Wisdom # 2

Title: Wisdom # 2
Media: Acrylic and modelling paste on canvas
Size: 20cm x 20cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

Heavily textured. Painted in blue, white and a hint of terracota. Almost looks grey/lilac in some lights.

The words read "The wise are modest in speech but excel in action"

Wisdom # 1

Title: Wisdom # 1

Media: Acrylic and resin on canvas

Size: 30cm x 30cm x 3.5cm
SOLD

Red and black with gold writing. Finished with resin.

"If you cant change the situation, change the way you look at it"

One of my best friends told me this a few months ago...and just when I think I can't take anymore....am getting so frustrated....loosing sight...I remind myself of thes words. I stop.... breathe...and reflect...look at things from a different angle...and then the situation doesn't seem so hopeless afterall. Thanks Gavin for those words of wisdom!

WISDOM - Decembers Theme

There are so many different interpretations and definitions of wisdom. Most people agree that wisdom is not simply knowledge of facts or education but something that is developed through experience - not taught.

A wise person displays many characteristics some being knowledge of facts, experiences, knowing and understanding people and having empathy. They can make connections between things, think logically, make projections, apply insights,discern the needs and motivations behind people and have the ability to find the right balance that maximises the overall good. They also have a good philosophy in life which is balanced between what is good for ones self, for other individuals and for society. And above all they have self discipline - To consistently do what should be done without anyone making you do it. This does not come naturally and has to be learned.

In brief - Having experience, knowledge and understanding together with the power of applying all three with prudence, practicality, discretion and common sense; the heart and center of proper moral and intellectual judgment.

The Rule of Wisdom, (according to Mr. Andrews): "A wise judgment, action, or decision is one that brings the greatest good to the greatest number, both in the short run and in the long run, while at the same time thwarting evil intentions and minimizing negative outcomes."

I hope these quotes over the next month will help define what wisdom means to you...and maybe help you on your path to becoming wise.

Make wisdom one of your life goals.

UPDATE on daily paintings

I have had a little bit of a glitch with this.

I was going to start it on December 1st but have only just clicked that I will be at a conference out of town for the 30th, 1st and 2nd! ARGHH!!! But dont worry! What I will do is ... and I hope no one objects .... I will upload the first two early. This means I have to do them and I have to do them now!! So ... off I go to the easel .....

Tomorrow I will announce the theme for the month of December....so please remember to check back in.

Nature

Title: Nature
Media: Acrylic, texture gel and resin on canvas
Size: 25cm x 25cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

This piece was also created to fit in with the NZ Art Guild theme week. Artists are given two weeks to complete an original artwork on a set theme. This weeks theme was "Natural"

The words read "Those who find beauty in all of nature will find themselves at one with the secrets of life itself" L W Gilbert

This painting reflects that....in so far as look past the faults and see the beauty...perfection does not equal beauty...there is beauty everywhere...and when you can see the beauty in everything, regardless, then you will be happy, truly happy, and at peace within yourself.

The resin is intentionally applied in a non perfect way...thinner in some areas...more in others...the lines are not perfectly spaced either....this is done to symbolise and reflect the quote. This is a huge variation for me as I usually make sure that everything is perfectly even, to do so intentionally is not as easy as it seems! lol

The Natural Leader

Title: Natural Leader
Media: Paper, acrylic paint (red and black), crackle medium (to give an aged effect) and resin ( to give it a very glassy glossy finish).
Size: 25cm x 25cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

This was painted to coincide with the NZ Art Guild theme weeks. members are given two weeks to create an original artwork based on a slected them. This weeks theme was "Natural".

I just couldnt single out any one part of this....and I really wanted to share Anjali Mahaldar's message with you.....so I have copied the whole exert below.

The Natural Leader

If you would be a leader among people, do so if you possess these three: courage, strength of character, and humility.

For know well that in your accomplishments lies not personal greatness. Any such notion of personal grandeur is a mistaken one. It will only serve to cloud your mind and blur your vision.

If you will know in the depths of your being that at the heart of your success is the mighty power that you draw from - the very same that sustains the universe, then you will be a bright light among the people, and a person of real distinction.

Place then credit where it is due, and for the occasional error, whether it be noticed or not, be quick to tender an apology, for in this does your humility show, and in this is the mark of true greatness. Know that in humility there is great power. Recognize well this as among the paradoxes of life. Fortunate then, will be those who find a leader in you, for their success is assured.

Keep kindness for your shield, and know this is never a weakness, and find your strength in gentleness. In your kindness you will be compassionate and tolerant.

Out of nobility of heart and honor, use wisely words that heal, and keep away from those that cut like swords only to wound. This is the way of the natural leader.

– Anjali Mahaldar December 22, 2002

UPDATE - Coming soon - Daily inspirational paintings

I have spent the last few days scouring the net, old books, collections of papers I've had from childhood and compiling hundreds of fantastic quotes. Its been so hard to decide which quote to use next. I just cant wait to share them all with you!

So I made a decision - from December 1st I have set myself a goal of painting one each day. This will be an enormous challenge for me as I hardly have time to sleep most days!

I have also decided that each month I will focus on a certain theme - either a quality, word or emotion. You'll have to wait to find out what December is!

Courage

Title: Courage

Materials: Acrylic, modelling paste and resin on canvas

Size: 25cm x 50cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

The words read "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak but also what it takes to sit down and listen" - Washington.

This is a phrase that is very dear to my heart and something that I have tried to instill in my children. Sometimes easier said than done. The mountains symbolise the standing up to speak...and the earth sitting down to listen.

It is painted in rich earthy tones and a taupe colour. The ground is heavily textured and the words have resin over them creating a really glassy appearance. Very difficult to get a good photo due to the contrast in colours.

Lumanare

Title: Lumanare

Materials: Acrylic and resin on canvas

Size: 15cm x 15cm x 3.5cm

SOLD

This is the first in my series and was created to coincide with the NZ Art Guilds theme week. Members have 2 weeks to complete an original artwork based on this theme. This theme was "light" .

The words are a Romanian proverb and read "Light a candle in the wind, if the wind blows it out, nevertheless you lit it".

This was the first thing that came to mind when I heard the theme was "light" and I couldnt get this proverb out of my head. To me this means that even though you may struggle toward a goal etc, you shouldn't be afraid to try, because you learn who you are and what life is worth. You should never be afraid of failure or be scared to try something thats seemingly impossible.
The colours are black, red, yellow and metallic silver/white. The whole canvas is covered with resin given it a really glassy, tile like appearance. Please excuse the flash back on the first photo - The resin makes it difficult to photograph. :)