Baptism: Just don’t drown

Baptism
24in. x 30in.
61cm x 76.2 cm

                                                                        
When I first started painting with the intention to sell I had no idea what I was going to paint. I didn’t have an image, color, or title. Nada. Zip. I stared at my canvas and it stared at me. Finally, I pulled out a few colors and started painting. It wasn’t until the paint dried that I named it. Baptism.

What is Baptism?  Depending on whom you ask, you will get different answers.  Baptism is the washing away of sin, an initiation, renewal, regeneration….it just depends on the frame of mind that person is operating in. But when I really break-it-down, Baptism is your first conscience step in preparing yourself for the next gabillion steps. And, as long as you don’t drown, you are off to a great start!

You see, we all need a Baptism at some point in our life. That one moment when you make a conscience decision to make a change, to move forward, to go somewhere beyond your sight.

So this painting, a second original, Baptism-it’s very fitting. I’m indeed heading in a new direction, uncharted territories, and I can not see beyond my nose. I can dream beyond my nose, I just can’t see beyond it-big difference.

You gotta take that first step.

Underbelly or Naked: It’s just different parts of the same animal

Hello, my name is Elise. I am a painter. I have been asked by a few friends to start a blog. My first thought? Umm, no. But thanks for asking. As certain as I was that I didn’t want to begin writing, the idea would not abandon my thoughts. Struggling and resisting the idea, I finally gave in.

I have a preacher friend who whenever he is about to say something personal he will stop and say, “okay now, I’m about to show you my underbelly”. Well, let’s just say the thought of writing my thoughts and feelings for you…..I might as well be standing cold, wet, and naked in front of you, surrounded by thunderous clouds. Yes, vulnerability is the reason I have resisted blogging for so long. And yes, I could have used the word underbelly and you would have understood what I meant. But the naked description is the most honest thing I could share.

Here is the thing…Vulnerability in its infancy, in its unexercised form, is a weakness. Who wants to be weak??? Vulnerability in its mature and aware state is an awesome strength. Yes! That’s what I’m talkin’ about!

I look forward to the day I am able to write for you laying naked on the beach, basking in the sun. See the difference?

Vulnerability. That is a great title for a painting. Did I mention I’m a painter? I love, love, love it! Hearing a great story then transferring it to canvas. The painting can also be a thought or a concept, but I really love a good story.

I’ll use this blog to try my best to explain my story, thought, or concept through my paintings. Honestly, I kinda think it removes some of the mystery of art, which is something I enjoy, but that is the number one question I get, “Why did you paint that?”

Wow, after writing a couple pages of thoughts…I feel the sun peeking out of the clouds.