When I’m 80

Today’s drawing of Mary Magdalene

Some paintings are easy. Some are difficult. I have created paintings in one night and they have become favorites. There are other paintings that have taken months and they are hidden where no one will ver see them. It’s all part of the process. Sometimes, I start a painting of Mary Magdalene and it remains with only the first layer for years, then, one day, I see it, it calls and I retake it and finish it.

There was a time when a painting would take me 3 days, it didn’t matter if it was large or small. One day for the drawing, another for a first layer, and another for what I call the magical layer. It’s the part where it all comes together and the painting becomes something else.

Lately, my 3 day method is not working. A little painting takes many days. A large painting takes much longer. In great part it is because I’m using acrylics. Another reason is I’m usually tired or have too much to do.

A day will come when I will regain my strength and look back at this time and say, “I now feel more energetic and enthusiastic than when I was 55!” And go on painting and making things.

That is the goal: to grow stronger in spirit and in confidence. To regain the lost territory of my skill. To reclaim the grace with which I painted 4 paintings of Mary Magdalene in one week while in a spiritual retreat. To re-achieve all that, so that I can continue to share colorful pieces that hopefully bring a sense of feeling inside someone’s heart. To make many books of paintings!

When I’m 80, and living plentiful by continuing to make art, gather kindred souls and concoct fun ideas, I will remember this time and say to myself: “that is when it all really started, and the Magdalene led the way!”