Day 38, Small Pause, "Wall Play"

Welcoming Spring, 4x4in. Oil on linen/board. Sold

Today's Small Pause...


 I  was chatting with my son in our kitchen late in the afternoon. During our conversation the light suddenly changed and wall shadows appeared. I gasped and said "Wow!" in the middle of our conversation. We both stopped to observe and comment on how neat they looked on the wall. Both wall shadows were from fresh flowers in bouquets I had in our kitchen. 

Quickly, I decided to sketch one of the wall shadows. Since I have been trying to fit in as much drawing and quick sketches as I can, this moment worked out perfectly. Sketching the wall shadow was fun and meditative. I loved observing the negative and positive spaces the shadow created. I am totally obsessed with shadows! They are so fascinating from an artistic point of view. They remind me of x-rays. 

Just as I finished my sketch the light changed position in the sky and the shadow disappeared completely. Accentuating the importance of taking "Small Pauses" in life, where you enjoy a small segment of time in your day that you might normally overlook. It's all about seizing the moment and paying attention! 

Hoping you get a chance to seize small enjoyable moments in your day as well!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. Please feel free to add your own small pause or comments below.

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Day 35, Small Pause, "Red Delight"

Aglow, 3x2in. Oil on linen/board.
Painted En Plein Air in Plymouth, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Today's Small Pause...

While out on errands early this morning, my husband called home to say we should drop everything and go for a little drive. We had recently experienced our first snowfall of the season, along with some icy conditions. Ian knew I wanted to breath in that beauty while the sun shone brightly. Soooo I set my to do list aside and ventured out on a little tour. Life has been so busy, it had been awhile since we did this together. 

We drove along admiring the glistening of icy branches and boughs that drooped from heavy snow. We oohed and aahed the whole drive enjoying our little interlude.  As we neared the end of our drive, I suddenly shouted "Wow" and asked Ian to stop the car. 

My pause was  the sudden and surprising vision of a myriad of bright red crab apples hugging the side of the road. These crimson globes dotted the space within their branches as they hung boldly without their greenery. It was such a delightful surprise to witness such abundance, while the vegetation surrounding the trees lay crumbled and dormant. 

These little apples stepped out of their sheltered existence and shone brightly in their natural beauty. I thought it was a great metaphor to ponder on. 

I loved how the ice rested on the top of the apples!

Another winter scene on our drive.

I hope your day allows you to take a short interlude from your busy life to appreciate small moments!

Warmly,

Debbie


P.S. Please feel free to add your own small pause or comments below.

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Day 33, Small Pause, "The Maker"

Summer Grace, 4x4in. Oil on linen/board.
Painted En Plein Air in Plymouth, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Today's Small Pause...

Have you ever purchased a handcrafted item because you can feel the "maker's" touch imbued in the item? It might be a painting, pottery bowl or some other tangible item crafted by hand that elicits an emotion from you. I have purchased work because I feel this sense of charged energy or love as I hold or observe the item. There is something special present...almost like the artist is speaking directly to you. 

Being an artist, I have believed for a long time, that handcrafted items made with love and passion, are much different than big box store items. Not just because they are one of a kind,  but because the "maker's" own energy and love of craft becomes an intricate part of the item. 

This is one of the reasons I paint from life. Observing my subject from life, triggers my emotions and engages my senses. It helps me pour my whole person into my work. In the end, it is hoped that my love and passion for what I create can be felt by the observer. 

I recently watched a short video on this very thought, where Jonathon Fields explains this point beautifully. I have included it below. I hope you enjoy it and it gives you food for thought. The festive season will be upon us soon. Recalling this truth may aid in the type of shopping you do for your loved ones. Maybe, it will also entice you to create something handmade for someone, whether it be simple or complex. Handmade cards, baked goods, sewn items all come to mind. 

Warmly,

Debbie

Jonathon's Video 
(May take a moment to load)

P.S. Please feel free to add your own small pause or comments below.

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Day 30, Small Pause, "Residual Effect"

Autumn's Gifts, 4x4in. Oil on linen/board. Sold
Painted En Plein Air in MacLellan's Brook, Nova Scotia.

Today's Small Pause...

Over the years I have come to learn that "Joy" does not arrive in our lives in one continuous swoop after another. Sometimes we must find moments or "small pauses" that are subtle, but just the same bring small moments of joy. 

I especially became aware of this fact when my son Brett was very sick for a span of ten years. My life was not made up of continuous joyful moments. Within the worry and stress, I managed to find those small moments. Some were gentle, like a kind touch or a knowing smile. Others were bits of beauty I saw in my environment; like beautiful shadows that swept over the hospital wall as the sun shone through the window. Some were in my passion, as my brush moved gracefully over a linen surface. 

Beautiful Autumn Shadows and Light!

These "small pauses" gave me a joyful break from the reality of life in general. They brought warmth to my soul and uplifted my spirits. They were a welcome retreat, much like a waking meditation. Their entry into my life has brought me much joy. Although they are sometimes subtle, they culminate over time, providing a beautiful residual effect in one's life.

Nestled In, 3x3in. Oil on linen/board. Sold
Painted from life--Alla Prima

As we head into this Thanksgiving Weekend, our family is experiencing much joy over Brett's new found health. We are very grateful! If you are celebrating Thanksgiving this weekend, I wish you many small moments of joy with family and friends. Pick up on the subtle joys that surround you everyday. Your heart will grow a little warmer.

Warmly,

Debbie

“It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” 

Mother Teresa

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