Finding my Muse

I went back to bed for a little bit this morning, but after the cat jumped over my head a few more times I decided it was time to get up and truly start the day. Over breakfast I checked in on some of the blogs I've been reading lately. I was reminded while reading Lynne Anderson's blog that sometimes we need to take a break and step back in order to "find" our muse.

That was the all reminder that I needed. First of all, I realize that I've been putting a little too much pressure on myself "to be" creative. Part of that comes from the fact that I've been a little more focused on goals since we're facing the start of a new year. I have a lot I want to accomplish in 2009! Secondly, since I'm on a break from my 9-5 job I wanted to spend a lot of time at the studio and get some painting done. As each day has passed, I've felt the time slip away...and haven't really felt I've "accomplished" much.

So I headed to the studio with a different attitude today. I thought about where I find my inspiration, how I recharge as an artist. Just spending time at the studio is like a retreat for me. It is my sanctuary. Whether I complete a painting or some other work, I nurture my creative self every time I step into the studio. It is my time for me. I put on some music (central to the creative process) and set to work.

Today, with a little VanMorrison playing, I pulled out four small canvases (11x14, 8x10, 8x8, and 6x8) and started painting. Basically I just laid down a base color of paint for some future collage work. I'm not really sure yet what I'm going to do...I was feeling inspired by some vintage-styled paper. And that's all the inspiration I needed to get started.

I'm not worried about what the final product will look like. Just mixing paint and using the brush to cover the canvas with paint...well, that is bliss for me. I am a painter at heart.

I can't wait to get back to the studio tomorrow.