Can I Paint you a picture?

Can I Paint you a picture?

 

 

 

Reflections: Can I Paint you a picture?

My dear friend Jeanne signed us up for a painting class on “How to paint sunflowers”.  Since I hadn’t oil painted for over thirty years I was game. Besides, I had never used acrylic paints and thought it would be an adventure.

We arrived at the class just in time to get our aprons, paint, water, and easels set up. As our teacher started to explain about her class, she wondered how many first timers were there, or those who already painted. She also inquired if there was anyone who was an OCD painter. At that point, I should have put my hand up. How did she know?

Thirty years ago, I loved to paint.  My favorites were landscapes and florals. But there came a time I had to set painting aside and eventually quit altogether.  I would become so obsessive about a painting that I couldn’t stop rearranging or fixing it. Then I would be up half the night and wouldn’t be able to sleep for thinking about what I could do better. Although I had painted pictures for other people, I always felt they were never as good as they could have been. If only I had just a little more time.

I laugh now when I think about one of my daughters’ grade school art assignments.  It was during the month of October, so she made a black and white picture with trees and tombstones in a cemetery with a concerted effort to make it look scary.  When I asked how the teacher liked her picture, she said: “no one commented on it”.

Three weeks later at the teacher-parent conference, there on the bulletin board was our daughters Halloween picture. She had won first prize for her “Remembrance Day” picture. She didn’t even care that they had mixed it up.  How I wish my attitude would have been more like hers during my early painting years. Lol

As I began painting again recently, some of those old feelings came back; “it’s not good enough” or “it looks horrible”.  I wonder where those feelings come from.  Could it be from wanting everything perfect and struggling to measure up?  Even after all these years, those old feelings still bubble up.

I am so thankful that God reached down and saved me.  He loves me and forgives me with His perfect grace. Where would I be without Him in my life?  In an imperfect world, He is perfect. ©

I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him.

He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him.

Psalm 62: 1,2 & 5

Thank you, dear friends, for spending your time with me.
 I love you all and am praying. 
 HUGS,
Lovingly, Karan

 

8 comments on “Can I Paint you a picture?

  1. Karyn

    I loved your story and how you open yourself up so we can see your vulnerability. What a timely message this was for me today! Thank you.

    1. Karan Gleddie

      Dear Karyn, thank you for your encouraging comments, It is a subject that I often struggle with myself. I am hoping to get up your way this summer and would love to see you. I love reading your beautiful blog, and your stories. I’m waiting for the book you have in your heart to get written and published. Love you, hugs

  2. Cheryl

    Love the pictures, both yours and your friend’s! Love, Cheryl

  3. Louan Lundberg

    Have Cheryl show you her painting of a horse next time you see her. Best Wishes

    1. Karan Gleddie

      Thank you, Louan, I will ask her, I know she did a fabulous picture. Praying for you. have a great week. Hugs

    2. Karan Gleddie

      Thank you, Cheryl, I hear you are a wonderful painter, I would love to see your horse picture. I am praying for you, I miss our lunches and chats. Love you, Hugs

  4. Joanna

    Just paint like nobody’s watching. It’s good therapy. We spend the better part of our lives trying to get approval and the last part trying to unravel ourselves. Love what you paint, God only made one of you.

    1. Karan Gleddie

      Thank you, Joanna for the wisdom you reminded me of, I think I’ll dance like no one is watching too. Lol I love you thoughts. Love you, Hugs

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