Spontaneous by Nature
Blue grungy acrylic abstract on canvas
12×12 inches

Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them – that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.

Lao Tzu

I’m really digging the macro shots of my paintings lately. Making these close up shots was something I used to do years ago, then fell off for a long while. Not going to lie, these photos create sooo much more work for me in Photoshop, and how much time I spend in PS used to really annoy me. It far outweighs the amount of time I paint. 

I used to think that I was wasting so much time when I could have been painting instead. I looked at painting as being the most important part of the job. I no longer have that same view.

I’ve come to accept that Photoshop is a HUGELY important part of my job as an artist (I couldn’t sell online if I didn’t use PS), and now, whenever I’m working on photos (which is every workday) I go into a meditative state of mind. I focus on my breathing, relax, and chill out. Sometimes I watch a Ram Dass or Eckhart Tolle video on my other computer screen as I’m working.

I don’t keep track of how long it takes me anymore, even though I know it takes far longer now. I used to edit only 3 photos for each painting, and I’m editing up to 12 these days. It’s funny how the work seems effortless now that I’m not impatient and annoyed with the process. I’m getting a lot more accomplished in each sitting, too. Life is sooo much easier when you go with the flow. 

“I’m water. I flow.” Funny line from Connor in an episode of Concession that made me burst out laughing. 

There are more images of this painting here. 

What I’m watching: Finished Little Fires Everywhere last night. Wow! What a dramatic ending, eh? 

I’m going to finish up a couple loose ends before I start season 2 of Dead to Me on Netflix. If it’s as good as season 1, this one won’t take me long. I’ll binge the whole season in one or two sittings.