19 Jan
Before the Creative Process
French Connections and Contemplations
Contemplation
desire mapping
soul searching
it can happen anytime, anywhere
HOWEVER January at the beach is a pretty good place for such things 🙂
One can remain motionless for hours, reading and writing, listening to the sounds of the ocean
watching the dolphins arc gracefully out of the water
and gawk at the pelicans flying by like giant prehistoric birds.
Occasionally if you take a peek at Facebook you may find that Phyllis F.’s cat, Muffy Ann is sporting new nails….
or see this link shared by Jen B. where famous paintings have been improved by cats (click here)
Then it’s right back to the hard work of doing nothing, which in reality is doing something because letting the mind rest is as important as anything we do.
It’s Monday.
It’s January.
Time to rest, read, and let your creativity recharge 🙂
P.S. I am curious. Are you reading anything that is really resonating with you and helping you to chart the next chapter of your life?
“French Connections”
12 x 12in oil on museum quality panel
Love your art & your blog and the comments. All very up-lifting.
Thank you!
Thanks everyone for sharing! An inspiring book for artists is “a million little ways ” uncover the art you were made to live by emily p freeman She writes about how we were created to be masterpieces and we should live our lives artistically! it’s an amazing book and she references so many other good books to read in it.
Wow! So many excellent sounding books I definitely want and need to check out. At the moment, I’m re-reading (I tend to re-read books that resonate with me) ‘Care of the Soul,’ by Thomas Moore. Alongside that, on my night table, is Julia Cameron’s ‘The Artist’s Way’. Then, after those, I’m going to indulge in a bit of fiction meets history meets spirituality meets existentialism, via Isaac Bashevis Singer’s books, like ‘Shadows on the Hudson,’ ‘Shosha’ and ‘Friend of Kafka.’ They’re all piled there, waiting for me. So many books to read…not enough hours in the day. 🙂
I love this painting, Dreama. I love the delicateness (is that a word?) of the tree, and of course, all those beautiful colours.
How adorable is Phyllis’s Muffy Ann! Speaking of cool and creative cats, do you know about Quint, the cat artiste extraordinaire from the Colehaus Cats blog? Oh…he does wonderful works of art. 🙂
I SOOO appreciate each of you sharing what you are reading. I am seeing some titles that are new to me and I am excited about exploring them:))) Today was the first day of Workshop III here in Marco Island—after that I will have another week to read before heading home:)))
Hugs!
How’s Ed doing these days?
I SOOO appreciate each of you sharing what you are reading. I am seeing some titles that are new to me and I am excited about exploring them:))) Today was the first day of Workshop III here in Marco Island—after that I will have another week to read before heading home:)))
Hugs!
Dreama
The Letters of Vincent Van Gogh, Edited and Introduced by Mark Roskill I’ve always been intrigued by Vincent Van Gogh. His letters to his brother Theo really give us an insight into his thinking and the hardships he endured to gives us his wonderful paintings. He believed that his work would be appreciated more in the future and it surely has been. A good example for us to believe in ourselves, despite what others might think, or what the latest “trends” are.
The Letters of Vincent Van Gogh, Edited and Introduced by Mark Roskill I’ve always been intrigued by Vincent Van Gogh. His letters to his brother Theo really give us an insight into his thinking and the hardships he endured to gives us his wonderful paintings. He believed that his work would be appreciated more in the future and it surely has been. A good example for us to believe in ourselves, despite what others might think, or what the latest “trends” are.
Brene Brown – The Gifts of Imperfection & Daring Greatly are both great books. Her Ted talk is wonderful too. She’s doing an artistic journaling class paired up with Oprah. I missed the start date but Part 2 starts in March. She’s really into creativity, play, dance and all the arts to heal our shame and move past our vulnerability. It’s great work. Also Mark Nepo’s new poetry book is also very good. Blessings to your beach days. You deserve all that yummy warmth and sunshine because that’s what you give every day to whomever is around you. Hugs….Karri
The War of Art – Steven Pressfield. Recommended by Marlie (Jan 8 workshop at Marco Island). It is very good, talks about procrastination and why we do it! How to overcome those little voices (and people) that change our course and take us away from doing our art. So glad you are enjoying some quiet time on the beach. I finally found a whole day to paint yesterday, it was wonderful. take care.
Just finished listening to Breakfast with Buddha and loved it by Roland Merullo
Funny you should ask…I just finished reading a great little book entitled, “Lessons from Madame Chic”, by Jennifer Scott. This author reveals the secrets of living an elegant life in an engaging and entertaining story.
Another “read”, or better put, a study, is the wonderful four part program being offered by Chip Brogdan entitled,”A Balanced Christian Life”. I’m halfway through and I have already discovered a fabulous new, (always meant to be) direction for my life in Christ. This is by far the best “finding your true purpose” course I’ve ever taken.
Here’s the link, http://theschoolofchrist.org/listen/a-balanced-christian-life
About a year ago I borrowed a book called Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most by Stone, Patton, and Heen.
It’s a lot about the gap between what one is thinking and what one is actually saying. A really good read with many examples.
Maximum Achievement by Brian Tracy is absolutely awesome! I do appreciate the irony of sitting on my butt not doing much of anything and reading books about achievement. Nothing like a rainy, cold, January morning in the French countryside for getting cozy with a plan. My new work out, brain cardio. Mind Pilaties? Moga?
Dreama, thank you for your post today. Yes, I have been reading but your letter today reminds me to go to the library with a list, to get some more uplifting books today. I just finished, ‘One Second After,’ by William R. Forstchen which is a thought provoking novel about being prepared before a disaster and another book by Jon Clinch, entitled, ‘The Thief of Auschwitz’, which is a novel about an artist in Auschwitz during WW!!.
Your painting is beautiful.
Yours in art,
Pamela
For Christmas I received a copy of Richard Schmid’s Alla Prima II. I’m having a great time reading his lessons on painting. The color illustrations are wonderful. What a delight! I highly recommend it.
Good morning Dreama! I don’t know how many lives I’ve had already, but I seem to keep having them for which I am so grateful. A book I read several years ago was Tolle’s New Earth … that set me on my current wonderful path. Perhaps my interest in art which has taken other paths previously was one of the benefits of his book! It is peaceful, relaxing, rewarding and expanding my horizons. Your paintings are stunning and so colorful and happy, just as you are! Enjoy your ramblings. They make me smile. Best regards. Carole
Traveling with Pomegranates. Sue Ann Monk
Wow, timely Dreama! YES…in charting the next chapter in my life I’m reading a couple books…The $100 Startup and The 4 Hour Workweek! Love the insights and the anecdotes and stories in these books. Very inspiring as a move along my own journey! LOVE this painting BTW…love the yellows and oranges…they POP!
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