Two weeks ago I gifted myself a day painting with no plans for what would appear on the canvas.
I left behind the list of Oracles to be painted, the three half-painted moonscapes that my guilty gaze slides over quickly every time I walk into the studio and the box of Christmas ideas and projects that I know I need to attend to now so I am not overwhelmed in December.
Before I began the painting of course I went through my pre-painting ritual.
I procrasta-cleaned the studio, lit my candle, made another cup of tea, decided it was the perfect time to wash some clothes, and spent far too long looking for an amazing playlist to invoke the creative spirit. (Spoiler – it’s the same one I use every paint session…)
Once I had completed my pre-painting ritual I sat in front of the canvas and took a deep breath – actually, it was more of a sigh of resignation than a cleansing breath…
But I picked up my paintbrush and made a smoosh, I glued down some papers, and scribbled some whispered thoughts.
I am so happy with my birthday gift from myself.
It was the perfect way to spend my day – which has had some amazing side benefits. Not only did I clear my schedule and paint for three days, but the ideas didn’t stop at my painting. The oracles I have painted since are some of my favourites, the half-done moonscape paintings are calling to me again.
I feel more grounded and more centred after my painting session.
She is not finished…I don’t think. She is sitting on my easel waiting for the muse to focus back on her, to give her the adornments she needs.
And I am trying not to be impatient, I want to tell her story, but if I have learnt anything over the years on my creative journey, it is not to rush the process…
So for the meantime, let me share with you some photos of the process and where she has ended up.
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