Long before the trees began to change their color, I had in mind to paint a tree in all its glory this fall. Though the maples are my favorites this time of year, I settled in on these two walnut trees that stand on the front corner of our property. Why? Because they are the same ones that I painted in the second week of this challenge in “Blizzard 2016”. Looking at the two paintings side by side makes me think of how, just like the trees, we each go through different seasons in our lives. While some seasons are less ‘beautiful’ than others, none of them last forever. I am reminded that “This too shall pass”.
I did this painting Saturday afternoon/evening, so I went out to my studio earlier today to get it to photograph. It was a gorgeous fall day here with the sun igniting the leaves that are left as if they were on fire…and suddenly my painting looked so washed out!! “Should I go add more color?”, I thought. Herein lies a big part of this challenge for me. With my big watercolors that take me months to create, I am constantly stepping away from my work, studying it from afar and tweaking every imperfection. However, due to the limited time that I am allowing myself each weekend to work on these challenges, these works are far from perfect…which ironically is my goal. Yet, it is the letting go and saying that it is “good enough” that is so incredibly challenging for me. I will forever strive for “excellence”, but I continue to try desperately to refrain from the pursuit of “perfection”. They are very different, but separating the two is not easy for me.
Despite all, I am very pleased with how loose I stayed throughout this piece! And if you’re wondering if I added more color today, I did not. 🙂 Another week down and another step closer to my goal. If you missed my post which explains this year-long challenge, please read You’re Invited To The Unveilings.
Comments...
You captured it Michele. Amazing the difference with the trees in each season. All in Gods timing. Just like our different seasons. All in Gods timing. Love you much Michele. Love aunt cookie
“To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.” I was wondering just the other day if the trees in heaven are continually dressed in their autumn brilliance and God allows us to see just a glimpse of that magnificence here on earth for a few weeks every autumn.
What a magnificent Creator we have! I imagine him looking at that tree in changing seasons, taking delight in what he’s made, and still saying, “Very good”. And you’ve captured the essence of that beautiful “goodness”! Love you.
I love this one just the way it is and that you didn’t go back and change anything. Although it may not be “perfect” as you said it has its own beauty in being “imperfect”. The Lord has been speaking to me about seasons, so these two are especially meaningful to me. Thank you for sharing this challenge with all of us. Love you.
I love that you said “…it has its own beauty in being ‘imperfect'”. That is what I’m learning. I know that to be true about myself, but I am learning that about my work. Thank you for your wisdom, love and faithful support! Love you back.