Studio Project

As promised, here's what I've been working on in the studio. I'm never entirely satisfied with whatever it is I've put over the mantle, so I thought I'd try my hand at charcoal. Remember my post from a few months ago? Well, here's my first stab at it. Okay, my second. The paper is a little more textured than I would want, and easily becomes overworked, but it's cheap, which makes mistakes a rather forgiving possibility. You can't tell with a picture, but it's huge. And I'm never sure when I'm finished. Should I frame it and find out?

Passionate Attention

My husband often talks about having passionate attention when reading a book or listening to music. I would add that the same might be required when looking at a painting, or spending time with a dear friend. We're all in such a hurry these days, it seems unfathomable to stop for five minutes to invest your time, energy and heart in something that doesn't yield measurable results ... but it is so worth it. When you lose yourself in something other than the dailiness of your life, you forget your troubles and become richer in spirit.

What do you like to give passionate attention?

I'm spending the next few days in the studio. I'll be back to share the fruits of my labor.