Soul Exercises

The next few blog posts will be focused on my hour-long painting exercises. I am making the time to get up in the early morning, when my mind is like a sponge after sleep--fresh, unaffected, and raw--to do one-hour canvas-to-brush sessions. The reason I say exercise is because I think that sometimes the concept of "working" on a canvas can put too much pressure on the activity and block discoveries from taking place. The less precious the work is, the more experimentation that can take place. To achieve progress, one has to be unafraid of messing up; the more fragile and perfect the work seems, the less likely one is to take the necessary risks to change it. The exercises that I am participating in are meant to be freeing, awakening, and without pressure.

My intention is to paint for an hour (giving ample time not to rush to work), to sip espresso (and not to take it like a shot), to have a breakfast, to listen to music that fills my soul, and to repeat until my canvas is finished. What beauty, emotion, or pent-up energy will come out of my mind and body after sleep--after dreams? Who or what am I thinking of during those first twenty minutes? How do I express that?

I do not believe that creating art is a mystery. All that is necessary is a blank canvas or paper, some basic paint tubes, a brush, a jug of water, and the will to let go and make mistakes. You are an innately creative being. If you are thinking of painting, maybe approach it like a little bit of exercise for your mind, body, and soul. Don't worry too much about whether or not it feels comfortable. It takes time to get in shape. Pretty soon you will be flexing your muscles and adding on an extra mile.

Below is an image of my first hour-long exercise for this canvas. More to follow this week.