Not knowing is ok too

I am working through this painting right now. Not on, but through. I say that because I have been painting it for nearly a month and it has changed faces so many times, I can barely keep track.
At times I get so frustrated because I cannot see where this painting is going. Sometimes I am in the throws of unexpected bliss because an aspect of it is purely sublime. Then I change it, of course. I have no doubt that when this painting is complete, it will be amazing.  But the uncertainty along the way reminds me that in my own life, sometimes it is ok just not to know.

I am a very solution based thinker, an action oriented, deadline driven gal. And then life happens and reminds me that honestly I never really know how anything is going to turn out because there is something wonderful about elements of life coalescing in the seamless and perfect way that I could have never predicted. Life, like my paintings, is bigger than my ego mind, or my how to mind. Being lost in this painting is such a gift because I look at my table and I see I have everything I need to create this work of art. Perhaps a dollop of patience would be handy too.

Zone Songs Say So Much..

Today when painting I was transported to a time when I painted for eight hours a day. These days I paint for a significantly less time than that, but I can get into full swing a lot faster. It's not about how much time you have, but how fast it takes you to get into your zone. Zones are timeless places, anything and everything can happen when in the zone. And at times elusive, when tapped into they bring forth an infinite amount of colors and inspiration within this painter.  For me I use music as a conduit to getting there.  Most often Beethoven is the jet I need, but sometimes, like yesterday, I bounced around from song to song trying to get in. Started with Lakme, moved the XX, then Kings of Leon, finally settled with a Bon Iver station on Pandora and got into the zone with some very relaxing revery. What moves you into your place of timeless creation?

Liz

www.LizTuckwell.com
Info@liztuckwell.com

Want to learn to paint? Interested in Meditation? Check out create.liztuckwell.com and learn just how accessible it is.

What a fantastic evening!

Thank you to everyone who came and celebrated fine art, fine people, and fine performances during the Open Studio Event on Saturday.  I met so many wonderful new people, saw so many old friends and faces, it was such a warm and wonderful event.

For those of you who missed it, there will be plenty more - and you are always welcome to come by for a studio visit and see new work!

Above:
Dios in Slumber
11 x 14
Oil on Panel

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Best to you all!
Love,
Liz

www.liztuckwell.com

Me Time

I paint today and I almost want to bow down and cry and say behold! Every brushstroke; every color; the blending of the colors - it all mesmerizes me. I'm lead into this hypnotic trance simply painting and painting. At times I feel  the painting is painting itself through me. Outside the sun casts a glow over countless snow mountains and inside there is only the sound of Dead can Dance playing in the background and the hum of a radiator working overtime.  I have two hours (two hours!!) and I feel I can squeeze eternity into 120 minutes like a determined traveler packs a suitcase. Sheer will. These deeply rich hours become a holy space, a sacred space and a sanctuary of me time. (Yes!)

www.liztuckwell.com
info@liztuckwell.com

Studio Open House 15 February
4 - 7 pm
Noyes Cultural Arts Center

xo

Days 17- 30 Conversations with Spring

Do you remember this one...I revisited and re-worked Call of Spring until it was no longer a call it was a full conversation. I have to laugh.  This one I am still working on and feel it is one of the paintings I have really begun to develop a deep relationship with. Sometimes I go to the studio and paintings come flying out of me. Sometimes a painting takes weeks, months and even years for the story to be told. This one is still unfolding...Lucky Me.

Conversations with Spring
Liz Tuckwell
18 x 24
Oil

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Day 16 Within the Cave

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." Oliver Wendell Holmes Within the Cave Work on Paper Inquire for Purchase www.liztuckwell.com

Day 15 The Breakthrough

I titled this painting The Breakthrough. I see a figure bent over in deep contemplation. Around him, his world is burning; completely decimated. Everything he once knew is now gone. Yet, for the first time in a long time, if ever, he is finally at peace and completely content with himself. The only things that remain are memories, feelings and thoughts. All that is tangible is gone and nothing that truly remains can ever be destroyed. The peace that comes from this moment is the breakthrough.

The Breakthrough
 36 x 36

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