Living in a Painting

Living in a Painting

I’m attracted to any art that is of beautiful settings and scenes that make me feel like I want to be there.

This happened just the other day. I looked up and had the feeling that I was living in a painting! I was surrounded by beauty and peace and knew I was exactly where I had imagined myself to be.

I realized we don’t often stand back and appreciate what we see and what we have. And when we do observe our surroundings, are we happy with what’s in front of us? Or are we only looking for the flaws and what we don’t like?

The first time I felt like I was in a painting, was when I was in Aspen, Colorado, in the fall. I was looking at the changing colors of the leaves. The aspens were a vibrant gold color, and the sun was illuminating them. I was standing in the middle of immense trees and felt like I literally was a part of them.

Sitting outside, doing my work, with my dog by my side, was a moment being immersed in the perfection of reality. I challenged myself then to capture several moments, every day, when I am amazed with the present and how I am surrounded by perfection. And I understand that I have the paint brush in MY hand, no one else is creating what I see and feel at a specific moment. No matter if it’s a time at work, with family, or alone in the car, it is a time we have created with intention.

It all comes down to attitude. Attitude is vital to the actions we take and how we respond to our day. When we are unhappy with the present, we tend to stay stuck ruminating on our lack. That is the opportunity to embrace with gratitude, all that we have and the beauty of it.

I hope that you see the beauty in your artwork, the moments you are creating. Stand back, look with admiration, and feel inspiration and contentment at the paintings in which you find yourself.