Painting Day

   I don't often get to draw and paint anymore. I mean, I'M the only thing really stopping me—with so many other hobbies, interests, events, etc. For the last couple of years, I've been much more focused on my photography. The bad thing about letting my artwork go to the wayside is that I've gotten rusty, and it takes a lot more effort to get something done. I have to sketch a lot more before I get on the right track, and painting feels laborious: getting out all the supplies, setting up on the dining room table (making a mess!), and getting in the right mood for my creativity to flow. It used to feel so easy...
   And when something takes that much concentration, it feels like work. And if it feels like work, I can find 1000 things to do first: bathe the dogs, go shopping, wash the dishes, laundry, take a run—you name it—it all feels easier and therefore more fun... but also less rewarding.
   I found these simple wood frames weeks ago, and I've been dragging my feet ever since. I sketched on the wood two weeks ago, and it was okay, but I wasn't motivated to commit it to paint. Frustration.
   Yesterday I *finally* got into that zone that I need to be in to work. I sketched for only a couple of hours and quickly figured out exactly what I wanted to paint. And today, I did. It took around six hours to finish both of these, but I'm really excited about them (and frankly, wouldn't mind keeping them for my OWN photos!). So I hope they'll make a lot of money at Art Unleashed to help the homeless animals.

   I also finally finished a personal art project I started probably a year ago: I had collected my favorite fortunes from cookies, and arranged them on handmade paper. I had always planned to paint a 招き猫 (beckoning cat) on the piece, since the cats are said to bring good fortune. Yeah, I know—mixing Chinese cookie fortunes and Japanese cats. I bet most Americans wouldn't even catch that, so SHHH!  ;)