Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Gate 1

I've been away from my blog for far too long! Several reasons why. . . my daughter, who lives in Las Vegas, had her first baby on Oct 27. A beautiful little girl they named Katie after my mom. I stayed with them for three weeks to help out. What a joy it was!! Another reason I've not done art is simply because I ran into a HUGE creative block. Actually it was more than a block. . . I really questioned WHY I spend time on something that will not bring any financial gain and that I probably won't even use as a tangible gift to friends/family! While in Vegas, I had one of my periodical read-a-thons. I read 8 novels, which I enjoyed immensely. As I was reading, it occurred to me that reading is not going to bring me any financial gain and it's not producing a tangible gift! So, if I'm willing to spend time on reading, why is it that I'm guilt ridden with time spent on art? I learn things when I read, even it it's fiction. I learn things when I do art, especially when it is nature---intense observation brings knowledge. So I started looking through some of my art books with a freedom that it's OKAY to do something I enjoy just for the pure pleasure of it all! I got inspired to work through another book, then I got inspired to work on a series. I found some good reference photos for gates that got me excited and so this is my first gate. It's done on lama li and I used all WN paints.

7 comments:

Lorraine said...

this is really nice and a great idea to do the same kind of objects got me thinking.

Lin said...

NEAT NEAT NEAT, Brenda!!! Super!! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Teri said...

Brenda, so GOOD to see you again. I wondered where you disappeared to. Congrats on the new grand.

And guess what....I do art only for the pure enjoyment of it, never sell anything but it is priceless to me. Just sit back and enjoy bein gcreative. Yo have so much talent.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Emma Pod said...

Hi Brenda! Welcome back! I really like what you say about reading and art. I also like both and sometimes wonder if I'm "wasting time". You are so right that we do them not for money, but for pleasure, growth, fullfillment, expression. Thanks for that reminder! I feel better already!
Oh, and congrats on the grandbaby!

Anonymous said...

Glad to see you posting again, Brenda, and that's great news about your new grandchild. Yes, just enjoy your art without guilt!

Anonymous said...

Good to see you back again Brena. Congratualtions with your new granddaughter! your gate is beautiful, a wonderful getting-back-to-art-without-guilt painting!
ronell

Felicity Grace said...

Congratulations Brenda, lovely news! I have that dialogue too, but partly because I could sell but people expect to pay peanuts which is worse, I think. It should always be about you, I'm glad you're painting and drawing again!