in a while I need the satisfaction that comes from the small things– a painting I can complete in an hour’s time, a simple routine, a walk by the river, or an unexpected bird spotting with my son.