Earth Flower Daily Painting #11

This Painting is SOLD.

October 7, 2007

Daily Painting #11, ‘Earth Flower’ is a 10”x10” unframed canvas, 1 3/8th thick oil painting. There are several layers of paint on this canvas so it will take at least 2 weeks to dry. I used brushes for this entire painting. The photo reference I used for this painting came from Maryanne Brunetti, a talented photographer from New Zealand who’s web page is http://www.creativeeastbay.org.nz to view her work, go to ARTISTS – FILM – PHOTOGRAPHY. Many thanks to you Maryanne for letting me use one of your photos as an inspiration. I kind of used it as a guideline and then ‘went to town’ with the color like I always do. I taped the painting process on video and will upload it on youtube in the next few days (still learning iMovie). I ended up changing my mind on the petals - The pink/white theme I was trying to achieve just wasn’t working (which you’ll see on the video). So I decided to go into full, vibrant color. I like the final result much better.

I was drawn to this photograph of Maryanne’s because it makes me think of my daily walks with my dog, Lucy. In the neighborhood behind our condo building there are several houses with rose bushes and we always stop to smell them. Lucy even smells them sometimes (so cute!). But I love to watch the bees crawl all over the roses. Can you imaging how incredible it must smell to a bee? Think about how massive the flower is in size compared to the bee. So while I was painting this, I was trying to pretend that I am the bee looking at the center of a flower. This is what I think they see.

The theme that’s been running in my mind this entire week is something I read in the Wayne Dyer book on the Tao. It’s from Verse #17 on living as an enlightened leader. This is the part that rang true to me…

The great leader speaks little. He never speaks carelessly. He works without self-interest And leaves no trace. When all is finished, the people say, “We did it ourselves.”

And then from a Hafiz, 14th Century poet:

Even After All this time The sun never says to the earth, ‘You owe Me’ Look What happens With a love like that, It lights the Whole Sky

So what does this mean to me? Well, I’ve been really trying to listen more, speak less, be kind and loving to others without any conditions. I’ve been noticing nature’s gifts everywhere. All the while saying, ‘Thank you’.

I heard an idea for a meditation the other day. Just sit and smile. Smile so big that all of your organs inside are smiling. I suggest you try it. Even if you are just walking or driving in your car. It may sound goofy but it really works. ☺

I have missed my paintings (I REALLY miss it!) this week because Dena and I are working on the Fall part of the Oscar’s. We should be finished in a week or so. Until then I will have to wait till the weekend for a new Daily Painting.

Peace & Blessings,
Gayle Etcheverry

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