Friday, May 8, 2015

First Steps

It's been a while since I posted and I've been thinking much about the last topic of planning vs not planning. There's another aspect to it that painting has revealed to me. I don't know about you, but I learn so much from the creative part of my self.
When I think about things in the future: projects, travel, home improvement, paintings or anything else that could potentially be big and important ... I instantly feel overwhelmed.
I'm hesitant to start because I don't want to mess it up. Sometimes I don't know how to start because all I see in front of me is the totality of the project and it's too big. I see the end product in my mind and have no idea of how to get there. And how to not mess it up on the way.
This has been something I have experienced my whole life and painting is finally teaching me how to go about these things. Like with this fun, fun, fun commission I worked on recently of a team of incredibly therapy dogs. I had no idea how to paint it so that the client would like it. I wanted it to be colorful, beautiful and soulful.
But at the same time I have learned through the way I paint that all I need to do is start. To not think about the totality of the painting, but just about the colors I want to start with and let those flow and mix into shapes. And those shapes will tell me where to go next. And finally I start "seeing" the outlines of whatever it is I am painting.
It's the same with anything really. Just start. Find the beginning point and take the first step. And that step will either get your energy flowing so you can get your project on the way, or it will show you the next step to take or the next decision to make.
And suddenly a huge and overwhelming thing becomes not only manageable, but fun. And that's what it's all about, isn't it? To enjoy the process, the journey whether it is painting a piece of art, cleaning house, planning a dinner party or preparing for a big trip. So, what first steps are you thinking of taking?

With much love and appreciation for you all,

Silke
P.S. Linking to the ever wonder- and colorful Paint Party Friday

17 comments:

  1. You make a good point. Line up the energy, then just start in whatever direction feels fun, comfortable, and inspiring. I am thinking about several projects right now... not sure which one I will attempt next. Perhaps several. :)

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  2. Great painting. I love all the colors and even more so, I love the subject.

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  3. Great post! Your painting is gorgeous and the eyes of these dogs are so striking-fantastic!

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  4. These dogs are really fantastic and hot! Valerie

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  5. This is my favourite painting you have ever done.... I believe your soul may understand the impact of these paintings... I think this one will one day be famous! A collector for sure. I hope you have prints of it made up! This is such amazing soulful work... the feeling in this piece is so amazing it can't be described! This is a painting I would want to look at everyday all day long... it speaks to me... the colours....Amazing!! The expression...also amazing..just wow... This would actually top my list of favourite paintings...ever! Yes I get overwhelmed when a project stares me down...I want to do a kitchen table but I am nervous... I need a plan....I haven't one yet!

    Hugs Giggles

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  6. Oh Wow. These are beautiful. Love the color and composition.

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  7. So nice :) love the colors, very alive and energizing.lovely painting.
    I agree with you, life is much better when we're enjoy the journey.

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  8. Yes, just START, that is good advice and ENJOY the journey!
    I love your bright colors, Silke. Your art is amazing. I love it.
    Hope your Spring is lovely in your part of Georgia.
    Love,
    Kay

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  9. Love the colors of this painting! It's always that first step that is the hardest in anything we do.

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  10. Very beautiful work, congrats on your PPF feature!

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  11. This is such a beautiful painting. Full of emotions, joy, color. I simply loved it. And i loved your animal friends :)

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  12. Your painting spoke instantly to my heart. I so much love all the colors, and how you've kept it all together with the darker blue in the background. I also can relate to the feeling of knowing what I want to do, but how to reach the end result feels difficult.

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  13. Much Love this painting!!! Beautiful color and dogs. Lina.

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  14. This is really thrilling, stunning! I love the colors you've used, it really is soulful.
    I'm just now working with a workshop painting some faces. But there are so many projects I would like to do.. and never enough time for it..

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  15. Meravigliosa la composizione e i colori!!!

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  16. have a nice PPF, luv the introspection and the artistic product; thanks for sharing

    much love...

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