Today I gave a lot of thought about 'starting over' in life. I can't begin to tell you guys how many times I started over...in life and in art. One of the many reasons that I love teaching is that every year is a new beginning; a chance to start over. Recently on a runner's website I read this quote; "Forgiveness is not laying new paint over the old, but starting over on a new canvas". The quote caught my attention because it hit many areas of my life. My need to forgive, running, painting and, of course, starting over. All areas that I am dealing with currently in my own life.
So, I spent time thinking about it..."Starting over on a new canvas". Unlike many of my friends who read these kinds of, what I call, Facebook quotes, I don't quickly accept it as truth; I stop and ponder first. After pondering this one...I'm thinking, Nah...I would rather paint over the old canvas; I'll tell you why.
Every artist struggles at times with their work. Not all paintings come out like originally planned; just like life. Not all our plans for ourselves turn out like we originally dreamed. How easy it would be for any artist to throw away a painting that just didn't turn out the way they planned or for us to throw away our unfulfilled dreams or even throw away people in our life who wronged us? Let me tell you this: it is easier to throw something in the trash and start all over again than it is to take the time to 'paint over it' so to speak!
As an artist if I was to paint over an old painting, I would first have to allow the painting to dry, sand down any raised areas of paint, wash the canvas of dust then place thin layers of gesso over the old painting until the painting is entirely covered. Finally, the gesso needs to thoroughly dry, then primed and sanded lightly before beginning a new painting. Lots of work!
BUT...sometimes life is about the process, not the product. Life can make us work in order for us to see personal growth. I have painted over many a canvas, not because of lack of money but because I didn't want my mistake to waste a canvas. During the process of painting over the old painting (with all my mistakes that disappointed the outcome of the art), I contemplate how I would do it differently the next time. It gives me 'time to think' so that I don't repeat the same mistake again. It forces me to 'slow down' and plan...reflect...make changes in my creative thinking and then ultimately in the outcome of the new painting.
So, when you think about making changes in your life, your art or in the people and friends around you, think first. Don't take the easy way out. At times, you will grow more as a person and as an artist if you take the time to 'paint over the mistake' instead of quickly discarding your mistakes in life and art.
I love you guys. Life can be hard work. It is up to us to figure out our own path and learn how to navigate through this beautiful universe. Slow down and enjoy the journey. See you in a week! Ms. B.
So, I spent time thinking about it..."Starting over on a new canvas". Unlike many of my friends who read these kinds of, what I call, Facebook quotes, I don't quickly accept it as truth; I stop and ponder first. After pondering this one...I'm thinking, Nah...I would rather paint over the old canvas; I'll tell you why.
Every artist struggles at times with their work. Not all paintings come out like originally planned; just like life. Not all our plans for ourselves turn out like we originally dreamed. How easy it would be for any artist to throw away a painting that just didn't turn out the way they planned or for us to throw away our unfulfilled dreams or even throw away people in our life who wronged us? Let me tell you this: it is easier to throw something in the trash and start all over again than it is to take the time to 'paint over it' so to speak!
As an artist if I was to paint over an old painting, I would first have to allow the painting to dry, sand down any raised areas of paint, wash the canvas of dust then place thin layers of gesso over the old painting until the painting is entirely covered. Finally, the gesso needs to thoroughly dry, then primed and sanded lightly before beginning a new painting. Lots of work!
BUT...sometimes life is about the process, not the product. Life can make us work in order for us to see personal growth. I have painted over many a canvas, not because of lack of money but because I didn't want my mistake to waste a canvas. During the process of painting over the old painting (with all my mistakes that disappointed the outcome of the art), I contemplate how I would do it differently the next time. It gives me 'time to think' so that I don't repeat the same mistake again. It forces me to 'slow down' and plan...reflect...make changes in my creative thinking and then ultimately in the outcome of the new painting.
So, when you think about making changes in your life, your art or in the people and friends around you, think first. Don't take the easy way out. At times, you will grow more as a person and as an artist if you take the time to 'paint over the mistake' instead of quickly discarding your mistakes in life and art.
I love you guys. Life can be hard work. It is up to us to figure out our own path and learn how to navigate through this beautiful universe. Slow down and enjoy the journey. See you in a week! Ms. B.
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