Thursday, March 3, 2016

A Moment's Peace - Show Tip #14

A Moment's Peace, 24 x 36, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2016
Sold in Solo Show, "Chasing Color, Finding Light", Davis Gallery

If you have been following my blog for awhile, you know I love the beach. We spend a lot of time on St. Simons Island, where daily walks at the seaside are just part of the plan. It's peaceful and the best way to start any morning. 

Show Tip #14 - Balance Effort and Ease
"Be in a position of energetic rest", said my pilates instructor one morning. "Energetic Rest," I repeated, "isn't that a bit of an oxymoron?" She went on to explain that for this exercise (and actually for all exercises), I needed to balance effort and ease; to be engaged but not straining. Now isn't that a great image for painting, and for just about everything we do? Too much effort (straining) has obvious harmful outcomes like tightness, fear, and overall negative energy. Too much ease (not being engaged) results in poor discipline, low yield, and lack of passion. It's up to each of us to find that balance in our own daily routines, and probably a lifelong task.

Here are links to other Show Tips:
Tip #4 - Work in Series
Tip #6 - Be Kind to YOU
Tip #8 - Stay Flexible
Tip #11 - Take Notes
Tip #12 - Know when to Quit
Tip #13 - Stay Updated

Painters - join me at this Plein Air Workshop:
April 28-30, Anderson Fine Art Gallery, St. Simons Island, GA
Contact Info: Mary Anderson, 912-634-8414

3 comments:

Sharon L. Graves said...

I must remember energetic rest and your explanation of it. I am trying to put balance into my life by making some lifestyle changes. Thank you. OMG, I love the sand and the clouds on this painting. Beautiful.

Barbara Muir said...

I love the painting, and your wonderful tips. So I will buy the wine tomorrow (one day ahead of the show). I do make lists, and I will tell the curator what I've done.

Beautiful work.

XOXOXOXOXO Barbara

Unknown said...

I had to comment again: Sand dunes and sky! Spectacular. Absolutely wonderful. I've got to try it.