Paintings, Butterflies and Life.

So where have I been ... well that is an a loaded question because the answer far surpasses the attention of most blog readers! 

Life suddenly got busy, and rather then sit back and watch I took the wave and have been riding it ever since. 

Here is a brief summary:

• Interpreting career has been very full, challenging and rewarding
• Finished one art e-course and then started taking another
• Finished my 3rd commission and have 4 and 5 lined up already
• Celebrated Hubbies 40th birthday with a big bash
• Will be celebrating our 8th wedding anniversary on Tuesday

I always feel so honored and blessed when I am asked to paint something for someone, but those requests aren't void of trials and tribulations.

Its one thing to paint from your soul, its another to paint from your brain. I feel less of the "joy" when painting a commission as I become so engulfed in the process. Suddenly "perfection" takes center stage and I am merely a lost shadow. 

I lose site of the goal. When I am approached it is because MY style has captured the eye of another; remembering that, I finally let go of form and embrace what I know and love. I grow and become whole again. 

Just when the Caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly. 

I am not a lover of symmetry, so butterfly wings were hard to achieve at first. This is actually the 4th butterfly and to arrive at this,  I had to consult a repeating dream I had been having. 

I had dreamed  that I was in an art class and rather then focus on balance the teacher wanted symmetry. I felt stuck and would get yelled at for not following the rules. No matter how nice my painting looked it was never good enough. In my dream I teach myself to become ambidextrous and draw each outline of my paintings with two hands so each half would be the mirror of the other. 

In reality, I am right-handed. My left hand has very little responsibility and lacks confidence. 

Feeling desperate I grab two pieces of white pastel and in one fluid motion my two hands work as one. In seconds I had the shape I was after and that was all it took! Who knew such a feat was possible?

I love wrapping the images around the sides of my canvases.

I am anxious to try this technique again in future paintings to see how it works for my faces!

Since the painting has been completed I have had NUMEROUS encounters

with butterflies, to the point of freaky.

I have had them land on the windshield while in the car at a stop light.

Nearly ran over them while they lie on the road in front of 

my drive way.

The most freakish was when I was walking along a wall of windows

down a hall way at a building I was working. 

The butterfly in a lovely outdoor atrium was following me the whole walk

down and just as I was about to turn the corner

the butterfly repeatedly flew into the glass making an audible noise!

I was so surprised that I stopped and walked toward the window

at which time the butterfly relaxed and landed on the window sill.

I was stunned and took two pictures. One was a shot of a calm creature

the second was a much more curious creature as it tilted its body upward to look

right at me!  Some day I may share those:)

At the same time the painted butterfly was taking transformation I had started to hang out with a new friend ... kinda weird. The butterfly has many symbolic meanings, but "soul" is one that comes to mind. I feel like I have known this person (newer friend) for a long time and that is rather cool ... We both just "get it",  everyone should have a friend like that. :)

I hope all of you wonderful readers are doing well, leave a message and say HI :)