I chose the 20” x 60” canvas to paint Hidden Glory because I wanted to paint a long image. I did not know what I was going to paint. I searched outside looking for inspiration. I loved the large bird of paradise leaves, yet it had caused my hibiscus bushed to grow lanky because it was blocking the must needed sunlight for it to thrive. A bit sad. My expectation of having a flourishing hibiscus plant altered. There were just two blooms on the bottom of the plant with long lanky stems reaching for the sun. It really looked miskept. My eyes continued to scan around the grounds and then the wind blew revealing the top bloom peeking through. The hibiscus plant seemed to be saying, “Don’t overlook me, just because I’m lanky I am interesting and a perfect subject.”
I had to revalue my initial opinion (expectation). I now saw a story in the three blooms. The lower one with its head hanging a bit down suggesting a new path to look for the light. The middle one withering or opening. Then the top one peering though. As I drew then painted them, I marvel at how I heard a journey in their floweret faces.
Let me share. I see in the lower bloom resiliency. It was not hindered by the shadowing from the leaves overhead. It still found enough light to open and reveal its beauty. The middle bloom leaves a question whether it was awakening to its glory or its glory was passing. Finally, the top bloom revealed endurance and astonishment.
In reflecting I find these lessons. To still believe in blooming beauty even in less than ideal circumstances. To accept my changing conditions and where I am—seeking to move through them with grace, and finally to keep steadfast at pursuing the Son no matter the obstacles because I have no idea what surprises lie ahead when the wind blows!
I chose the 20” x 60” canvas to paint Hidden Glory because I wanted to paint a long image. I did not know what I was going to paint. I searched outside looking for inspiration. I loved the large bird of paradise leaves, yet it had caused my hibiscus bushed to grow lanky because it was blocking the must needed sunlight for it to thrive. A bit sad. My expectation of having a flourishing hibiscus plant altered. There were just two blooms on the bottom of the plant with long lanky stems reaching for the sun. It really looked miskept. My eyes continued to scan around the grounds and then the wind blew revealing the top bloom peeking through. The hibiscus plant seemed to be saying, “Don’t overlook me, just because I’m lanky I am interesting and a perfect subject.”
I had to revalue my initial opinion (expectation). I now saw a story in the three blooms. The lower one with its head hanging a bit down suggesting a new path to look for the light. The middle one withering or opening. Then the top one peering though. As I drew then painted them, I marvel at how I heard a journey in their floweret faces.
Let me share. I see in the lower bloom resiliency. It was not hindered by the shadowing from the leaves overhead. It still found enough light to open and reveal its beauty. The middle bloom leaves a question whether it was awakening to its glory or its glory was passing. Finally, the top bloom revealed endurance and astonishment.
In reflecting I find these lessons. To still believe in blooming beauty even in less than ideal circumstances. To accept my changing conditions and where I am—seeking to move through them with grace, and finally to keep steadfast at pursuing the Son no matter the obstacles because I have no idea what surprises lie ahead when the wind blows!