Coming Home to Paint

It has been too long since I last painted.  I created this watercolor over the span of just a couple evenings this week at the request of a dear friend who once asked me to draw her a pair of shoes.  While researching stock photos I came across these killer red shoes which appealed to me not only for their bright color and high polished reflections, but because I'd LOVE to own them!  While painting I noticed something - I was happy.  It's been far too long since I felt that particular brand of happiness. 

Separation, divorce, financial issues, a death in the family, the stresses of work and a second job, becoming a single parent, living on my own for the first time in my life, dating at my age.  The drama of everyday living.  It's been a tough year for my son and I, we've had a lot to deal with.  Life hasn't been easy.  But after I dug out my watercolors, dusted off my pallet, and finally made that first brush stroke I felt like I'd come home - at last.  I rediscovered a part of me that's been neglected of late.  I may draw during meetings on a pad of recycled paper with a mechanical pencil, but it just isn't the same.

Paint is a balm to my soul.  An expression of my heart.  A joy I'd forgotten.  I may never sell a single painting, but it isn't going to stop me from creating them.  I've learned my lesson - I don't just like to paint, I NEED to paint.  To be me.

I hope you like my newest work, a simple little painting for a sweet friend -

"Laura's Red Shoes"