On Mindfulness

Mindfulness in painting is presence.

Presence, meaning the state of mind and state of being in the same spot that the rest of your body is at. Undistracted and focused on the job at hand. In this case, plein air painting. When art is made in this mindful state, you know something is different. The Artist and the potential for Art are deeply connected. Typically, the intent or the reason to paint this painting is also very high.

In your next painting session, use the power mindfulness gives you to be totally present. Start your painting sessions by being present and totally committed. When distractions come, and they will, name the distraction and gently refocus your mind back to the task at hand. 

On Wisdom

Wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment to create art. Wisdom in painting is power. Power, meaning the transfer of energy and emotion.

When you see art that evokes wisdom, the spirit inside you connects deeply with the spirit in which it was made. When we say that a work of art is powerful, what we really mean is there was a transfer of power from the artist to you the viewer.

Reverse engineer this and ask, what makes a piece of art powerful? The wisdom of the work penetrates, permeates, and provides many things by reason of its purity. In my short life of 60 years, there are only a handful of works of art, (painting, poems, novels, movies, sculptures, music, etc, ) I have had the pleasure of experiencing that have moved me to the point of tears. This transfer of power is incredibly strong. When you find yourself on the verge of ecstasy while experiencing art, keep going.

This begs the question, What are the attributes needed in order to produce artwork with such power? In trying to understand art’s wisdom factor, here’s a short list of attributes with regards to painting.

Wisdom’s approach to painting:

Intent anchored in gratitude.

Designed with love and understanding.

Unique, unlike anything else. Rare.

Lines pulled gesturally – pulls out the story’s emotions equally.

Layers are folded in many dimensions, containing untold discoverable parts, rewarding the viewer for the journey.

Subtle in areas; complex and detailed only where needed.

Fresh, never overworked.

Brushwork is agile and confident, reflecting decisions that are clear and concise.

Shapes are smart, variable, connected, strong, and perceptive.

Light is generous, tender, and warm-hearted.

Shadows are pure and transparent.

Values are tranquil and subtle.

Middle values gently lean toward the predominant key.

Edges have a variety, used with kindness and precision.

Colors sing harmoniously together, mixed just enough to create lush vibrations.

Textures that effortlessly play and blend well together, supporting each other and giving each other their space to breathe.

Art made with wisdom transfers the unbounded spirit in which it was painted to the engaged viewer, connecting the two spirits together in shared moments of joy.

In your next painting, search for mindfulness and wisdom. Mix in a bit of it with each step of your process. It will help your efforts reach a unity and purity of both mind and voice.‬

Questions: 

1. What areas in your creative life are being distracted? Can you see yourself limiting or eliminating these distractions and see how they can directly benefit your art? 
2. What three areas in the above list hit the right cord for you?