Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Finding your Bliss


I finished the old red barn painting recently
and while my work will never grace the great galleries,
I am loving the process.... and isn't that the point?


When I was young and picked up a brush, I was so self conscious
about  the mistakes I was making and the lack of quality in what I was putting on the
canvas compared to the true artists work I had been admiring. 

That's such a silly notion when you take that thought apart and analyze it.
Anything you imagine, work on, build, create... is a 
work of art.   It is your individual expression, unique to you.
The process in itself is rewarding as long as you are not
a harsh critic to yourself.  And why would we ever want to
criticize ourselves for the act of creative expression. 
Who needs another judge, anyway? 

Our "self" is kinda like that canvas. 
Don't hold your personal self up to someone elses life or expectations.
Oh boy, I am guilty of that.
Don't be afraid to express your own style - be the true you -and embrace it. 
 Now that I'm older (and wiser!  Hey, there are benefits!)  and don't give a flying F 
what someone else might think is poor work on my easel, 
I am loving every minute of it. 
It's not just the gift of being able to put a picture on canvas...
 it's most importantly the gift of allowing myself the  freedom to do it.. and enjoy it
 
So the red barn is done, and I came across a photo on the internet of this
snow scene in Vermont.  The photo is a black & white, but I'm attempting
to put color in mine.


 I'll let you now how it goes. 




18 comments:

  1. Sometimes age makes us better and in your case, is living proof, Karen....AWESOME work!...:)JP

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  2. Oh wow, I am totally impressed. I love the barn, so beautiful. I would love for you to link up to my ongoing party - Inspire Me Tuesday - -http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2013/12/195th-inspire-me-tuesday.html. Hope to see you there. Hugs, Marty

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  3. wow I am so proud of you doing something you really like and doing it so well-love dee x

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  4. "Practicing an art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven's sake. Sing in the shower. Dance to the radio. Tell stories. Write a poem to a friend, even a lousy poem. Do it as well as you possible can. You will get an enormous reward. You will have created something."--Kurt Vonnegut

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/11/kurt-vonnegut_n_4241283.html

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  5. Karen - your painting is beautiful, much like you and the spirit you exude.
    I love everything you said about not being afraid to express your own stye and being the true you.
    -Joan-
    www.mvobsession.com

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  6. your barn painting is gorgeous, karen. well done!

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  7. very good I can't paint a straight line
    I went to canvas class once and followed teacher instructions and my painting looks like pre kindergarten childs version LOL
    you have the talent to do it

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  8. I love your words, and I think you are expressing yourself fabulously! :)

    No creativity here in many a moon; trying to get my mojo back.

    xoxo

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  9. Awesome work, Karen!! I'm working on my dollhouse...just for me...no one else! Except maybe for a granddaughter!

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  10. My gosh, Karen. That is going to be beautiful when you are done. I can't wait to see it finished- xo Diana

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  11. I think your painting is wonderful!

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  12. i didn't know you painted....and holy crap, you're really really talented. wow!!!

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  13. I would not even know where to start.....I think you do very well......and you should be very pleased with the results. You rock.
    But I've already told you that.

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  14. Really really nice. Keep painting!

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  15. I cannot crochet more than a chain stitch and I cannot paint anything but walls and furniture...but YOU can!!! I think it's wonderful...At 60 I have had to face the fact that these two things will never be mine to create..sadly I quit trying.
    So I do what I can do and enjoy the work of others when I cannot.

    Karen, really lovely...

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  16. Beautiful painting, Karen! You are so impressive. Do you use oils?

    My dad painted and every once in a while I get the urge to try it. You may have inspired me to give it a go.

    xo
    Claudia

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  17. It really did come out beautiful and I can't wait to see this next one. It's so nice to use our talents...feels good to create! Happy holidays to your sweet family!

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  18. I think your "Red Barn" picture is wonderful. How long have you been working in your art? I have such trepidation of trying to paint.

    I've tagged your blog into my blog list for it is Good. I hope you don't mind.

    My apology I didn't ask (and did give you credit) but I will now: I wish to borrow a picture of "Vick" off your blog. Okay? Such actions make me sick to my stomach and I'm posting about this right now.

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Thanks for stopping by! I always appreciate your comments, even opposing views, as long as we're all respectful.

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