Let me honest . . .
Sometimes the paint just won’t go where I want it to go; I have had a couple disasters, recently. This is where using smaller canvases can moderate disappointment of seeing an inspiration go kaput. Plus, on a smaller canvas, the Gesso is easier to apply.

Big Canvases Need More Gesso
It is exasperating to know what I want to paint but I lack the skill to carry it off. (This Isn’t working!)
Sometimes, though, I get lucky, and coordinated, and voilà – and I have those “happy little accidents” that don’t look like a train wreck.
But Sometimes . . .
It’s another kind of annoyance to want to make a comment about all that goes on, and realize I don’t have the skill to do it; or, sometimes the courage. Who needs anther critic, right?
When any fit of gloominess, or perversion of mind, lays hold upon you, make it a rule not to publish it by complaints. ~Samuel Johnson
As January ends, and another anniversary of Roe v Wade passes, the 48th to be precise, I wish I had the words to change people’s minds. Sometimes, I wish I could create a wee little painting . . . or plant a garden . . . or do something to put the brakes on abortion as birth control. ( Artists: Interpreters of Life)
Sometimes, it’s good to just listen to other people pull facts and feelings together in a digestible presentation of a hot topic. Leave it to the creator of Veggie Tales, Phil Vischer, to remind me of better ways to end abortion than politics. But, What About Abortion? is a good use of 15 minutes; I hope you click the link. They offer simple steps to be useful instead of crazy upset in uncertain times.
In the mean time, I’ll paint on.
Try again. Fail again. Fail better. ~Samuel Beckett
I’ve got an idea for painting for tomorrow . . . a friend gave me an article that may inspire you this week to listen to music, take a photo, or whatever! Art Helps Us Pay Attention
Only just seeing this post and your share about abortion. Glenn and I have been trying to tell folk some of these things for months, but this video is so well done, point by point, with excellent examples and food for thought. My own life experience has said, what matters is the local church and their response to unwed pregnancy both in their ranks and out of it, and what we do to encourage women who find themselves in a so-called crisis pregnancy.
Thank you Susan — I loved the VeggieTales’ video . . .
Good food for thought, my friend. Dave and I have talked about this in terms of pragmatic avenues. It does make more sense to support crisis pregnancy centers than national movements.
You will be painting on the snowporch today, you say? That cat has the wide eyed, “I’m trying to look innocent” look that is ingrained in mothers’ lifetime memories. I’m thinking I could use some gesso on my daytimer and my tongue.
Love this post! And I love the Gospel Coalition article you linked: In a Distracted Age, Art Helps Us Pay Attention.
Your post and the video have given me much to think about. Thank you Barbara.
I am so grateful you watched the video — it has stirred my thoughts, too! Hope you are well friend!
Well, today will be a painting on the sunporch for sure day!