Beautiful Possibility

Lately I’ve been working on a painting for my mother- and father-in-law. It’s a portrait of my husband, Russ, and our dog, Alice. Not a close-up, but a picture of them in a golden field with pine trees and a blue-green hill in the background. It’s been years since I’ve painted a portrait and I began this one with great care and some intimidation. I often begin paintings that way when I’m not entirely sure how best to go about them. 

I started with the sky, which is a soft blue—almost white. Then I began VERY carefully painting the blue-green hill in the background. Once it looked good, I sat back and considered my next step. I imagined what the painting would look like if I continued working so carefully. I saw the result in my mind. It would look good. But then I imagined what it could look like if I took some risks and allowed some fearless impressionism to come in. I saw it in my mind and it was fantastic. 

I’ve learned that if I can see something in my mind, it is possible to paint it. I’ve also learned that not every attempt produces the outcome I was hoping for. That’s the risk. So I’m faced with a choice. I can hold onto the good, safe outcome to produce a good, safe painting. Or I can reach for something I know is possible but that I may not quite grasp in the end. It’s something to consider—to leap, or not to leap? Knowing that astonishing beauty does exist in the realm of possibilities, wether I break through that realm or not. Is astonishing beauty worth the leap? Even if it endangers the good outcome?

I spent all day yesterday risking the blue-green hill in my painting. I believe it’s worth the risk. 

Blessings to you today as you take your next courageous step toward a beautiful possibility.

~Amy