Passions of an Odd Chick

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

No.11 She Speaks For Herself

She and I did not get along. She was a hard Princess to be around and therefore she's not one of my favorites. But I showed up! I am proud of that. I committed to the painting until the end.
I'm reading this amazing book, "The War of Art" suggested by a friend and an amazing artist who has consistently inspired me.
This book describes what happens to an artist to discourage them and the author personalizes it in the name of "Resistance".  I loved this passage:
If you believe in God (and I do) you must declare Resistance evil, for it prevents us from the achieving the life God intended when He endowed each of us with our own unique genius. Genius is a Latin word; the Romans used it to denote an inner spirit, holy and inviolable, which watches over us, guiding us to our calling. A writer writes with his genius; an artist paints with hers; everyone who creates operates from this sacramental center. It is our soul's seat, the vessel that holds our being-in-potential, our star's beacon and Polaris.
Every time we don't show up to the page or the easel because of our critical internal voices, we have lost the spiritual battle within us.

God has given each of us a gift, a calling. Our job is not the viewer, not the critic, not the encourager. Our job is to show up and give our gift to the world and let God do the rest. It may not change the world, but it will change us in the process of aligning ourselves with His purposes.
Fresco style of No. 11
I like this one better for some reason.

17 comments:

Leslye said...

Hello, I have been trying to check in on your blog when ever I get the chance. I like your art work and I do enjoy your blog. I hope and pray that all goes well with you and for you. I have 2 blogs if you would like to check them out sometime...(1) stepitupwithleslye.blogspot.com &
(2)my-spiritpath.blogspot.com

Carolyn said...

You said "Every time we don't show up to the page or the easel because of our critical internal voices, we have lost the spiritual battle within us." And we all said "Amen" and then coughed a bit and pushed our chairs back because there are days when we don't touch the page or the easel because those voices are pushing us away and we’re not pushing back. At least I know that happens to me – too often. But I get it…show up, commit and do it! If the unhappy princess has taught me one thing…it’s that – show up, commit and do it! Thanks – I needed that. I love No. 11 – she is strong and committed!

Rebecca Anthony said...

You make me laugh!! You seriously have relations with these paintings while your involved with them. I happen to think she is absolutely fabulous!! Keep getting so involved with each of these characters because it's working my friend!! I have such a good feeling about this series you're doing. You are SO going to Italy!!

Joji said...

Great post. I learned something, that I need to do...Show Up...I love you princess. You showed up.

Poetic Artist said...

My sister friend if I could reach across the miles.. I would give you a big hug..Yes I am a hugger..lol Thank you for this post. It really touched me in the heart and made me realize. I am letting the bad win. How I wished you lived around the corner..
I like the new girl.
Katelen

Diane said...

You said it all--use the gift that was given to you everyday--forget about the outcome, just use it!!

chrissy said...

dear friend..
i think your post was just a HUGE answer to my prayers of late...and you probably had NO idea.
thank you!
thank you for sharing your sweet spirit.
you lift me.
i am so happy to call you my friend.
xo
c

Buffy said...

Well lets just say you gave me something I needed to hear today and I just want to say thank you. And another beautiful girl,I like her,I think she is representing the fight in all of us. She looks like a tough girl. Somebody you don't want to mess with.

Jeanne Nelson said...

Another stunning painting that has me in awe. Love the details! Running late, so will come back to read her story. Happy Day, My Friend!

Bren Graham Thebeau said...

This is so interesting, I just ordered the book because of a friends post on the battle with our art (marthalever.blogspot.com) and here you shared this amazing quote and wrote about your own battle! Thank you so much for sharing and for finishing this amazing piece. She may not be your fav but she makes a big impact on her viewers.

GlorV1 said...

Hi there. I love this painting. I just wanted to stop by and thank you for stopping by my blog. It appears that we are both painting our hearts out because I too am painting 1 a day for 40 days. Ayeeeeee! I hope to complete it but it is getting a little hard sometimes. I'm only on 7 of 40. Today I will post 8. I need to backtrack and read some of your posts to find out more. Have a great day I do thing that you are a very skilled artist. Take care.

Carin Winkelman said...

Hi, just wanted to thank you for your nice comment on my blog. It's really appreciated. When I have more time (am dashing through my mail right now) I promise to take a good look at yours.

Martha Lever said...

Hi! So glad you visited my blog today so I could come to yours! That's interesting that we both have been battling and mentioned the "War of Art" book. I also just ordered Art and Fear. I love your blog. I went back and looked at all your portraits and they are wonderful. The one today looks like a warrior herself doesn't she! I love her--she has a story to tell! I think my favorites so far are the Awake one and the Scare yourself one but they are all wonderful and unique and full of personality. I hope you do well with your plan and what a courageous artist you are!!!!! You will do great. Also, I know it was several days ago but you asked about how to present your images. I used to work with an art director when I was determined to get my work licensed. She advised me to show prints of your images and put them into a portfolio so the client can hold the book and look at them. You may have already shown them but anyway...for what it's worth, this is the advice I got. Keep it up..I am following you! Thanks for your comment today.

Steve Emery said...

I really like the light behind her, and the floral and vines pattern - the glow reminds me of fireflies.

I think I prefer the top image - with the darker face, because it makes her look more back-lit. And for me, I prefer the detail on the amulet around her neck in the top image - to bring it forward more than it is in the fresco version.

Anonymous said...

I love her, she seems so powerful
This series is awesome my friend
Beth

T.A. Chance said...

Interesting. I admire your enthusiasm.

My journey into reality: www.alittlerisk.blogspot.com

danielle daniel said...

OH Peggy...I TOTALLY needed to hear this. I need to get back to the page and you just gave me the kick in the pants that I needed. Thank-you for your wise post.

You are on fire with those paintings! Thanks for all the inspiration today! xo