Screengrab, 24" x 28", Egg Tempra, oil and ground glass on board
Nothing Fails. Never a failure always a lesson. These quotes essentially saying the same thing come up in my head often when I paint… and well, a lot of the time! The first is a song by Madonna. The other Rhianna’s tattoo. I feel a bit of kinship with both woman for various personal reasons but it’s the sentiment that keeps me honest. Let me explain.
Everyone struggles with fear. First off, it’s a crazy world we live in right now. But I’m talking about inner fear. I’m not the kind of painter that can produce a painting at the drop of a hat every time. Sometimes they come to me like that. And sometimes I grapple. And sometimes that worries me. Read: that worries me. lol!
Ultimately though, everything evolves. I learn something new about myself each time I let one out of the gate. They all build on one another. I work on several paintings at a time to keep the continuity as well as keeping it fresh and exciting for me. Also, I work in oils and sometimes they just need time to dry.
Falling on your face and getting back up happens more often than not. If I want to be true to myself I have to let myself go so far out there…as to not come back! It’s not always an easy thing to do. And sometimes I wonder if it’s worth it. It is. Every time. The painting above Screengrab is a perfect example of that for me.
I quietly tell myself nothing fails and jump in. It keeps me honest. I’m not trying to please anyone. Just get what’s in my head …out.
Never a failure always a lesson. If you’re learning from it, it’s not time spent in vain.
Had any failures that turned out to be blessings? Tell be about ‘em. Maybe I can learn from them too.
Love, Lazarus
xx
