Soul Kanji Daily Painting #13

This Painting is Available at My Art Store

October 21, 2007

Daily Painting #13

“Soul” on unframed, 10”x10” canvas, acrylic painting.

“Soul” is another Kanji Japanese symbol. I just love these Kanji symbols. They are so beautiful. When I look at them it is almost like I know what they mean without even reading the English translation. This one means SOUL. Soul is a simple & perfect word in my mind. It is a word I struggled with many years until now. Many different opinions about this word and varying ‘definitions’ must be the reason for my struggle. I’ve come to realize that opinions are like sphincters; everyone has one. I have my own internal opinions on the word SOUL and I am finally happy and at peace with my thoughts.

Once again, I used the pouring medium with acrylic paints to achieve this look of a glossy, marble finish. I just love the uncontrollable nature of the medium. I just follow along… adding color as I feel needed. I guess you could say it is a bit like trying to catch water in your hand. You have to have a gentle touch with it. If you try to clench your fist you will collect nothing. But if you keep an open hand, and let the water sift through… you’ll collect more than enough and plenty will slip through for other directions.

I recently watched a show on Oprah about the book, ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ by Elizabeth Gilbert. I immediately knew it was right up my alley. Many friends have read the book, but my friend Merrill suggested I try the audio book. (Big Thank You to Merrill!!) I am a BIG fan of the audio books, but all the audio books I’ve listened to are self-help books. So I am currently LISTENING to Elizabeth Gilbert’s book. Let me tell you. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU READ/LISTEN TO THIS BOOK. This will go on the shelf as one of my favorite books of all time. It’s now up there with my favorite books such as Walden, by Henry David Thoreau. I know some might think that’s a tall order to compare it with classics… but it is a modern day example of how to connect with God, your inner spirit, or any other title… in your OWN PERSONAL WAY.

I know I’ve been a bit absent from the Daily Paintings these days. I have good reason. I’ve been working on a big, new web page that will be live within the week. It is a place where people can visit and find many different articles, poems, music, pictures, etc that will make them feel joyful and inspired to ‘become the change they’d like to see in the world’. I am working on a painting specifically for this big announcement and I will attempt to release this Daily Painting with the notice.

I am still looking for possible new authors/writers who’d like to contribute articles for my site. PLEASE FORWARD TO ANY FRIENDS WHO MIGHT BE A MATCH AND/OR EMAIL ME IF YOU ARE INTERESTED. Specifically what I am looking for are stories about ordinary people doing extraordinary things for others. NO BAD NEWS STORIES. For that crap anyone can just go to CNN, or Fox News, or any other news station, web site, etc. None of that will get press in my web-world. There are plenty of places for people to get their depressing news. You will never find that in my new site. I once heard this, ‘If you are always looking for occasions to be offended you’ll find them at every turn. Try to look for occasions to be grateful. Your entire world will change when you change the way you look at things.’

The painting can be viewed in my web page at:
http://www.GaylesPaintings.com

The eBay auction is available at:
http://stores.ebay.com/Gayles-Paintings

This auction will end on Sunday, October 28th, 2007. Also please note, I am leaving for Maui on Thursday, October 25, 2007. The painting will not ship until I return on November 5th, 2007.

Peace & Blessings,
Gayle Etcheverry