We always have that choice...look for the good in ourselves, others and our lives or look for the bad...some of you know that I'm a teacher and therapist by trade, and I'm constantly learning, and being reminded both personally and through my work with others, that we do have choice...sometimes it's too easy to get hooked up in drama (both our own or other peoples') or get too concerned about who's right in a situation that in truth isn't that important anyway, or automatically fear the worst in a situation that might turn out really well if we trust a little more...we can choose to seek out harmony, common ground and positives in most situations...we can expect improvement, more happiness, and increasing well-being if we can open to the possibility and let it in...I'm choosing to seek joy ♥
'Seek Joy' 12" x 12" mixed media on canvas
Things are changing with my painting, as I go along, I'm freeing up a little more, finding my feet with the materials and not just that, but finding myself, that part of me from the past who is confident as an artist...I feel glimmers of her coming through but I am not where I want to be with my painting yet...but I am where I'm meant to be, right? This picture above is the largest yet, at 12" square, and I'm now exploring using oils (grown up paints) as well as acrylics...
As I type this post, I am waiting for an even bigger 16" square canvas to dry so I can continue to work on it, and it is coming together more freely...someone mentioned recently about it being difficult to do small portraits and I'm really enjoying working on these larger canvas, at college I made bespoke canvas that were 6 feet by 4 feet and larger!! I wanted to make pictures that would envelop the viewer, so they had to be big...but my kitchen studio will not allow such ambitious projects right now...but I'm loving the 16" square size...
Rose macro
As we go along our creative paths, so many ideas come to us and so many more fall away, making room for the new...I'm striving with every canvas to get it how I want it, to express what I need to express...hoping to convey something of worth, be it fun, love or inspiring someone else to have a go at whatever it is they've been putting off... that will feed their souls...each painting is learning, failing, trying something new...some successes and some disasters too...it feels an incredibly rich experience to me...I'm loving it!
Witch Izzy in her shawl and magic tiger tail wand, practising for Halloween ♥
Izzy is now pretty much a full time couch potato since the heavy fog and rain settled in to stay this week...I'm having to peel her off the sofa to get her outside for 'comfort breaks'...no exaggeration! She's gone into a Lurcher hibernation...no running for a few days and staying in bed until I emerge in the morning...all previously unheard of behaviours! Right now, as I look over my shoulder all I see are two front legs sticking up out of the blanket...oh, and trying to sit on the sofa with her? No...she thinks it all belongs to her...sofa wars continues daily :)
That's our week so far, thank you for all the good healing wishes, the dental surgery continues to heal exceptionally well...I spent a lot of time before I went there, visualising it happening perfectly and everything going better than I'd even dared to hope...these things work! Have a great weekend ♥
ahhhh Ruth - truer words were never written! I am so grateful to have chosen harmony and joy and for extricating myself from drama just in time to save my self!! I love your "seek joy" painting, your beautiful macro shot and as always there is a special place in my heart for dear Izzy!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Janet :)
DeleteI had to laugh at the couch wars comment. We have the same problem with the couch and the bed!
ReplyDeleteYour painting is so uniquely creative. You certainly have a talent for it. I love the whimsical touches that make it fun to look at and admire; for instance, the butterfly on her hair. Glad you are getting more comfortable with the process. It definitely shows!
Thanks very much Gail, and I'm hearing about many sleepy dogs all around the globe!
DeleteRuth your post is beautiful as is your painting, photo and couch potato. I too can be found in the garden, in the rain, calling softly and encouragingly to my hibernating greyhound. :)
ReplyDeleteHa! I think there are many hound owners doing the same as us ;)
DeleteI know people like that that try to wind you up. I am getting better at seeing it and not reacting though. The macro of the flower is gorgeous but again today Issy gets my attention. Valerie
ReplyDeleteGorgeous layers of light and shadow, Ruth!
ReplyDeletegood for you Izzy! I wish I could go into a hibernation like that, at least for a week or two!
ReplyDeleteWonderful painting, I must to add!!!
Thank you! And, yes, I too am studying that hibernating dog...who has now boundless energy as the sun is out!
Deleteyour painting and your photo are wonderful~! love the angle at which the rose has been shot and the wonderful light and shadows.
ReplyDeletehad to laugh at the idea of sofa wars with Izzy as i have two big dogs that insist the sofa is for them and not necessarily for the humans in the house . . .
but then i wonder, would any sofa be as comfortable without a dog to 'share' it with~!?!
:-)
libbyQ
I agree, Izzy sometimes doesn't think she should be sharing all the time but it's lovely to have a cuddle with her :)
Deleteseeking joy is great I guess, but for me it is rather a question of cloosing some doors.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend.
this is a many-layered and most wondrous post, Ruth. I learn so much about people, like you, whom I might never actually meet face-to-face, through their words and art and response to a notion, idea, challenge, or encouragement. in this way, what is given is a gift so amazing it mightn't have words to wrap itself in. your work always takes me somewhere I'm curious to go. that is art!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Currie, we all must support one another and creating a safe space for expression for us women is really important :)
DeleteSuch a great post with thoughts I can really relate to. Your art is lovely and the rose macro heavenly. And you dog, well, so adorable!
ReplyDeletegood to watch you take courage and make your paintings emerge...even as Izzy is withdrawing!
ReplyDeleteThank you, she's running again as the sun's out today!
DeleteOh that rose is beautiful. The light is so airy and lovely.
ReplyDeleteYour mixed media pieces are so charming. They make me smile and so does Izzy...what a fun look with that Tiger Tail wand!
The light shining through those rose petals is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLove your "little" couch potato.
Have to make comment on Izzy. How precious and a loving family that took her in. We took in Gabby, cat, six years ago. I'm thinking she 'forgot' about four years after we took her in what her life was like before 'us'. We cater to her every whim - I get sad when I think of what she went through. Precious Izzy! Hopefully she is lovable and thankful towards you.
ReplyDeleteThat's good to hear you furry friend has left the past behind, I too make sure not to think too long about Izzy's terrible first year and last winter but try to focus on where she is now, in a jumper on the sofa after running in the garden :)
DeleteI love your canvas Ruth. Quite inspiring. Mixed media looks to be a perfect mix of creative craft and art - maybe I should try it one day.
ReplyDeletePleased to hear you are healing so well and I love your rose macro!
Thank you Karen, you should try it, it is FUN!
DeleteRuth, this painting is just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI love all of the wonderful little details. I'll bet it was so much fun to create.
Wishing you a beautiful weekend!
P.S. Izzy is just adorable, and looking really good.
Great painting and the rose are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteA wonderful collage with your paintings. So lovely ! The rose is stunning with the light inseide. Great ! Have a nice weekend, RuthHugs, Synnöve.
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteI am enjoying your paintings, Ruth!
ReplyDeleteIzzy looks to me as if she is truly HOME! What a great bit of luck she has had finding you, and I do hope that you finally get a piece of the sofa back....; but..... Love you flower Ruth, but really love you painting and think you have done an awesome job on this. Bet you love doing these. Wish I had a bit of talent in that respect. can't wait to see more.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeanne! She's learning to lay by the fire today...like a proper dog ;)
DeleteLovely images and artwork! Your header is absolutely beautiful...I will sign up to receive your posts.. Roberta
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Roberta, I appreciate you taking an interest :)
DeleteHi Ruth,
ReplyDeleteYour painting is very charming and what a wonderful sentiment! Perfect that you're having so much fun with your art.
The color and light in your photo is yummy. Beautiful capture, as always! Izzy looks pretty chill and oh so ready for the holiday :)
Hope the coming week is productive and happy for you.
The rose is stunning!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post. I love the way you have captured the textures of the fabric and fur in the Izzy image - along with those rich, purples. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteI love this uplifting post. Your work is amazing.
ReplyDeleteI've got two couch potatoes here as well when it's raining! Much as they like to swim they both hate rain...
ReplyDeleteI like your thought on how we can focus on good or bad, and i quite agree with you. 'Put on your positive glasses' I keep telling myself and my kids. Makes a difference.
Enjoy your weekend!
Turns out thee couch potatoes are everywhere :) lovely!
DeleteYour work is fantastic!
ReplyDeleteWhite Angel
Very lovely! Love the many layers.
ReplyDeleteToday I have enjoyed your insightful words.
Your flower macro is absolutely gorgeous - a stunning color!
A six by four feet canvas? I have trouble putting together an Artist Trading Card at 2 1/2 by 3 1/2! :)
Ha! I'm not sure I could build one that size nowadays! Thank you so much for visiting and your kind support :)
DeleteIzzy and I would be the best of friends...by my post...you can see we think just alike☺
ReplyDeleteLaurie @ Pride in Photos
Wow, love that rose macro!
ReplyDeletePainting is so freeing... I found that I 'lost' myself for hours at a time when art was in process, it is good for the soul. Thank you for sharing on Weekly Top Shot #54!
ReplyDelete