Even though I keep a daily journal, I haven’t kept an accurate timeline for all my paintings. I know by March 9^th, I had painted a Baltimore Oriole, and that after completing two owls.

Early Pandemic Owls

By then, the steroid had kicked in and so had COVID-19. (Prednisone and Proverbs)

As a result, I just lost track of exactly when my paintbrushes and I became better buddies.; it’s been within the past forty-something days, however.  They have as well become good tutors – teaching me some true truths.

Now, let me tell you what I am learning from painting.*

Painting slows down a complex world. (Lynn Schwartz)

Just like a pandemic.

Here’re a few more lessons I am learning:

1. Not having distractions, like a social life, wonderfully focuses the mind; or what remains of it.
2. Freed from any possibility of duties, obligations, and responsibilities, I can take my time and actually think about how to proceed. Formerly, I tried to create a finished product the first or second time I faced the canvas. That didn’t work for my watercolors, either.
3. Acrylic paints, however, like watercolors, should be layered. So, like watercolors, begin with a light touch.
4. I am learning — finally — that having a light touch is as hard a skill to master in painting as it is in writing — and in life.

So, while I don’t have a reliable timeline, I have come to a trustworthy conclusion:

 Art is love! Painting is the most joyful, the most absorbing, the most interesting thing I know. It is a positive experience (when I’m not gnashing my teeth in frustration). (Liz Reday)

Learning layering

PS: You might like Journaling with a Paintbrush

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