Uncertainty
Anyone else out there dealing with uncertainty? Holy Moly I am here. Before I share more, here’s a warm (and bright colored) welcome to this place. What happens here? I am glad you asked. Each week I share a colorful painting with you. My hope is these color clad paintings delight your eyes and lift your spirits! If you’re new here and would like to receive these weekly posts, subscribe here. Let’s look more closely at this week’s painting here, OK?
Inspiration for Uncertainty
Uh, I don’t have to look very far to find ways to show uncertainty. This week I used rocks that Mr Himself gives to me when we’re out hiking. And, I include a little ceramic angel that my maternal grandmother gave me at a religious rite of passage in my childhood.
One thing I can say is that my maternal grandmother lifts me up right now. Why? When I think of her, I remember she was a force. If she ever sat next to me on the couch, inevitably, I would feel her hand gently at my back to encourage me to sit up straight. And, minutes, later that same hand and its perfectly manicured nail of her index finger would be nudging my lower jaw up to close my mouth.
She, like me, forgot to get married till she was in her late 30s. And, for the life of her, she could not understand why my smart, well-educated mother chose to have so many kids (that’s a whole other painting series ;-D). So, while she and my mother were quite close, they sure had some different opinions. And, yet they navigated their way through all that. Yay for Peg and Ruth and thank you for your wisdom and inspiration.
Set up
Here’s the set up. It’s in the west facing window of my 10 ft by 10 ft studioooo.
Uncertainty, a Painting
Here’s the painting! It’s 6×6 inches and painted in oils on panel. It’s part of a series I am working on and will be on view later this spring.
Solution to Uncertainty
One of my most dog-eared, loved and well read books is “Comfortable with Uncertainty” by Pema Chodron. Maybe between this week’s painting and this little book, I hope you find some peace of mind, gentle reader.
How about you? Do you have any suggestions for managing uncertainty? If so, please share in the comments below.
10 Comments
Beth Dyer Clary
February 13, 2025This post is chock full of surprises for me. I have such different memories of our grandmother, of course, and no religious reminders such as this sweet angel in your painting. I wonder if the beautiful shade of blue purse-let is something from that grandmother or our mother as well?
As always, the colors are so engaging to me. And the roundness of so much in the painting appeals to me too – the rocks, the cherub, the “corners” of the blue item, the waves of crimson. Just a painting that begs the viewer, or at least me, to touch everything in it and feel those textures you reveal.
Julie Holmes
February 13, 2025Hi Beth,
Yes the blue fabric “envelope” holds a bracelet. I loved the color and had to include it in this setup! TY for noticing the roundness and the textures. xoxo
Patricia Reid
February 13, 2025Girlfriend, You are amazing! Love this work. I, too, am a fan of Pema Chodron. Likely since you read her, you know the ways of the Buddha. I use prayer and meditation to try to deal with uncertainty as well as live as serenely as possible. Staying in the present helps.
Btw, I am moving back to Raleigh, so if you hear of any affordable rentals (mother-in-law apts, garage apts,, tiny homes) please do let me know. XO
Julie Holmes
February 13, 2025Hi Pat, TY so much! I love her down to earth approach and references to “start where you are.” I’m excited to hear you are returning to Raleigh. When you get a chance, send me an email (jholmesdesign at gmail dot com) with your budget for rent and I’ll do my best to keep an eye out for places. xo back at ya!
Alexandra
February 13, 2025Lovely painting and sentiment, Julie! I especially like how you captured the light and cool values of the scene. I also appreciated the descriptions of your grandmother – providing gentle yet clear and helpful corrections delivered positively. Uncertainty, indeed. Not sure I have any suggestions on how to manage it. I guess just doing exactly those things you love doing even if they don’t fit the mold and listening to what body and mind need in the moment. xoxo
Julie Holmes
February 13, 2025Hi Alexandra, TY for noticing the lighter values and the cooler temperatures; each have been a part of the struggle so it’s nice that you noticed! I just wish we lived closer to each other so I could see your works in progress and have some of your delicious home baked cakes now and then. Take care and xoxo
Denise Todloski
February 14, 2025COLOR and LIGHT. love this JDH! Grandmother stories and memories are the best.
Valentine hugs from DT
Julie Holmes
February 15, 2025Hi DT!
TY so much…aren’t grandmother stories the best? Valentine hugs to youuu tooo xoxo
Leslie Pruneau
February 15, 2025Love your painting!…and your thoughts here.
Choosing a subject to paint is one thing, but figuring out the content is a whole other ballpark. As I, too, deal with uncertainty these days (oh so often), I turn towards the practice of “non-attachment” …and how to find it in the studio. It is when I am least concerned with the painted “object” that I begin to flow. But the ole question remains…how to find non-attachment…or maybe how to abandon uncertainty, at least while in the studio.
Keep it rolling, my talented friend!
Julie Holmes
February 15, 2025Hiya Leslieee,
Well I guess at the end of the day, it’s about the search? And, sounds as if your practice of non-attachment is helpful for you. If you are suggesting that the “thing” you’re painting moves more towards an abstract shape rather than the thing, I’m totally with ya on that. Cue up the flow!
TY so much for taking time to read, look and comment here, Leslieee! And, here’s to you keeping it rolling tooooo oh mighty, talented, hardworking painting pal! xoxo