We all have those times in our lives when worlds collaborate about things and stress us out. In my case today’s one of those days. There are a lot of small things I’ve been juggling reasonably well but today more jumped on that full plate. I had really hoped to get into this particular art show (the second in as many weeks) and heard back today that I wasn’t selected. Disappointment is stressful. Compound that now with the stress building to the presidential election tomorrow and I was fidgety, pouty, and building up an argumentative head of steam. I am not one to direct that kind of stuff at someone near and dear to me so I turned to my primary cathartic recourse – paint.
I processed how I was feeling for several hours and then decided I really needed to get to my easel.
I chose a photograph from my phone that I took from an afternoon drive Ray and I took a couple weeks ago. We had stopped at a picnic table beside a lake in a park to eat the sandwiches I packed for lunch. It was a beautiful fall day and the light was inspiring so I took a couple of shots. Painting peaceful landscapes tend to pull my troubled spirit back into a calm rhythm that leads to the quiet joy I needed tonight. I am more centered now and things look much more manageable. That makes me back on track for feeling hopeful that everything will work out just fine.
I just need to take a deep breath and trust … have faith that the positive will prevail. I hope you enjoy this 11′ x 14″ oil on canvas … and if you haven’t yet, go vote tomorrow.
Kelly E. James 