Waves

Waves of doubt, insecurities, sadness, and fear are transformed, with the brush, by expressive painting into joy, acceptance, confidence and a willingness to venture into the unknown. The creative process can actually use these difficult emotions and burn them away like fuel. The paintbrush is a timeless tool that allows such a journey to unfold before ones eyes, making it a reality. Like waves on the ocean that rhythmically collide against a shore, the brush pushes at the canvas with all the colours of the emotional change and growth that begin the turning points that are necessary in our lives. May the finished painting be a reminder of what actually moves us and may our spirit be open to the possibilities that lie ahead. You'll never know unless you pick up your "brush"... whatever that may be. Jane

It's in the Start

Celebrate the start. The start of something is often the hardest. Taking on a new painting for example can be as challenging as initiating any practice in our lives. Easter reminds us that there is a new start to life and one that is built on forgiveness. Our efforts are not perfect; at first they are just little purposeful marks and clumpsy attempts that don't seem to be going anywhere. However, great masterpieces have been known to result from these trials. But even if unfinished, may we not miss the transformations that occur along the way. Therefore, let us not be afraid to start, to be good, to share, to love, and to believe that our efforts, even the smallest ones, are meaningful to the whole. May this Easter bring you abundant Joys...even at the start. Jane

Weeknesses

Lent is a time of revealing our weaknesses and realizing that because of Easter a resurrection from them can be expected. What does it mean that we are Easter People? For me it means Transformations by the power of the Holy Spirit. A continual renewal occurs within us as we are strengthened by Grace, regardless of our circumstances, because of what the Resurrected Lord pours out from Heaven. His death brought new life for us and conquered more than we know. Our "death" to relying on our own will allows us to be open to God's Gifts including acceptance of ourselves and Transformations that put in motion Spiritual and Temporal change. This painting called "In Motion" was accepted into the "Transitions" Show next month at the Federation of Canadian Artists. May it be a symbol for us to "Transition" towards what is Good. Jane

To Your Room

Clearing the mind for creativity is important while in the "inner room" of our hearts. "Shutting the door" there allows us to remain in it for the necessary time. If we leave behind our closed thoughts, negative ones and troubles we are opening the window for the spirit to move within. In Matthew 6 Jesus tells us ..." go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." If painting becomes a prayer may you also do it in secret, unaware of what your right hand is doing and being rewarded for your openness to the gift. Whether we create within a group, outside or in our studio may it be in the room of our hearts where God dwells. Perhaps we need to invite him into that intimate space. Blessings to you during Lent. Jane

Show Opening for POP

The Passionate Outdoor Painters (POP) is a group of artist friends that I encouraged to be part of a show of paintings done on location. Our first show opened this month at Place Des Arts in Coquitlam with a record number of people attending. The show is a collaboration of our best work and favourite spots; some of which are familiar. We all participated in hanging the display and used our varied talents to make it come together. If you haven't had a chance to see the show we hope you may come out before it closes Feb. 23, 2013. We are (as pictured L-R): Sahar McCullough, Randy Green, Sue Cowan, Jane Appleby, Sally Turton and Alison White. The smiles on our faces represent what friendships can accomplish: more than an art show, or the art itself, but increased appreciation for each other and our gifts. Jane

Let it Snow

When it snows all becomes white, as if made new like a primed canvas awaiting the first brush stroke. Our hearts too are like this awaiting what God will draw on them as we renew ourselves in His Will. This may be unknown and mysterious or feel like being on top of the world in His Grace. Yet it is peaceful, beautiful and joyful when we trust in the gifts He will give us. To me the snow is a reminder of Peace on Earth that continues to come down, day in and day out, and like on the top of a mountain in winter: always there. Merry Christmas to all! Jane