MUSINGS
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I believe some people think that painting is something that comes easy and is as natural as learning how to walk. How wrong they are! Painting is a never ending struggle with many twists and turns and hopefully, you can have fun along the way.
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Each time I walk up to the blank canvas and start painting I never quite know what's going to happen as I paint away. Sometimes the canvas takes over and you end up down a path you never expected - sometimes to a dismal failure and sometimes to sweet success.
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One of the best things I like about painting plein air (outside) is being in the elements of nature. Sometimes I'll be at my easel quietly painting away for an hour or so with not a single creature stirring. I've been there so long the animals all think I'm part of the scenery. Next thing you know a squirrel, mouse, or maybe a groundhog is closely passing me by and they don't even know I'm there.
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There is a funny thing that happens when I paint. I call it being in the zone. It's not necessarily doing everything right but it just means that I'm totally into it and I am oblivious to anything around me - including time, but hopefully not bears! I always wondered about that. I better take stock into what's going on around me once in a while just to avoid any unwanted close encounters.
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I've been happily painting away until I've decided it's time to stop because of daylight disappearing, the light changing too much, or maybe just fatigue. I'm always surprised when I stop and snap out of it. I tend to find myself freezing, or sunburned or windburned and I didn't notice anything until I stopped.
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I remember one time when I was on a trip to the Adirondacks in northern New York state I came upon this beautiful scene just off the road. I was just outside of Lake Saranac village. I was determined to set up and paint there even though it was just a few feet from the road. I got my gear and climbed over the guardrail and set up. What a fiasco! This road was high speed with tractor trailers whizzing by at 70 mph and about 8 feet from me. Every time I heard one approaching I had to stop painting and hold on to my easel for dear life. It was a tough thing to do but I stayed there for a couple of hours. A local photographer came by and snapped some pics of me and we chatted for a while. I always wondered if I made it in the local paper that week. Still haven't finished that painting...
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For an artist to reach a higher level of excellence one must be willing to sacrifice. On the road to better quality and superior workmanship there will be a lot of struggle and frustration. Struggle is a sign of growth. One must learn to become their own worst critic and become adept at analyzing their own painting, recognize the problem and have the skill to make it right. This takes time. Remember this: Never give up, push yourself, take more chances and work harder!
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