As a photographer, I’d often heard this quote by Henri Cartier-Bresson…Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst. When I look back at my images over the past seven years, I couldn’t agree more with his statement. I probably took ten thousand, if not more, in my first three years of photographing. Every once in a while I’ll go looking for an image and find myself thinking…”omg…that’s horrible! It has no composition, it’s not in focus!” and so on and so forth. But, it’s also very fulfilling to see my improvement over the years. I’m sure I’ll have some of the same thoughts several years from now as I glance over images from 2016! It’s all part of the process, right? And then recently I read that for painting – it’s your first 100 paintings. What immediately came to mind? OMG…that’s a lot of paint!
So here we go!
Before I left Arizona to return to New York, the three white canvases started their new beginnings with the oversight of Georgia O’Keeffe. <smile> Having experienced several breathtaking sunsets in Arizona during the week, I was inspired by the sky’s evening color palette for my first canvas on the far left (above) and as shown below.
The second canvas was just to experiment with a number of items that I’d collected in my backyard to use as natural paint brushes. I’d always wanted to try various plant materials just to play and see what worked and what didn’t.
Several items didn’t work at all. A couple were ok, but didn’t work well enough to use again. A couple items were really pretty cool. When I return to the desert this winter I’ll try more natural items as it was a very fun process to work through.
The third canvas on the far right was just to use up leftover paint instead of throwing it away. It’ll have a totally different color palette, but as I move along with this process you’ll see that the first couple of layers will have little to do with the overall finished pieces. So they all have experienced their new beginnings!
In my readings and studies of “intuitive” painting (more on that in a future post) I came across this beautiful poem by John O’donohue that speaks so perfectly to this transition into a new beginning. Perhaps it’ll have meaning for you as well.
A Blessing for a New Beginning
In out of the way places of the heart
Where your thoughts never think to wander
This beginning has been quietly forming
Waiting until you were ready to emerge.
For a long time it has watched your desire
Feeling the emptiness grow inside you
Noticing how you willed yourself on
Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.
It watched you play with the seduction of safety
And the grey promises that sameness whispered
Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent
Wondered would you always live like this.
Then the delight, when your courage kindled,
And out you stepped onto new ground,
Your eyes young again with energy and dream
A path of plenitude opening before you.
Though your destination is not clear
You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is one with your life’s desire.
Awaken your spirit to adventure
Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk
Soon you will be home in a new rhythm
For your soul senses the world that awaits you.
~~~
WOW!! Painting number one captured me from the get go… only because it really looks like an AZ sunset to me right now…And, not having any artistic abilities myself… I tend to gravitate to what I can relate too right away which is why, as you well know, I sometimes have trouble appreciating abstract art… That said, I can see how number two and three have many wonderful possibilities as you continue to explore, and apply your artistic eye to them. So proud of you for continuing to explore, and apply your artistic talents into many different areas of art… Love you MORE! XoXo
Well first let me say…yes, you do have artistic talents! Think decor…think seasonal touches…and think…most of all your cooking!!! That all takes talent and creativity! So there! Thanks my dear…so much. I know you’re not crazy about abstracts, but I know you’ll continue to humor me on this path, ha ha! So appreciate you so much! xoxoxo
P.S. Love, Love, LOVE the poem. It reminded me so much of YOU… Thanks for sharing!
I totally fell for that poem…thank you! More!
There you go! A very wonderful start and I love that you have Georgia close by. And a great big thanks for sharing this poem, it heart smacked me full force just now and I know I will want to read it over & over, I’ll be printing this out and keeping these words close.
Enjoy your new beginnings & classes & travels …xo
Oh Susan…this poem heart smacked me too! It’ll be one that I go to often as well. Thank you so much for coming along for the ride! xoxo
I’m not sure I agree with the first 10,000 or the first 100 when it comes to YOU, Robin. I think you have always been outside the box, even while growing in your process. The poem is exquisite and is one I suppose most of us can relate to. I LOVE this new beginning for you and totally know it is one for which we all will sing our praises. Hallelujah.
Oh…always a cheerleader! THANK YOU!!!
It seems to me that this process is the goal as much as, if not more than, the paintings and the photographs. I think those are for us, which in turn help with our own process of creative expression. You inspire me.
So agree Ruth…it is so much about the process! I’m doing all of this for my own satisfaction and my own growth – so exactly – way way more important than the end result! Thank you for bringing that out here in the conversation! And YOU inspire ME! Thank you!!
I meant also to say that my brother Bennett, avid photographer of film (he passed away before digital) used to say that one in every thousand photographs is “good.” When I remember that, I realize that my standard just isn’t all that high. 🙂 But also, think of all the film!
I always enjoy when you share Bennett’s photography on Facebook…and I totally agree with what he used to say. And yes, think of all the film, ha! We are so fortunate today for digital in our “beginner” years!
First of all I want to say how lovely and appropriate your crescent moon image is for a post about new beginnings, the softness and tenderness captured is perfect for venturing into the unknown, so calm and kind… I had not read the poem on writing the first sentence! This is really coincidentally beautiful and timely, thank you for sharing this, as tomorrow I will be taking my own risk and am sat on the fence shaking just now!
The canvases are poised ready for layering, exploring and bringing forth from within whatever is your delight, happy days…x
That evening with the crescent moon was one for the memory books…a sky that would just make one sit and stare and try to imagine how something so beautiful could be created. How fortunate we are to experience these amazing wonders! I’m happy the poem came at a good time for you…and I hope by now you’re basking in the choice that you’ve made! Thanks so much Susan!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE ❤️❤️️❤️️ Today’s word!
Gorgeous sunsets and inspiration for your 3 pieces.
Absolutely love the colors and textures. The first one is my favorite too, as I love the colors of the sunset you were inspired by and the whole painting.
Love that you think outside the box and look at the possibilities of nature as tools to use as an adjunct to your painting. The photo of natures tools are art all in itself.
Yes, one of the many great things I have enjoyed is seeing you evolve, as I always say. But you are more critical of your creativity than your audience.
The poem is so you.
You are just a joy and bring so much to the world. Especially my little life!
XOXO
Well speaking of bringing joy and so much to the world…YOU! Always sharing your love…thank you so much. I so appreciate you! xoxo
You must be a natural then – I have never seen a photo of yours which was not wonderful …sometimes it is just sheer luck and light, focus everything comes together in harmony and voila : Your perfect picture!
I like the second painting – an enchanting lightness of colours.
The poem? I will hang it up over my desk! Describes everything which I encounter at the moment. So many changes, so many new beginnings.
Well trust me…there are thousands that you haven’t seen, ha ha! My first few years I think I shot anything and everything that moved and didn’t move! But through the years as photography passion has grown, my process has become more selective…more intentional. That’s what I love about riding this wave…seeing the change. So happy that the poem resonated with you too. Thank you always!!
O wow! What an inspiration you are! Yes following along in anticipation…..
Thank you so much Catherine! As you know…I’m eager to follow your new path as well!
Oh gosh I love your process.
And the colors of your life.
Georgia did well with you;)
Thanks for sharing your journey, Robin,
Jennifer
Thanks so much Jennifer!
Love the poem, and love, love, love your paintings! So cool!