Welcome to a Life Inspired by Nature, Art & Beauty

I saw this beautiful quote the other day, which reminded me of the importance of what I focus on:

Align your focus
with the solution
and not the problem

That is one of the skills of being an artist. Awareness of a problem...unbalanced composition, colors that  aren't working well together, too busy, etc...first need to be seen and recognized...but if I just sat and bemoaned them, nothing would change.

So my next step is to begin to imagine how something could be better, what I can do to improve and correct the problem. 

In a painting, there is often what's called the "messy middle." Something that started out with a beautiful inspiration, and probably some good brush strokes and colors... but then somehow gets awkward and unsure... It feels like it's just not going to work.

I've learned (with lots of practice) that those very paintings often become exquisite. They require me to slow down, to contemplate what they need, and to lovingly make the changes that bring out the beauty hidden within, often in unexpected ways.

I learn to trust  the process.

I am grateful for this quote that helped me to remember that the process is often messy, awkward, and uncomfortable...but to give time, attention and caring with an eye toward what could be good and beautiful, and see what unfolds. In the studio, and in life...

So much love to you and yours,
Stede