After a very hectic school year, I find myself caught up in the swirl of Christmas preparations. At the back of my mind I hear a voice telling me this is a good time to really get stuck into my art again. I set aside a painting day today, and while it was somewhat productive (I started a canvas, fiddled around with another one…) there was no oomph or enthusiasm. I felt flat. I’ve been thinking about a quote by Chagall; “when I paint from the heart almost everything works, if from the head almost nothing”

Today I was very much in my head.

I think I need to be true to my style and inklings. I need to be true to my inner muse that takes delight and preference in some ideas more than others. For example, some of my paintings I can look at and remember how much joy they brought me to create. This is the place I need to find again. Perhaps it means to spend time with God, pursuing him more than people. Perhaps some healthy solitude rather than looking for human affirmations.

This is a large painting from a few years back. The reason I post it is that it is one of my favourites; the process of creating it inspired me and nourished my soul.

Tomorrow is another day.