"Guard it with your life", he says

I knew it, but then again it kept eluding me. Why do we always make it harder than it needs to be, when in the learning phase? It took keen observation by Michael, a few hearty laughs to move me along.
A quick atmospheric thumbnail is a wonderful guide.
Thumbnails Tutorial

I do believe that it is important to understand the process of making art. Some think that all that is necessary is to find a good photo and copy it. That can be fun, and yet so much is lost in that process. Sure it can be a challenge, and yet it does not engage the spirit. What I have learned in the last 30 years of professionally making art, is that I need to use all of my senses. Well.... I am going to have to think how I use taste, but certainly most of my senses. I search for subjects that connect to my soul. I have found recently that I am deeply moved by this process. I hear the tools that I use make their own music on the canvas, or paper that I work with. My vision is sparked by capturing light and color, almost so clearly that it can be tasted. Ah... there it is. I am always amazed that the simple marks that I make can become pleasing to the eye, if I work hard enough.

Some people think this all comes naturally to a certain few. Somehow, "these" artists have a gift no one else has. This is so far from the truth. It is dedication, passion, and a tremendous amount of hard work. I can stand tirelessly at my easel all day if necessary, to see the results that I am trying to achieve. It isn't magic. We study, we sketch, we back away and observe. We wipe away, we begin fresh, we are driven. Our eyes drink in masters work, not just once, but daily if necessary to understand basic undeniable lessons.

For me, the gift is the passion that somehow I grasp, and I want to honor that gift by not hiding it away. I continue to pick up the tools and create.

I challenge you to find your passion.