Better Is Often Just Around The Bend

Lynn and I love a good road trip. Even a mediocre road trip works in our books.

In fact, who doesn’t like a road trip?

And doesn’t the phrase “road trip” conjure up summertime fun and adventure? The top rolled down on the convertible; your hair madly blowing around like some crazed “hair lunatic” as the wind rushes through it.

Alright, so you don’t have a convertible and even with all the windows cranked down on your six-year-old “slightly used” cherished set of wheels, your hair isn’t long enough to blow crazily around

Nevertheless, a road trip is still a road trip.

Just you and your “bestie” cruising along the highway with tunes blasting from the radio and a cooler full of fattening snacks and cold drinks teetering precariously in the backseat.

Ironically, life is often like a road trip. Sometimes you know the destination before heading out. Other times it’s a wild ride, with no specific destination in mind and then one day you wonder, “How did we arrive here?”

Whether life is a metaphorical road trip doesn’t really matter. Although, I think it is a great metaphor or analogy. What does matter though is where you stop or quit along the journey.

Imagine, you’re someplace where you’ve never been before, do you know what’s around the next corner? Likely not.

In order, to know what is around the next corner we need to do what? We need to go around the next corner, right? That seems simple enough.

But, how often in life do we quit just before entering the corner?

Your life seems to be cruising along comfortably, much like a long stretch of flat highway on a road trip. The destination in mind is getting closer, but this part of the trip is excruciatingly boring. Nothing to see; nothing out of the ordinary to look at. The same flat and boring fields, kilometre after kilometre. Nevertheless, you’ve settled in; feeling comfortable and feeling pretty good about things.

Unfortunately, life can reflect that reality as well.

When things are comfortable, we often don’t want to or even if we want to, do anything to upset the apple cart by introducing some new experience into the mix of our living. Trying something new; having different experiences or “seeing what is around the next bend”  are those messy things that can upset “the apple cart of life.”

We create barriers within our lives that define what our level of comfort is within it. Some people have a very wide comfort level, which they created after years of pushing the edges of those boundaries, just a bit each time. But, nevertheless pushing them on a fairly frequent basis.

Others have a very narrow defined comfort level in which to exist. They are more comfortable and safe with the same routine and doing the same few things day in and day out. For these people, the concept of “the unknown” seems overly foreign to them. It makes them afraid. They’re afraid to try because they are afraid to fail.

But, in reality, life and living is ultimately a sort of multi-decades-long “road trip.” It is by the very nature and definition of a “road trip”, that new and unknown experiences will always be around the next bend. That’s why many, if not most, people head out on a “road trip.” To experience life and to live it as fully as they can.

The answer to seeing around “the next corner” or to figure out what is “around the next bend in life”, is as simple as going around “the next corner” or driving “around the next bend.” We just need to do it.

Will the unknown always be part of the equation? Sure it will. It is impossible to go throughout our lives and have every question answered before tackling anything new.

How boring would that be?

We are the sum of all of our experiences in life. Not just those experiences we feel comfortable and safe with that are found within the confines of our rather narrowly defined comfort zone. We are also meant to experience those on the other side of the boundary as well.

It doesn’t mean you have to sign up and go jumping out of a plane, attached to the jump instructor. You can’t experience anything and slightly widen your comfort zone, by someone explaining or describing the feeling to you. There is no way for me to describe the taste of a fantastic and exciting dish on a menu for you to try. I could give it a go, but for you, it really isn’t an experience at all.

For you to know and experience the taste, texture and flavours of the food, you need to take a bite or two.

Don’t be afraid to see “what is around the corner” in life. Yes, there is a chance it could be not so good. However, more often than not though, “what is around the next corner” is great.

Every new experience, whether they are big or small and no matter if it is poor, good or great, they all add one precious element to the already perfect you.

The crazy thing about all of this is, that by expanding our comfort zone, we truly end up becoming more comfortable.

And isn’t that what you’ve always wanted all along? To be comfortable?

–as always with love–

—  get outdoors; find inspiration; discover yourself  —

Yellow Door Art – Missing In Action(sort of but not really)

The title pretty much sums up the situation. So, on that note…have a great day!!

Not really.

We’re all still here. However, it seems that life is getting in the way and tripping up many of the creative thoughts and processes at the moment.

Between medical appointments; trips to Dartmouth and Halifax; work(or lack thereof); and having no fridge at the moment seems to have put a sizeable dent in “Yellow Door Art.”

All of this is no excuse, but it’s the best that I can come up with early on the Saturday of the Easter long weekend.

And putting all this extraneous stuff off to the side, the creative or creativity part does “feel like” it has had a bit of a derailment. I use the phrase “feels like” here and not something akin to a distinctive creativity failure – which would not be good.

As I’ve posted several times in the past, our own inner critic both as artists or not, often really throws a wrench into our lives. You get started on a new piece and that “devilish inner critic” pipes up with wild exclamations of it’s just not good enough; the flowers are wrong, or the scene doesn’t look right or something along those lines that immediately deflates your soul, leaving you to slowly put the brushes and paint away.

The problem is these are just “feelings” and as we all know, “feelings” at times can be a fickle lover. Now, feelings are a good thing, but often feelings are not necessarily rooted in reality.

Looking at a sports analogy. often when a player is struggling(it doesn’t matter the sport), coaches will get the player to go “back to the basics” and simplify their game. Struggling athletes often find that the struggle is due to “doing too much” or “getting outside of where they excel.” Getting back to basics and practising within the boundaries of what they’re magical at, does many things. but one of the most important things is it brings back or helps to restore confidence.

Art is no different. Often you simply need a “win” – a painting that looks like and yes – feels like a win. Perhaps, getting back to something basic and not hurdling outside of my own abilities may be the best approach.

Getting back to basics in art, sports or life is never a bad thing.

–as always with love–

— get outdoors; find inspiration; discover yourself —

Don’t Worry……. Be Happy

This post languished in my drafts folder for quite a while. Not sure why that has been the case, but it did. Nevertheless, we’re bringing it to the light of day.

Back in the late 1980s (1988 to be exact), a song that came out by Bobby McFerrin called, “Don’t Worry Be Happy.”

Unfortunately, many of us(if we were around at that time and are old enough) remember the tune to some extent and perhaps might even be able to hum the melody if forced to. Although, I can’t believe It even won a Grammy for “Song of the Year.”

Luckily we’re not heading off down the trail to dissect the lyrics and meaning of Mr. McFeerin’s tune.

An old, yet relevant cliche that gets resurrected every once in a while is, “Don’t major in the minor” or in other words stop paying far too much attention to small and insignificant details.

And doesn’t that in a nutshell sum up our life from time to time. It certainly does mine.

And I suspect, many of us do get mired in the slop and muck of “majoring in the minor” when it comes to issues; concerns, or problems that creep into our lives.

The question to ask is “Why do we worry?”

An easy question to ask, but a difficult and challenging one to answer.

And to be honest, I don’t have a great answer to that question.

For yours truly, part of the answer is fear of the unknown. We don’t know the answer to something, so we worry about what the void of the “unknown is.” For the vast majority of cases, my worry tends to focus on stuff that is in the end, exceedingly insignificant.

In addition, I’m also the leader of the band when it comes to overthinking just about anything. In my case, overthinking leads to creating thoughts or images regarding something, that hold no spot in the reality of the particular situation at all.

Thus, I became “a master” in creating worry when there was no need for worry in the first place.

The graphic in many respects is pretty basic and likely a bit simplified. However, on the other hand, it may very well be the truest bit of artistic endeavour we’ll come across.

Will we continue to worry?

I suspect so…perhaps it’s all simply part of our DNA; of who we are as a people. Funny, if we can’t change the whole “worrying deal”, then why worry about it.

–as always with love–

— get outdoors; find inspiration; discover yourself —

Yellow Door Art – Five Reasons Why Creativity Is Important

Every so often I’ll be talking with someone who says, “Gee, I don’t have a creative bone in my body.” My usual standard response is “Creativity shows up in many forms and all of us, that’s right all of us are creative in one form or another.” True, you may not have much painting or drawing ability(at this point), but when it comes to wood carving or making things from wood, you’re a master at that – you’re very creative.

Creativity is also an important skill needed in all facets of daily life. Whether a parent, in business for yourself or as an artist, creativity allows us to tackle issues and challenges with a new and fresher perspective. It helps us to see the problem(s) from another viewpoint; to communicate better; to get a better handle on change(and who likes change?).

Research has shown that creativity leads to improved physical and mental wellness and just being plain happier. So, if we’re striving to lead a full and productive life; living life to the fullest extent possible, cultivating our creative side is an important part to have in our daily routine.

Here are five reasons why creativity is important and something to think about more carefully.

Solve Problems More Effectively

There’s an old saying along the lines, “You keep doing the same thing over and over, but expect a different result.” The saying goes on to suggest that this is the definition of insanity. However, when dealing with a particular problem it is easy to get stuck in the same pattern of thinking which usually results with the same types of solutions. Which may only be a “solution by definition”. On the other hand, being creative or thinking creatively can facilitate a break out from those older thought patterns to come up with newer and original ideas, and hence perhaps a better solution.

Thinking Outside The Box

Today’s world tends to be pretty fast-paced, all with changes that can occur instantaneously it seems. Creativity and being creative gives us the ability to view problems and challenges from a wide variety of perspectives and with any amount of luck get to solutions that might not be readily obvious.

Be A Better Communicator

Being creative and coming up with new ideas is one thing, being able to communicate those ideas well is something entirely different. Often new ideas require a creative, innovative, engaging and fresh approach to get them across(communicate them) to others effectively.

Reduce Stress

Our lives and be a rapid-fire daily existence of work, family, and everything else we do to get through the day and week.

Easy to get overwhelmed and stressed, just thinking about it, let alone dealing with it. But, how many of us engage in some creative activity to relax and de-stress. Lots of us do.

The simple act of creating something(drawing, painting, sculpting or whatever) is a great way to help clear your mind, express emotions and deal with difficult feelings. Jumping into something creative is a wonderful tool to escape and find a sense of calm in a crazy world.

Dealing With Change

If there is one thing in life that can be taken as a certainty, it is there will be change. The ability to come up with creative ideas to deal with and adapt to these inevitable changes provides a solid trail to move forward on.

Five reasons why creativity is important. It’s an important aspect of art and an important aspect of our lives as well. Food for thought.

–as always with love–

— get outdoors; find inspiration; discover yourself —

Victoria By The Sea Fishing Shed – Acrylic Painting

Way back in 2017, Lynn and I took a vacation to Prince Edward Island. One of the numerous towns and villages we stopped at was “Victoria By The Sea” located on the shores of the Northumberland Strait, not overly far from the Confederation Bridge.

Although the village has undergone an extensive renaissance over time to currently encompass, several quaint restaurants, art galleries, a summer theatre, plus pottery and other craft shops, it nevertheless maintians a small but flourishing fishing industry.

Located along the wharf area(much like you might find at any wharf) there are several well-used fishing sheds. Given that the village has become a well-visited tourist entity, these particular sheds appear to be slightly better taken care of than one might find in a more remote or under-visited locale.

The painting is based on a picture that Lynn captured the day we explored. My goal was to present more of a sense of the location, as compared to a detailed undertaking. For the most part, I think the painting achieves that, other than the feeble attempt at depicting lobster or crab traps in the bottom right of the scene.

Loose painting at least in my estimation doesn’t lend itself well to incorporating detail. In hindsight, it would have been better to eliminate the baskets altogether.

There is always next time. A learning process as we progress along this journey.

–as always with love–

— get outdoors; find inspiration; discover yourself —

Intuitive Painting

As I head further along this artistic journey of applying a loose and abstract approach to painting, the concept of intuitiveness and intuition falls into the discussion of how these two terms play into the mix.

Let’s find out then.

Painting is one of a variety of art forms that literally anyone can enjoy. From the person viewing the art to the artist creating the painting and to everyone in between. Creating and viewing art becomes a simple way to express emotions, and as well even provides many therapeutic benefits.

Now, if you’re on the beginner(painter) side of the coin, intuitive painting is fun but it can be a hard place to jump off from. Why? Essentially the rules are tossed out the window and we’re painting based on our feelings and emotions. Easy to say, but often not so easy to do.

Alrighty then. Perhaps we should start figuring out what the fu@k is “intuitive painting” and what are some of the benefits of cranking some out.

Intuitive Painting – Tell Me More

The term “intuitive painting” is a newer expression(from what I understand) for art that utilizes both intuition and the subconscious mind to “give birth” to a painting.

Wow, that seems a bit fuzzy – let’s make it fuzzier.

It’s the idea that the emotions we feel when painting end up being reflected in the painting itself. To make things even muddier, intuitive painting is somewhat like “abstract expressionism” which is the use of “abstraction as a means to express and/or elicit emotion through artistic works(that’s what they or someone said).” The difference is intuitive art doesn’t need to be abstract, although it often is.

Intuitive painting uses both your intuition and imagination to get ideas, emotions or concepts on the canvas, without using the old “tried and true” techniques like planning the work process out or preliminary sketches. Intuitive painting is impromptu and impulsive(spur of the moment), with no idea where you’ll end up when you’re done. Perfect.

In intuitive painting, artists will often employ bold brushstrokes, lots of vibrant colours, and crazy abstract forms to convey their inner thoughts and “hidden experiences.” The result is often deep personal and unique artworks. That’s what we want.

Why is all of this important?

Intuition can be more “feeling” as opposed to a thought that is produced by well ………simply thinking and reasoning about it. As such, intuition in art is important because it allows us to circle around our rational minds to get a better grasp on our artistic side. It allows us to see things in new ways and to explore new ideas. When we can create art intuitively, we’ll find it moves us along to produce really unique and original pieces of art.

What are some benefits of this intuitive approach:

Stress Reduction

We all know(or should know) that art(in this case) painting can be a wonderful activity that helps to relieve stress and improve our mood. If the principles of intuitive painting are true, then we are providing an environment(a safe one) to release pent-up emotions without any fear of being judged. Whether the judgement is by us or someone else. Emotions released – less stress and more peace of mind. This is good.

Creativity Expands

Generally, if we allow ourselves to be open to experimenting with new ideas, we can tap into a deeper pool of creative wealth. It was there all the time, but we didn’t just realize it. This becomes are more natural approach than let’s say traditional methods as it focuses on finding inspiration from within rather than looking externally for direction.

Open To Anyone

If the idea of a more or less “no rules” approach to painting, then intuitive painting could be the thing for you. The more you try, the better you’ll get at it. So……. you don’t really need any previous art experience to get this thing rolling along. If you have a tiny bit of creativity hiding in the “sock drawer” and somewhat of an understanding of how colour works – then you’ll be off to crack out paintings that reflect who you are as a person.

It’s Fun

This approach to painting and art, it will be continuously exciting and there will always be something new popping out onto the canvas. There will be moments when the emotions may be more negative(hopefully not) and there will be moments(hopefully lots of them) where emotions will take you to a very positive and let’s say bright painting as a result. Regardless, it will be different every time you get started and it can be a secure and fun trip.

Intuitive painting. Not necessarily for everyone, but an interesting approach to have a look at.

–as always with love–

— get outdoors; find inspiration; discover yourself —

Five More Reasons Why Visiting An Art Gallery Is Better For You Than Fiber In Your Diet

Just shy of a week ago, I posted “Five Reasons Why Visiting An Art Gallery Is Better For You Than Fiber In Your Diet.” As I did a week ago, let me iterate, having the proper amount of fibre in your diet is likely a good thing. Unless your Doctor says, fibre in your diet is bad for you.

Here are five more wonderful reasons to head off to an art gallery near you. Maybe even this weekend. Take your spouse with you.

It Can Be Relaxing

Even if you are a seasoned visitor or a first-time attendee, going to an art gallery can be a relaxing experience. Even if you have never been to a gallery, chances are you will have an enjoyable time. Looking at art can help to clear your mind from many of the worries of life. You get the opportunity to walk around at your own pace, relax and forget about everything, including what to have for dinner. We all need that.

Turn Your Screen Off

Why do I need to fight traffic, find a parking space and spend all this money to visit an art gallery? Can’t I just look at the same pieces on my phone or the screen of my MacBook?

That’s your response?

Nothing beats or surpasses the experience of physically visiting the gallery and viewing the actual painting or sculpture. Seeing a painting that is 15 feet by 30 feet in size in a gallery is WAY different than peeking a fast look at your 14-inch MacBook screen. Looking at a piece at the gallery, you’ll be able to see the artist’s brushstrokes; how vivid the colours are; different patterns in the painting; plus a host of other subtle items you would never observe on your phone.

So turn your screen off. It’s better for you all around anyway.

Bound To Find Something To Chat About

You and your better half just left the gallery and are heading out for a bite at a downtown patio. There is more than a better chance, that you two can find something to talk about what you looked at for the past hour and a half.

What intrigued you; what was your favourite painting or sculpture? What was the best or the least exciting part? Maybe there was a style or technique you had never seen before, so now it makes for a great conversation over a pint of ale or two. Perhaps learning about the backstory of a famous piece of art or the artist is worthy of a chat.

Perhaps even after having your “questionable brother-in-law” over for a BBQ and talking about your gallery experience, he’ll take your sister to the gallery next week. If nothing else, so he is not upstaged by you.

Hey, whatever works.

Spawn New Ideas

Visiting art galleries may inspire or give you new ideas on how to approach your own artwork. It can fire up your artist’s creativity and provide you with new concepts and ideas like, using colourful splashes of paint; utilizing or incorporating a looser approach or maybe even painting rocks and clay pots in your garden to add some colour outside.

Hell, the list of ideas that you may get to add to your own work is endless. This is one of the best benefits of art galleries. You best plan a trip today or tomorrow. Okay, this weekend.

Old And New Artists

We all have our favourite artists and their works we love to look at. For many(especially in Canada), it never gets old looking at the art of “Tom Thomson.” In fact, there is literally a whole industry built on his art, but more so focussed on his questionable death. However, what if you discover new artists as their creations are on full display too? Someone and something that deeply resonates within your heart and soul. What about that? Now there’s a potential bonus of heading to the gallery. Perhaps that spurs you to learn more about their styles and mediums. Who they are as an artist; what’s their story or history?

Five more reasons to check out an art gallery in your area. All for the good for your health.

–as always with love–

—get outdoors; find inspiration; discover yourself —

Fox Point Beach Hike

Yesterday afternoon, Lynn and I hooked up with a local hiking leader who organizes weekly Wednesday afternoon hikes along the Fundy Shore area.

Located about 15 to 20 minutes downshore, Fox Point Beach was the choice of the hike location yesterday.

There is an old saying in the Maritimes that goes something like this, “If you see a road that appears to head to the coast, take it.” And yes, most will get you to the ocean or pretty darn close to it.

The issue can be these roads are more often than dirt. Actually a red clay-type dirt, that turns into mud and slick mud when it rains. In addition, during the late winter and springtime, they can be full of potholes, water, and yes – mud. Yesterday, Fox Point Road was no exception.

However, after getting to a small parking area and a short hike through the woods, we made it down onto the beach and ocean.

It has been a while since Lynn and I have been ocean beach adventuring, was yesterday was a very welcome outing indeed. It was very foggy and misty, which made for a moody environment.

A few pictures from the afternoon

This area of the province isn’t well known for collecting “sea glass.” Nevertheless, every so often, when we’re out in this area we’ll find a few pieces to add to our collection. Yesterday it turned out quite well. Not many pieces, but real decent bits that have been weathered quite well. Including a blue piece of sea glass, which isn’t found very often. We’ve only found two small blue sea glass bits in the past 12 months. We also found a well-worn and ocean-tossed piece of pottery or china.

It was a good afternoon out with some interesting folks. Next week, the leader has a hike planned to the east of us at a location known as “Thomas Cove Coastal Reserve.”

–as always with love–

— get outdoors; find inspiration; discover yourself —

Washing Drying In The Breeze – Acrylic Painting

Okay, so it isn’t exactly this week’s wash load drying in the breeze quite yet, but we’re on the way to getting the towels and shirts dry.

Often, when driving along the coastline of Nova Scotia and particularly the Atlantic coast(although it could be anyplace), you still find washing hanging by the most “well-used clothesline rig setups” one might see.

More likely than not, it will be some variation of a pully system usually anchored to the back of the house with the line strung out to some grayed-out old pole stuck out in the backyard, ready to topple over at a moment’s notice.

Then again, it might be as straightforward as a single clothesline attached to the back porch and going out some distance with a couple of sticks/poles to prop up the line when it is weighted down with wet sheets and towels, or grandpa’s underwear(we hope not).

Or it most likely ends up being some sort of variation of all the possible clothesline rigging one could imagine.

Nevertheless, clothes drying in the ocean breeze remains a familiar maritime sight, whether it be in real life or depicted in a painting or photograph.

However, we’re not there yet. This is just the start of what I hope to be a loose abstract of wash drying in the ocean breeze.

The canvas was initially going to be a wild, loose, and very abstract flower(s). Hence the very pinkish background. But, somewhere between finishing that pink background wash and the next day, I shifted things up and decided to go with the maritime wash drying in the wind.

So, we’re at Part 1 – the start.

I’ll hopefully be able to post the finished product within the next day or two.

–as always with love–

— get outdoors; find inspiration; discover yourself —

Visual Language – Loose And Abstract Painting

Moving through or along the well-worn pathway of artistic creativity, one thing I’m striving to work further on is a deeper understanding of concepts with painting that will take me further along that “well-worn path.”

The latest area I’ve been taking a dive into is “Visual Language” especially as it relates to the loose and somewhat abstract format I’ve been pursuing.

First of all “loose or looseness” of a painting is more of an artist’s or in this case my choice rather than a distinct and specific style. It’s essentially a rendering of an artist’s understanding of the form(the scene) rather than a skill.

As such, a “loose painting” is trying to communicate visually with suggestions rather than trying to describe everything in precise detail. Giving just enough detail and form for the viewer to figure out and fill in the rest. Another way to think of it is do you need a lot of detail or just enough to get the point across. Look at this example:

“Today is March 5th and the temperature will be around 8 degrees C with rain, so it will be a rainy spring day.”

OR

“Today will be a mild, wet spring day.”

The second sentence is short, clear, and gets right to the point. The same thing applies to the painting loosely. If you can paint things with a minimum amount of brush strokes and information, you end up with a loose but believable painting.

So visual language is to communicate with the viewer through what you show them – the painting. Visual – what you see; language – the form to communicate.

When painting, one thing have unearthed is that there is a very distinct point in the entire painting process and creation, where adding just one more detail; another brushstroke actually takes away from what you’re trying to depict. The key is knowing when you’re at that point. It can be a difficult and challenging lesson to learn.

The more you try to say in a painting(adding that one additional detail); the more complicated the painting looks; which often results in the painting becoming less interesting and fresh.

“Less is more” can often be the best rule to follow.

Here are a few rules that I’ve come across that might help:

What am I trying to communicate?
Think of a main message. A vase with flowers?; a crowded street?; a quiet morning in the field?; maybe a busy cafe? Whatever it is, stick with the message throughout the painting.

What makes a _____(tree, house, person, dog..etc)? What shape does it have?
You don’t need detail. What is the shape of trees for example? Realistically they come in many shapes and sizes. Figure out one shape that suggests “tree” and stick with it.

Is this enough for what I’m trying to communicate? Or am I doing too much?
Did you paint enough things to convey your message? or are you overworking it? A good place to stop is when you lean or step back and say, “Looks good.” Which is just before “Looks good – I think I’ll add more.” Do not go to the “add more” part. Remember “less is more.”

Does this help to clarify the message or will this confuse the viewer?
Don’t focus on or add the things that are not that important. If your loose painting is of a busy street, you don’t need every traffic sign and 68 vehicles to suggest it’s a “busy street.” Simply a couple of cars and a few folks will work.

Anyhow, a short lesson on visual language and how it all fits together with loose and abstract painting.

Remember, “less is more!”

–as always with love–

— get outdoors; find inspiration; discover yourself —