Saturday, July 10, 2010

Appeasing The Muse Week 3


"Hold On To Your Hat" By Victoria Lynn Hall
Available at Zazzle.com/Victoriart*/

I probably should apologize for calling my muse a bitch. As much as I hate to admit it, it turns out that she actually knows what she's doing. For example, when she commanded me to complete one painting per week she was actually putting an end to a long standing argument between us. Her side of that argument was that painting should be the top priority in my life right now. My response has always been that I have too many “more important” things to do.

I realize now that when I accepted her one painting per week demand, I lost that argument forever. . . and I've never been so happy to be wrong.

To complete one painting each week, I have had to make painting a priority in my life. To complete one painting every week, I have had to make painting more important. And all those other “more important” things I have to do? They get done in the miraculous amount of extra time I've found between colors, between ideas and between the times when I am disgusted with my last brush stroke and ready to brave the next one.

Somehow by making painting more important it has become more important. Perhaps, as my muse insists, it always was. Not because of what I bring to the canvas so much but more because of what bringing things to the canvas does for my life.

Happy creating, indeed.

Victoria

Friday, July 2, 2010

Appeasing The Muse Week 2


I didn't complete one painting this week . . . I completed five. Five gloriously but unmistakably flawed paintings that I wouldn't dare show to anyone besides my husband and my cats. I don't like these paintings very much but I do love them because I took risks on them, I experimented with them, I learned from them and I am inspired by them. So like I said, I completed five very successful paintings this week. Even my muse has to be happy with that.

She is also pleased that I am working on a sixth painting. Although it won't be finished for a few days so she, and you, will have to wait until next week to see how this one turns out.

Until then, happy creating!

Victoria