On Gratitude

“When researchers pick random volunteers and train them to be more grateful over a period of a few weeks, they become happier and more optimistic, feel more socially connected, enjoy better quality sleep, and even experience fewer headaches than control groups. Countless other studies have shown that consistently grateful people are more energetic, emotionally intelligent, forgiving, and less likely to be depressed, anxious, or lonely.”

Here are some of the following thoughts — “head-speak“ — that I say before each painting, typically during the sketching phase. Hope this helps others to be more mindful.

Pause, for just a moment. Breathe, be grateful. Ask yourself, “What do I see? Why do I see this? What’s the attraction?” Typically it’s the line, shape, form or contrast within the scene that’s attracting me. 

Note overall feelings. What’s the action/movement? What are the lines of the scene? What are the big shape patterns? What’s the attributes of these shapes and parts? Where’s the light coming from and where’s the light going to be in 2 hours? Note shadow patterns; note light patterns. What’s the temperature of the scene? Where’s the warmth, coolness, cold and hot?  What’s the story here? Where are the connections? What’s the sharpest edge? What needs a soft touch? What can I do to simplify the scene? Squint; better yet, take off your glasses. Do the value patterns tell a compelling story? Does it hold my interest? Who/what’s the hero of this scene? What can I do to make this story better? Subdue the urge to copy and describe, increase the power of imagination to imply. What would make this scene remarkable? Check intent! Breathe, breathe deeper, breathe deeper still. Be still, Be grateful, again. . . . Now paint.

Consider: Keeping a journal near your bed. Before going to sleep at night OR before getting out of bed in the morning, write down 3 things you’re grateful for.

On Wonder

John O’Donohue writes in “Walking in Wonder”

“The lovely thing about the imagination is that, whereas the mind often sees change and thinks everything is lost, the imagination can always go deeper than the actual experience of the loss and find something else in it. There is an amazing difference between the way the mind sees something, and the way the imagination sees something.” Pg 122.

Don’t wait for the scene to find you. At first glance there may be nothing to paint and you soon count the day as a loss. On a second look, you’ll start to see shapes that are interesting. If you invest 5 minutes doing a quick value study, the stories will start feeding your imagination. Conflict, struggles and pain are often represented by contrasts, good vs evil, life vs death, light vs dark, warm vs cool, diagonals vs straight, hard vs soft, busy vs quiet, simple vs complex. It’s these stories that make your art beat true. It’s your imagination that connects you to the potential for great art. Never forget to use your imagination, then mix it with an ounce of gratitude, and turn something numb into something wonder-filled and beautiful.

On Vision

Artists are visually alive people. They have been described as those who see more than others see, who see faster and deeper than others choose to see, and who often see before others see. They are people whose curiosity drives them to ask why, and more importantly, why not? They love it when connections are made. They use their imagination and skill to capture a vision in order to reconnect with that emotion themselves and perhaps with others. Artists are made for Vision. And when Vision captures an artist, stand back and watch mark-making magic happen. And, if by fate, you see an artist in action in Plein Air and you like the vision that’s being made, pause and give a word of encouragement. Better yet, if it moves you, support the artist, invest in their vision. Our ultimate vision may often be a reflection of the glimpse of eternity that resides in our heart. And this artist’s daily struggle is to make that reflection clearer and brighter, and in gratitude, give thanks for any Vision at all.

And while you’re out seeking a vision today, don’t just look for a good vision to paint, look for the good in your vision to paint. Your art’s vision is important, not because it’s yours, but because, if you capture it well, the chances are others will recognize that in many ways it is also their vision too. Also, take note of when those spine-tingling goosebumps happen; let them happen and know this is why you are still breathing, to be an artist with Vision willing to put it all out on the line.

It’s a beautiful day and week for visions to be made. 

Give it your all!!! 

Questions You Can Ask Yourself

• Did I maintain an attitude of gratitude and a sense of humor throughout my painting?
• How quickly did I reset and recover after a setback?