30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day 15

"Into the Woods" - number 4 in a series of acrylic on aquabord, 6" x 6".  Available on etsy.

Shiver and quiver, little tree,
Silver and gold throw down on me.
I'm off to get my wish...
          From "Cinderella at the Grave", Into the Woods.

Half way through the 30 day challenge and our journey through the forest!   I am on the final layers of a piece begun during the demonstration last week, so while it dries I have begun a new forest of trees, with more to reveal in the coming days.  Part of the madness and fun of this challenge is the sheer number of pieces in progress at all times.  Currently there are seven in various stages.  I work well this way, but wonder if maybe it is because I don't know any better?

I'm reading the chapter in Tharp's book about skill.  There was one sentence which jumped out and smacked me in the forehead:  ​"Inexperience provides us with a childlike fearlessness...in its purest form, inexperience erases fear.  You do not know what is and is not possible and therefore everything is possible."  Wow.  That's how I feel in my studio - everything is possible. The goal, says Tharp, quoting Hemingway, is "to become a master and in your old age to acquire the courage to do what children did when they knew nothing."  I realize that's a lot of quoting, but these bits resonated with me so strongly  as part of my own path, my own truth - it was like Tharp was in my own head.

The book goes on to list an inventory of skills, with a focus on those needed by dancers.  But I think some apply to most creative pursuits: perseverance, discipline, a sense of humor, political skill, partnering.  The final item on the list is called "forever the child" - a sense of innocence.  I really never thought of it as a skill before reading this book.

The older I get, the more I want to capture and dwell in that space of childlike innocence and fearlessness.  And that space is exactly what I'm finding so far along  this adventure into the woods.

So, dear reader, I invite you to join me in imagining what you would do if you believed anything were possible?

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Today's "Pay What You Can" piece is "Love Bot", pen and ink on paper, 5" x 12".   This piece will be shipped flat.  Shipping is anticipated to be around $6.


Email me at [email protected] with how much (or how little) you'd like to pay for this cutie (shipping will be added).  The winner will be selected at random and notified via email in 24 hours.