Found Marbles, Watercolor - Artwork in Progress - This still life has been set up in my art room for months and includes some interesting things I've picked up at garage sales from time-to-time. A still live can be exciting and interesting, particularly if you've chosen to include some special things you have around the house.

My life has become quite hectic and as I’ve gotten older my frantic pace seems to have intensified.  Even as I weed out the less important and unimportant there still seems to be a time shortage.

I would have thought that once my sons were on their own (as they are now) that I would have settled into a nice, leisurely routine of painting and reading while sipping Mint Juleps in the warm summer sunshine.   Instead I find myself rushing from one activity to another while not really focusing and truly savoring each moment.

I’ve tried to figure out why and believe I’ve discovered the problem - that’s not really a problem at all.  What’s happened is I’ve become more curious and my list of interests and hobbies have broadened considerably over the years.  Let me give you some examples.

First, when I was younger, I wasn’t much of a reader. I now have stacks of books just begging to be read.

Second, for as long as I can remember, painting and drawing have been a part of my life, but recently my art has become a serious passion that requires constant practice to bring about improvement.

Finally, my one garden has evolved into at least a half dozen gardens that require attention three seasons of the year.

Add to all that my full-time job, commuting, household maintenance (I’d rather not call it housework because I truly enjoy cleaning and organizing my living space), laundry and maintaining relationships with friends and family, well there you have it.

So tonight I decided to put aside everything and just focus on painting.  I’ve had a still-life setup in my art room for months and yet I’ve not once taken the initiative to paint it.  Tonight’s the night.   I forced myself to focus, drawing slowly and then painting slowly while really observing my subject.

I can tell you that as a result I feel extremely relaxed and peaceful.   Slowing down the mind and focusing on the moment is a lot harder than I expected, but once you’re there it can be quite rewarding.  I sure hope I can do it more than once.

This painting was a true milestone in my creative evolution. It is in the private art collection of My Uncle Milt (sounds professional huh?). I'm very happy it is in good hands.

It’s time.  I’ve finally committed to taking my “stuff on the road” this season (see my “Show Schedule” page).  After a long break from art showing, I’m ready.  Gosh, I can’t remember when I did my last art event.  I’d taken a break from “showing” after a health crisis in November 2007.  The experience forced me to look at my life and set priorities.  Art shows weren’t on the top of the list, not even near the top.

I realized my focus needed to be on adopting a more healthful life style while spending time with family and friends.  Creating art was near the top, but showing wasn’t.  My health crisis, and the revelations that followed, have helped me clarify what is really important to me and what is just fluff.

Taking this time was what I needed to do an inventory and reorder my life.  I’ve come to realize that faith, family, friends and creativity are essential to my spiritual and mental wellbeing.  I will no longer fill my day with unimportant “fluff.”   Only substance now with occasional fluff allowed.

As I prepare for these coming shows, I recall the very first “outing” with my art.  It was a warm Saturday in early June 1989 when I summoned the courage to participate in the Rexford Art Show, a small event held on the grounds of a local church.  Green and inexperienced, with my sandwich board/pegboard style racks, I arrived early with my artwork and lawn chair.

I setup my display under a large tree and, as other artists began to arrive with their best creative efforts, feelings of insecurity and self-doubt began to consume me.  To seal my fate that day, the artist who setup beside me was displaying the most fantastic, photorealistic style oil paintings.   All day long there were ohs and ahs, but not for me.   Her work was ultimately awarded the “People’s Choice” honor, deservingly so.

By the end of the day I was filled with anxiety, my head pounding.   I was able to refrain from crying until I got home and then the floodgate gave way.   That moment - that show - was a turning point for me, as well as my creative journey.  I had a decision to make - to quit or to try harder.  My creative urgings are strong and determination began to surface from deep inside me.  I went on to paint, what I think is, one of my finest paintings (see above).

I learned from that show and I learned from this piece - determination, perseverance, light, shadow, running your own race, holding your own counsel and so much more.   The shows have gotten somewhat easier since then. I enjoy interacting with artists, aspiring artists, and people who are just passing through.

So as I prepare for this season of art shows, I’m excited and ready.  Credit really goes to this awakening inspired through crisis (don’t we all learn the hard way?) and my chuck the fluff philosophy.  That’s my new motto, “Make everyday count and chuck the fluff.”