Ideas are Seeds Longing for Their Turn in the Sun

So why do ideas get away so quickly never seeing the light of day? Because most of the time, we ignore them or forget to write them down. They slip away unnoticed as silently as dandelion fuzz in springtime.

(Sketch for Illustration -- on Canvas / will oil paint)

Add our own insecurity and some of our ideas seem just plain silly. We pooh pooh them before they get off the ground. We wonder if we’re off our noodle. We dismiss our ideas and give them labels like lame, stupid, or crazy. We’re afraid of using others for a sounding board for fear they’ll discourage us or make us feel foolish.

Drawing of an Idea for Abstract Scene

But one day, we take that daring leap of faith. We peel off our complexes and fears like yesterday’s banana skin. We go with the flow; enjoy our unfettered, unclothed artistic nature, and we fly! We turn ourselves inside out and expose ourselves to criticism and critique. Joy begins when our greatest fears are exposed for what they are: foolish! We step into the light and enter the ranks of “professional.”

Work-in-progress -- Acrylic under painting on canvas

I’ve been doing my share of floundering and exposing. I’ve been trying out new mediums, new subject matter and revealing my weaknesses and strengths. A blog is a public space and you are my critics and fans. If my journey has helped you, entertained you, or given you courage I’m pleased.

My blog contains works-in-progress that explore different aspects of my artistic journey. My goal is to paint from my heart and imagination more, and from photographs less. I’m not here to copy or to change, but to create. I’m taking a journey inside myself in order to be more open, more experimental, and more willing to take risks.

1st coat of oil paint -- work-in-progress

Some of my work may flop, and some of it may succeed. Discovery is a “wild child” that dances, bumps and grinds to the cranial surface from the depths of heart and soul. We as artists must “step out” and let our inner child reign free in order to achieve our dreams.

With These Hands--Wonder

My little cowgirl is complete! I had such fun painting her, which just goes to show ya--passion is everything! When you love your subject, the painting comes easy.

That isn't to say I don't love a challenge; I do. The struggle itself can be rewarding, especially if you prove that you can do it. Sometimes that's a big "if," and some of those struggles are scraped off, painted over, sanded down.

It's not always easy trying to capture what your imagination dreams up. The clearer the image in your head, the easier it is to get it on canvas. "Wonder" is the first painting in my "With These Hands" series. With the help of my good friends, I've decided to keep this first series about children: discovering, learning, playing, etc.

The second "With These Hands" series will be about adults, especially aging adults who I adore drawing and painting; there's so much character and soul portrayed in each and every line and wrinkle. The adult series will feature: working hands, comforting hands, helping hands, praying hands, etc. I'm really excited about the whole project.

Of course, my first love is animals and birds. People are more difficult for me, but the results are rewarding. I'm excited about life and this beautiful world that God has created for us. If I can illustrate or portray even a portion of this wonder I'm gratified.

This painting is now on display in my art gallery at http://carol-allen-anfinsen.fineartamerica.com/