The Tyrrany of the Urgent

I am amazed at how much time the business end of being an artist takes! I am currently in the process of finishing and framing paintings for an exhibit.

Even selecting the paintings is time-consuming. Then they have to be evaluated to make sure there's nothing left that should be finished before framing. Next, they must be named! THAT is always challenging--making sure the titles are as attractive as the paintings. The frames are ordered (!!!) and when they are completed the paintings will be installed.

Meanwhile, I don't like to let moss gather on my drawing and painting efforts, so I try to spend at least some time each day doing that as well.

The real pleasure, besides actually CREATING the work, is seeing them framed and ready to go. Wow! WHO painted those?

Thought for today: "There's just no accounting for happiness, / or the way it turns up like a prodigal / who comes back to the dust at your feet" -- Jane Kenyon

Modern Art

"Modern art is what happens when painters stop looking at girls and persuade themselves they have a better idea." - John Ciardi

I thought this quote was pretty telling! When we abandon the principles of beauty and excellence, we risk thinking that our "better idea" is really art. Nature bows to high art but it cannot be replaced as a source of truth.