Shifting

There seem to be major changes in the air which is why I decided to name this week’s painting and post “Shifting.” Have you noticed it, too? And, I’m not just talking about the political climate although that certainly is (finally) shifting, too. Thank Goddess! Before I continue, please let me share the focus and purpose of this blog with new readers (welcome!) here.

Small Spaces Special Places

Each year, I select a theme for my weekly paintings. This year’s theme is “Small Spaces Special Places.” One of the reasons I chose this theme is I have been surprised, even delighted, with the small spaces in our house that have captured my eye. For example, our hall bathroom has beautiful light streaming in. So the first week of this year, I shared that painting in a post here.

I also love to venture out on walks with our dog everyday. You would be amazed at the glimpses of beautiful moments I see. Sometimes I take a photo to reference. Other times, I just make a mental note. But everyday, rain or shine, I love getting outdoors and looking for glimpses of special places.

This week I noticed a shift in my daily preference for painting. I really enjoyed painting the views that are right outside our front door. And, so every single painting is just that. It’s amazing how something confining (such as our city’s 10 pm curfew as we navigate the pandemic) can help me transform my point of view.

How? Well, we’re definitely staying closer to home more and just that experience alone is helping me ‘see’ what’s right nearby. Oh and before I elaborate on this latest point, do feel free to sign up for weekly color and inspiration via this blog and these paintings. Simply click on this link to do so.

Bird Bath

So last week, I shared a painting of our bluebird house in the front yard. Having fresh water is super important for visiting birds. So, I couldn’t resist painting that this week. The bird bath itself was a freebie from a neighbor (thank you, neighbor). It (the bird bath not the neighbor ;-D) has a wonderful patina along the edges. And, it’s the perfect depth for all kinds of birds to visit.

Even though it’s technically ‘winter’ here in Raleigh, I still have fresh water out for birds. In other words, some people think summer is the only time to set out water for birds. But just this week alone, we were overwhelmed with the number of birds visiting our bird bath. What a delight to see!

Edna Metz Wells Park

Usually when I walk our beloved dog in the morning, I head straight to Edna Metz Wells Park. It’s literally at the end of our street, has a wonderful creek and bridge in it. And, the light is just wonderful there. There are tons of birds, large and small, in this park. But my favorite part? The leaves and the dirt path and the views. You would be surprised to realize how happy your feet are walking on such soft, leaf covered ground.

Here’s one of several paintings I did of this wonderful park this week.

And, if you’re curious to know about this park’s namesake, she was a beloved school teacher at nearby Broughton High School for 40 years. Her gravesite is in Oakwood Cemetery in downtown Raleigh. Another neighbor’s resourceful son organized and volunteered to have a kiosk built at the park to share more info about Mrs. Wells. So, while this park is not particularly large, it has a quiet and secluded vibe right here in downtown Raleigh.

Why Shift

So, you may be wondering why I wanted to call this week’s painting and post “Shift.” After all, I have shared other paintings of landscapes and the outdoors. Well, I confess I am drawn to these outdoors settings more and more. But I also realize that this subject matter is relatively new to me and will require focus and practice.

So what? Well, it’s mighty hard to work on skills of any kinds with all the distractions that are out there these days. What do I mean by distractions? Let me count the ways: social media, news, cell phone notifications and on and on and on.

Lest you think I do not know of what I speak, let me share this video from Cal Newport on the value and importance of deep thinking. While the primary focus of this video is the business world, I can tell you it definitely applies to those of us in the creative field, too. How? It’s nearly impossible to think of new painting ideas and tackle a new subject matter while being barraged with email, social media, text messages and more. Just the mere presence of a cell phone can impact productivity.

So I use the word shift for myself as much as anyone else here. I feel the need to shift my focus in my daily practice so I’m not feeling the pull to check my phone all the time. Plus, this ol’ girl’s brain can only problem solve one thing at a time. And, painting and drawing are all about problem solving!

Pain

You may think that working away from your cell phone is too painful or impossible. I understand. I am trying to manage the pain of learning a new and challenging subject matter. So anything I can do to facilitate that works for me. But, if you are going through some pain in your professional or creative path, I highly recommend this podcast called “The Creative Pep Talk” and this episode called “Pain” in particular. What’s fascinating to me about this podcast episode’s and Cal Newport’s message is that growth, skill development equals pain. So, might as well dig in and figure out how to ‘shift’ the thinking and get on with it, right?

Specifications

Each of this week’s three paintings (here are each in larger formats: Shifting – Edna Metz Wells Park #1, Bird Bath and Edna Metz Wells Park #2) are painted on toned Bristol paper and are 6 inches by 8 inches. In other words, they’re each a delightful size for that special nook in your home, office or…these days….your home office! If you’re interested in purchasing any of these paintings, they are $45/each or all three for $120. Please contact me and I’ll make sure to get them to you pronto!

Kitty Love

Of course, I continue to draw most days and had to close out with a cuddly and fuzzy drawing of our ancient but lovable kitty, Oppie.

You

How about you gentle reader? How do you navigate pain and difficulty? What are you doing to manage all of the shifts and changes in this New Year? Any tips and words of inspiration are welcome. Please share your thoughts in the comments below.