solo post - L
I could look at this new year like I'm looking at this blank canvas I need* to paint - with intimidation and somewhat with fear. It's paralyzing in a strange way. I just stare it not knowing where to begin, how to approach it, what to create - what will it become?
Van Gogh wrote on "facing a blank canvas" :
"Just slap anything on when you see a blank canvas staring you in the face like some imbecile. You don't know how paralyzing that is, that stare of a blank canvas is, which says to the painter, ‘You can't do a thing’. The canvas has an idiotic stare and mesmerizes some painters so much that they turn into idiots themselves. Many painters are afraid in front of the blank canvas, but the blank canvas is afraid of the real, passionate painter who dares and who has broken the spell of `you can't' once and for all.”
(Letter to Theo van Gogh, October 1884)
OR I could choose to look at this new year AND this blank canvas and say " I CAN" - break the spell of "I can't, it won't work, it's no good." And go at it, like I said yesterday, with gusto - just throw some color on it and don't be afraid - just get it going.
Be daring and passionate in this new year - say "I can". May your new year be painted bright and cheerful (and all the other wonderful adjectives for bright - cloudless, promising, dazzling, vivid and strong, glowing and rich). Happy New Year all my friends.
*Procrastination got the best of me and the painting is due next week. I was invited to be a part of our community 20th anniversary gala/auction/fund-raiser and have to paint this 5 x 7 canvas as a part of the Gallery of the Stars - Mystery Artist Event. The mystery part is that the artist will sign the back of the canvas - leaving it a "mystery" as to who painted the canvas until the piece is purchased.
Van Gogh wrote on "facing a blank canvas" :
"Just slap anything on when you see a blank canvas staring you in the face like some imbecile. You don't know how paralyzing that is, that stare of a blank canvas is, which says to the painter, ‘You can't do a thing’. The canvas has an idiotic stare and mesmerizes some painters so much that they turn into idiots themselves. Many painters are afraid in front of the blank canvas, but the blank canvas is afraid of the real, passionate painter who dares and who has broken the spell of `you can't' once and for all.”
(Letter to Theo van Gogh, October 1884)
OR I could choose to look at this new year AND this blank canvas and say " I CAN" - break the spell of "I can't, it won't work, it's no good." And go at it, like I said yesterday, with gusto - just throw some color on it and don't be afraid - just get it going.
Be daring and passionate in this new year - say "I can". May your new year be painted bright and cheerful (and all the other wonderful adjectives for bright - cloudless, promising, dazzling, vivid and strong, glowing and rich). Happy New Year all my friends.
*Procrastination got the best of me and the painting is due next week. I was invited to be a part of our community 20th anniversary gala/auction/fund-raiser and have to paint this 5 x 7 canvas as a part of the Gallery of the Stars - Mystery Artist Event. The mystery part is that the artist will sign the back of the canvas - leaving it a "mystery" as to who painted the canvas until the piece is purchased.
12 comments:
All of the possibilities of a blank canvas! Yes, go at it with gusto! How exciting, I hope you show us the results!
I can't wait to see what you do with the canvas and your year. I really enjoyed being able to stop by for a look at your images in 2008.
Love the Van Gogh quote...he's one of my favorite artists...his Letters to Theo provide an interesting look past the few things most people know about him.
I like your words choices too for how you wish to see 2009. I've got something similar at my blog for my new year's day post.
Good luck finishing the painting.
Best of luck with it --- I'm sure it will be beautiful. Wishing you joy and inspiration in the new year. :)
I asked God to paint mine. He specialises in masterpieces.
oh I felt my heart beating a little faster at the word and photo here...tough to start a project but exciting too..I am glad to know that you and Taylor will be her visiting with me this new year!
This post took my breath away. I love it when I open a post and say, "Yes, she said it for me! That's exactly what has been whirling around in my head".
So thank you.
My word verification is "tumbeli" -I think it describes how the paint should tumble onto the blank canvas.
what a great post about inspiration and the power of "yes". I always think of that quote about "what could you do if you knew you couldn't fail."
Blast some music friend and throw paint on it! Then you can rework it into what you want.
:)
xxoo, 2009 is going to be GREAT!
a.
What a wonderful compliment to be invited to participate. I know you will be absolutely wonderful. I'll be thinking of you.
"Yes, I can" was a motto I put on a vision board I did yesterday.....I hope to have no fear and put myself out there too.....We shall be 'painting' together!!
I love the start of a new year. It's so refreshing and exciting! Can't wait to see what you accomplish! Happy New Year~!
oooooh a blank canvas. fun.
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