I'm back!

Sanctuary

 

Where have I been? Well the short story is, during the Winter I felt the need to hibernate, unplug, disconnect, simplify and reevaluate things. I meant to take just a short break. There were several reasons why I was away so long but let me simply say, Winter turned into Spring and then Spring turned into Summer! Here it is almost August and I've been away for months. So what did I learn in the time away? I learned that I really dislike clutter, if there is clutter in my life and in my house I can't create. And even though my house didn't look cluttered at all it felt that way. So I got rid of old paperwork and donated clothes that I was never going to wear again. I also got rid of any and all self help books! The one thing that all those books taught me was, no one knows me better than I do and I have the answers within me. Happiness isn't complicated, sometimes all it takes is a pot of early morning tea, a pen and a journal, from there so much can flow. I also learned that art is important. And I have been creating lots of it these past few months. There have been times that I convinced myself that art isn't important. I told myself my art isn't important. But I think I did that because if I told myself it was important than I would cling to it, become constricted and be afraid to show it and share it and I didn't want that to happen. I realized that art really is important. For example when I look at another artist's paintings of birds, flowers, trees, or houses I am reminded how much I love those things. When I see a gorgeous photo of the ocean, I am transported. When I look at an abstract I am reminded of the mystery in life. And it goes on and on, what would life be without beauty and charm? When I'm finished creating a piece of art it re-awakens the enchantment in me, it is a bridge to another time when I was deeply connected to the magic of life. And I hope it does the same for others. I am often asked what my favorite painting of mine is, and I always say it's the one that I am working on at the time. And the reason is, I love the process and I love being surprised. I never know how it is going to turn out or who or what is going to show up. So although I don't have a favorite, I really like this one because I love the mystical creature that showed up on the canvas, I don't know what he is or where he came from but he is peacefully sleeping in his sanctuary gently being watched over by a very wise owl.

:)

Love and Magic,

Julie

 

 

Comments

[Donna]

Love your thoughts on art and your beautiful dreamy work! I am so drawn to these colors.

[Valerie-Jael]

Great post! Valerie

[Faye]

Julie, so good to see you back and displaying this beautiful blue and green scene.

[Deepa Gopal Sunil]

This is wonderful!Love all the hues n shades :)
Deepa
http://deepazworld.blogspot.in

[Beth]

To create art is like the need to breathe. There was a time I couldn't draw--I thought I would go out of my mind. I nearly did. (grin) Your artwork is so lovely--I hope you continue on submitting each week. You are a wonderful artist.

[Gina Sismilich]

What a wonderful post - I agree with so much you said and I know that clutter (and I have way too much of it) hinders my creativity and just my comfort level. Your painting is beautiful because it just grew from your hands, your brushes (and other tools) and the paint. I love the color and magical feeling there. The painting feels so loose and there is no pressure in the world you have created. Glad you are back to share with us.

[gloria]

I enjoyed your thoughts in this post. You seem to be on solid ground! Yay! I love Sanctuary, it's beautiful. It's like a hideaway, very nice color. :) Welcome back!

[Giggles]

Welcome back Julie...I love this magical piece of art and that absolutely adorable owl!! You are so right about everything you said...less really is more. As we mature we realize happiness is in the simple joys!

Hugs Giggles

[denthe]

you are so right about the importance of art and art-making. It seems like your break has given you some wonderful insights. Glad to see you're back, and with a beautiful painting too! Love the dreaminess (is that even a word?) and softness of it...

[Nicole/Beadwright]

It is good to take time off the re-locate ourselves. Nice to have you back and with this amazing piece of art.
Nicole/Beadwright

[Sue]

I am glad you are back, I have missed you!
Love your beautiful painting x
Sue

[Tracey Fletcher King]

I like hibernating during the winter as well... this is a lovely piece though so am happy you are back...xx

[Janice / Dancing with Sunflowers]

Welcome back, Julie - and with such gorgeous colours! I hope your time out has left you feeling revitalised. You've certainly done a lot of thinking and sorting things out in your mind.

Thank you for your comments on my blog. I'll reply properly by email. x

[Julie Engelhardt]

Thanks everyone!