Pondering and Plotting
I figured out what’s been missing. I’ve been distracted by “other stuff” and have been wondering why I feel so disconnected from my work. I arrive at the studio, turn on my heated palettes, take care of my studio cats, then sit down to paint — and then the hesitation sets in. It feels like lack of confidence or lack of energy. Basically, it is lack of direction!
What was missing was obsessive thinking, plotting, and planning! When I left the studio, I walked out the door in more ways than one. I was totally disengaged from painting. Huge mistake. The time spent thinking about color, design, and ideas when away from the piece is as important as the time spent in front of the piece. I wasn’t staying connected to the project so it’s no wonder I had no FLOW when I was painting. All the dots weren’t connected from one studio day to the next.
I’m now leaving the studio with a mental picture of the piece that I carry with me until the next day when I reenter — to turn on the palettes, care for the cats, and sit down to paint. Each day must connect to the next for a painting to flow. Granted, it takes a clear mind and open energy to do this and it isn’t always possible in life. Maybe that is the gift of creative work — we strive for clarity to do good work and the clarity itself is the peace we’re looking for.
It’s funny how many things I have to relearn over and over again.
