Painting – Time Out

Painting, 11 Comments
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Joy in Time Out.  36″x36″.

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.”
– Pablo Picasso

Along the path of creative discovery in art and in life, I have been very busy…and, I have not added to my portfolio recently. I am currently working three paintings at the same time, experimenting. It’s a new way of working and feels balanced, so I am pursuing it.

Today, as I prepared this painting (created some time ago), to be printed on a large canvas,
I thought of the experience that inspired it.

I am fortunate that I live close enough to my day-job, that I can walk or ride my bike to work. One warm evening as I walked home contemplating a challenging situation, I chose to give myself a “Time Out.” I chose to stop thinking and simply focus on the walk. Quieting the mind and emotions requires me to let go. I know the challenge will still be there when I am ready, unfortunately. I began to focus on the comfortable weather, the trees, my groovy bento box I carry, my home, my sons, and the list began to grow, including all of the beauty around me. I immediately felt gratitude. Joy began to match my gratitude with each step I walked, and with my growing list. There is a lightness of being within joy and gratitude, my sense of humor returned, and I felt the renewed energy of being twelve years old, on a beautiful day. I felt like skipping (but I didn’t, sorta). No sudden good news, no surprising change from the outside. But a change from within, changed everything. Later, and not so surprising, along with my gratitude, an inspired solution to my challenge arrived as well.

That was the inspiration for this painting; the energy and inspired solutions that arrive with having a little “Time Out” for gratitude and joy. A daily walking meditation, all day, every day, even if I am just vacuuming. I try not to ever forget this valuable lesson, although sometimes I do. I will order a print for myself, and place it so I can see it each morning, and remember to begin each day with gratitude.

Thank you.

 

 

 

 

  1. That’s a beautiful painting Liza, I know exactly what you mean about life, I remember as a child waking up with a feeling of excitement for the day ahead. I still occasionally get those feelings now and I love how they make me feel. I’m looking forward to seeing your new work ❤️😇🤗

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    1. Thank you Elaine! The inspiration for the painting, is a reminder to me…..again!….that gratitude begins with a choice, and it’s a great one, a natural one. So…..do you suppose ingratitude is something we are taught? hmmm….this is something I will ponder. Thanks again Elaine!

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    1. Thank you, the present moment seems to be where all of the “good stuff, the truth is,” one step into the future or one step into the past (in my perspective) feels like a carnival mirror of chaos… acknowledge it, let it go, and move into the present moment. I think it’s the letting go that gets tough, but does anyone really want to make past pain their current identity? At least this is what I ask myself…Requires discipline, but so worth it…HA hA…! Best to you, I LOVE your art! And thank you for your comment.

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