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December Snow White Canvas

TIP OF THE MONTH

It’s Snow White outside! At least here in Amsterdam it is. Soooooo. . .knowing me well by now, you know how I love to feel into the metaphors. . .of everything. Snow white paint, priming your canvas, frosted blankets, creating a fresh new start, upgrade from the past…

What a great feeling it is to walk around town in this snow. I am moved by the quietness that it brings. Traffic slows down, leaving the crunchy and echoing sound of footsteps as I walk around. . . and as my furry hoodie wraps around my face, I become conscious of my own breath. Along with this rhythm, I hear the wind dusting all around with a fresh layer of white frozen powder.

What fond, happy memories this brings. . . frolicking in the snow, sliding, throwing snowballs. Carving my name in the snow, building a snowman and lying down on my back creating angels. It’s all fun and games for me. The temperature plays little roll as the fun warms up my spirits. . . to the max!

Bringing this snow white back into the metaphor of painting reminds me of a magical technique called glazing. In this technique, we create a transparent layer of white paint over our painting in order to create the visual effect that it has been sent to the background. This happens because we are in fact reducing the contrast in the colors.  A busy painting suddenly feels calm, just as walking walking in the snow does for me. See the exercise in the tip of the month below to try this out for yourself.

Another thought that I wanted to share is one of gifts that keep on giving, revealing and sharing. Yes, I am speaking of drawings and paintings. I am admiring the art hanging on my walls, both at home and in the studio. Over the years, these have been the most precious, personal gifts. In particular, I have a painting at home that my mother created in the 60’s. I am admiring the juicy colors, shapes, composition and thickness of paint.

This painting has such a strong feeling of presence and juicy alertness. Though my mother’s cognitive awareness has changed, she loves to continue to create through her passion of drawing and painting daily. It is wonderful to witness how her artistic passion flows ever passionately. How precious to have this painting. Art does indeed talk, share and inspire in a timeless fashion. The emotions that are conveyed in paintings can continually reveal itself over time. They don’t need words to express.

December is also the month to offer gifts of gratitude and love to our dear family and friends. How about creating art as a gift to yourself, or to give. It’s such the perfect opportunity express and share your emotions that can be enjoyed for the years to come. Where to start? How about gifting your loved the inspiration to create with. . .think about art supplies. . .crayons. . .paints. . . an inspirational book! You can also think about enrolling yourself of a dear one into a workshop, a course, a retreat. You are a creative being and will discover the perfect way to express for you!

Whatever you decide, DO IT NOW! December is the perfect month to set up 2018 to be the creation of your dreams, desires, friendships and expression!

Wishing you a snow white December full of gifts . . .and all goodness for 2018!

x

Do give the tip of this month a go. Feel free to contact me when you are ready to explore your next chapter together, regardless of location. With Skype, Whattsap Video and Factime at our fingertips locations know no boundaries as well!