Last February I wrote a post called "Painting in progress" about a 36" x 36" oil painting I was working on. To tell you the truth, I was sort of "stuck" from the beginning on this painting. I thought that writing about it might be just the motivation I might need to figure it out and finish it..."W-R-O-N-G!!"
I've been wondering why this painting has taken so long and is still not finished. I thought I'd try to list some of my excuses reasons here. :)
1. Most of my bluebird paintings...are about a dream...that is not yet a reality. This painting, God Makes All Things New, is no exception. I have found myself being a little "wishy-washy" about believing in this particular dream... to start a ukulele band at our church. I know it's kind of a wacky dream, but Chuck and I were in a ukulele band in our church in Tennessee...we weren't very good musicians ...probably never will be...but we laughed till we had tears in our eyes and enjoyed the fun of trying! We learned that doing something poorly with great enthusiasm is very liberating!! I believe that God could use a ukulele band here...where folks risk acting like kids again...singing and playing happy old gospel tunes...to bring a little love, life, joy and laughter to our church! I just need to believe it enough days in a row to finish this painting!!
2. There's a certain energy when I start a new painting...where I can paint with boldness from my heart. Sometimes after a painting sits unfinished a while...it's harder to get that vision back...I start painting with a more utilitarian approach and less heart. It feels more like painting the kitchen that making art. I know the cure for this is to be more disciplined and keep at it...my heart and head and hands will eventually wake up and get excited again.
3. I think this painting wants to be busier with lots of ukulele players floating up in the air with joy....some happy gardeners tending the exuberant gardens...and some sheep (people that God's bringing to join us on our spiritual journey) grazing in the churchyard. I need to be less timid...get out of my way...and let what's in my heart take shape. This is harder than you might think. My heart gets a lot more creative than my hands sometimes...but if I stick with it...they'll get back in sync.
4. A big part of painting is problem solving. That can either be drudgery or challenging...depending on my attitude. I need to stay focused till I see the answer. Nothing in life is as easy as it looks...but a little creative thinking makes the pieces of the puzzle all come together.
Well, that's about it. I'm feeling hopeful about the possibilities now! I think I've talked myself into finishing this painting! And you know what? I believe one day...you might just get an invitation to come hear some toe-tapping gospel tunes...performed with great enthusiasm and mediocre abilities...by the smiling, joyful members of "The Ukulele Band!"
Stumble It!
