2015 was a great year for this painter. I worked like a dog! Had passion. Had shows. Deadlines. Commissions. When the last commission was painted in mid-December..that was it! I put down the brushes, breathed a sign of relief and enjoyed the holidays. Then it happened. NOTHING!
Mid January, there was still nothing. For the first time, I had serious painters block. My galleries were full. I had a supply of inventory waiting in the wings. It was as if the slate in my mind had been wiped clean. For a while, I had been wanting to progress, become more complex in my painting, find new and meaningful subjects. Move up a notch. Find new purpose. I became confused with futile attempts. Then, "Lay down your brush", clearly was heard. So, I decided to do just that. I would just wait.
For 6 months, I did not paint. Didn't really even miss it. Kept wondering what would come next. Illustrate that children's book I had started years ago? Write a memoir? But nothing came. Nothing at all.
During those months, I read two excellent books. The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield and Dancing on the Head of a Pen, by Robert Benson. Both are recommended reads for those with a mental block in doing their work.
So now, it's mid-June. Emerald Isle, the beautiful coastal town, is my home for the summer. That's where my painting began years ago. On June 3, I remember it well, a huge mammoth storm cloud came in. It took my breathe away. So I ran inside, grabbed a canvas, ink, paints and slashed away with color. It was totally interpretive. No expectations. In fact, painted TWO. I don't even know if they are finished. They may never be finished. But.....it felt good. Really good...even if just for a moment.
