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

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Day 28, Small Pause, "Airborne"

Photo of MacLellan's Brook, N.S.

Today's Small Pause...

It was a gorgeous day, so I ventured out to paint on location. A gentle breeze drifted around me as my brush stroked the canvas. I was in the groove; decisions came easily.

Once I finished my painting, I sat to enjoy my lunch. My small pause began, as I witnessed all that was airborne around me. To my surprise a hummingbird hovered for a few minutes close-by. Butterflies dipped and dived about as I sat quietly in observation. A bee buzzed and knocked into the decorative flowers on my teacup. Finally, bits of plant fluff soared on the breezes within the space.

The black spot is a butterfly in flight.

Another butterfly that was actually in flight, not stuck to the tire! 

All projected a great sense of freedom. It made me want to drift along with nature all day. Delineating my cares and just soar about. Remember to step out into nature. Quietly observe and allow the stresses of your life to drift into distant thoughts. 

Warmly,

Debbie 

P.S. Please feel free to leave a comment or add your own Small Pause in the comment section below!

You may also like to Subscribe to my free Fine Art Ezine and Fine Art Blog. Thanks!

Day 27, Small Pause, "A Sense of Knowing"

"As Summer Fades", 6x6in. Oil on linen/panel. Painted En Plein Air in Grant's Lake, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Today's Small Pause...

There is a sense of knowing, when one becomes engaged in the present. This can happen in numerous ways. Being still and paying attention to the breath or engaging in a meditative activity such as yoga, can induce this sense of now. 

For me, it is when I paint in nature. All my senses are engaged as I experience each brush stroke and moment. It is meditation in motion, allowing me to set aside to do lists and live fully in the present. 

I was reminded of this truth today while I sat on my doorstep reading Pem Chodron's book " The Wisdom of No Escape". Her words of wisdom were a catalyst for my small pause today.

"This sense of fresh start can be applied not only to formal meditation, but throughout your whole life. This teaching, one-pointedness, means that you can be thoroughly present. If you find yourself feeling distracted, you can simply come back and wake up and give yourself a fresh start."

May you enjoy a small fresh start today, living in a quiet present moment!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. Please feel free to leave a comment or add your own Small Pause in the comment section below!

You may also like to Subscribe to my free Fine Art Ezine and Fine Art Blog. Thanks!

Day 23, Small Pause, "Smell the Roses"

A Harmonic Existence, 6x6in. Oil on canvas, Painted En Plein Air in Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia.
Available Here.

Today's Small Pause...

Today I literally had a chance to "smell the roses".  After a marathon week of gardening, it was wonderful to take a break and enjoy nature. This is one of my favorite times of year when wild rose bushes present their glory! 

On my walk this morning I was greeted by their sweet scent and refreshing hue. They danced within strong gusts of wind; like a sea of pink bobbling on waves of breezes. Oh the joy! My heart always sings when they arrive. 

Their presence is joyful and I can almost hear them laughing! I love their light hearted nature. Like children, they dance about without care.  As adults we could take a lesson from nature's free spirit by taking short moments of time in our day to "smell the roses"! 

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. Please feel free to leave a comment or add your own Small Pause in the comment section below!

Day 21, Small Pause, "The Small Things"

Today's Small Pause...

32nd Anniversary, July 3rd, 2014

As my husband and I celebrate our 32nd Wedding Anniversary today, I reflect on the truth that small gestures help build relationships. A knowing smile, a touch, support by just being present; those are the building blocks that culminate over time. It is not the big moments, for they are infrequent. It is the small everyday happenings that weave together to build lasting ties. Whether in a partnership, friendship etc. the small things are what count over time. They are subtle and grow unknowingly, until one day you realize you have supported each other during your long journey together. 

On this special day my peonies decided to bloom. They bobbled within gusts of wind, just like our journey through life. I smiled, feeling grateful for love, beauty and for being awake to the "small things"!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. I would love to hear your thoughts or small pause today! Please feel free to share in the comment section below.