Monday, September 30, 2013

A Blank Canvas

Recently, I committed to donate a painting to Paris in a Cup, a darling tea shop and restaurant in Orange, California, for it's cancer fund raiser.  First of all, I'm still not confident in the fact that anyone would want to purchase a painting from me.  And, second, I had no idea what to paint.  These were dilemmas for this "late bloomer" artist. Cheryl Turner, the owner of Paris in a Cup, is a cancer survivor that has become a friend, and I wanted to support her.  I was excited to buy my 11 x 14 canvas, but had no idea what to put on it.

As I stared at my blank canvas, I thought it was such an excellent metaphor for life.  Every day, every month, every new year we are given a blank canvas of time.  We can stare at it for awhile or we can start throwing all the paint on it we can. Danny Kaye,  a now deceased singer/entertainer, said, "Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint you can on it."




So, that's what I did.  I began playing with my paint, paper, and pens on the canvas, and threw everything on it that seemed to fit.  Yes, my canvas is full.  Maybe too full for some, and not full enough for others, but it's my canvas, my choices, and that has to be alright.  And my concern that no one will want to buy my canvas? Well, I know someone that would buy it.  Me!!!  




On my mixed media piece of art is a quote by Vincent Van Gogh that says, "What is done in love is done well."  I'd like to paint my days(canvases) with love, so that I can live well.  What is on the canvas of your day today? Is it colored with love?  I want to encourage us all to not live in fear of what others will think of our choices, but to be brave enough to play with the colors of our lives, and to love the best that we can.  



Posted by at

11 comments:

  1. The Painted GardenSeptember 30, 2013 at 2:21 PM

    Nancy, I love the beautiful art you created as much as I love your beautiful blog post. Your art is joyful and I can feel the love you put into it and I would love to buy it - the love you put into creating your art really speaks to me. Put a sold sign on it for me. Blessings and Hugs, Erin
    Hugs and Blessings, Erin

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownSeptember 30, 2013 at 3:51 PM

      Erin, how can I thank you enough for your most loving comments? My goodness, you have made my day. You continue to inspire me in spite of not seeing you in person by your loving generosity in life through your words and beautiful creations. Love, love, love to you, my friend, Nancy

      Delete
    2. The Painted GardenSeptember 30, 2013 at 4:20 PM

      Nancy - we can inspire each other - you are so brave to start your blog and start selling your lovely art - not easy to put yourself out there when you first start selling - it does get easier. An art critic once told me "there is a lid for every pot" and it just takes ones person to connect with your art and want to buy it. Your painting spoke to me because I see so much love and joy in its creation and I am the lid for your pot!! Will you be at the Paris event Friday? If so I hope to see you and if I miss you I want to buy your painting so put a SOLD on it. I am going to hang it in my studio for inspiration. Love, Erin

      Delete
    3. UnknownSeptember 30, 2013 at 5:02 PM

      Erin, I honestly thought you were being wonderfully affirming, but not really wanting to buy the painting. I am actually stunned with joy. Thank you so much! You are right about there being much joy and love in that collage, yet I hope to get better and better at imparting those qualities : ) I bought a ticket, but not sure I will be able to make the drive up to Paris in a Cup. I will let Jenelle know though that you want it. Thank you, Erin! You have truly touched me by your encouragement. Love, Nancy

      Delete
  2. UnknownSeptember 30, 2013 at 4:30 PM

    Nancy, this is absolutely lovely! Where do we buy the greeting cards? :-)
    Remember, I have a little space at a shop should you want to display and sell a couple of pieces! Love that your thoughts are coming through in words and art.
    Barbara

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownSeptember 30, 2013 at 5:06 PM

      Barbara, thank you for your affirming words! The collage is actually an 11 x 14 canvas. I am still in the process of designing art cards although I have sold photo cards before. I will definitely keep you posted on how my art develops : ) It feels like giving birth to something magical that could bless others. Love, Nancy

      Delete
  3. UnknownSeptember 30, 2013 at 9:40 PM

    Nancy I love the artwork and I love the reason you decided to make it. It would be gorgeous in my daughters room. For now I will pin it to my Fabulous Art board on Pinterest. Inspiring.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownOctober 1, 2013 at 12:29 AM

      Karen, you are one of my greatest cheerleaders, and I want to be one of yours! I feel honored that you'd pin the collage to your art board. Thank you, my friend.
      xoxo

      Delete
  4. Ann-Margaret {Ann-Margaret's Visions}November 5, 2013 at 5:30 PM

    I love this, Nancy...love the colors and the sweet girls...and, the message!! :) And, what a special reason to fill a canvas with color! :) I love what you said...I think we truly do just have to let our hearts sing our very own song...if we do we'll add so much JOY to the world! And, I think by opening our hearts we just encourage others to do so, as well...sweet inspiration, my friend!! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownNovember 5, 2013 at 10:13 PM

      Oh, my new friend, what sweet words of encouragement you give. It touches my heart that you stopped by, and gave such positive feedback. It is just so much fun and inspiring to share each other's blogs/lives. You leave me blessed again. xoxo

      Delete
  5. UnknownNovember 5, 2013 at 6:18 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)