Old Ideas

Last Iris Oil 9 x 12

Sometimes, to pursue a new idea, the artist must forfeit his deposit on an old idea. ~Robert Brault

When I sit down to write some nights, I have no idea what I am going to say, but inspiration often comes when I search for a quote or select a piece of art to share. Tonight was such a time and I first chose the painting and then the quote which seem to fit together.

I feel like I am about to push off from the shore into some new exciting adventure, but old ideas are keeping me frozen on the beach. Negative thoughts about myself: That I can't do it; that I am not good enough; that my circumstances are holding me back; that people won't like me. Yuck. New ideas: that God loves me; that I am always in His guidance and care; that He has blessed me with incredible gifts. Me. These gifts draw people to me and me to God. These gifts will change my life if I let them be pure and holy like they are meant to be, not tainted by old ideas. Look at this painting. It still amazes me that I can push paint around and produce something like this iris. Maxie, don't you dare let an old idea touch it!!

The painting is titled Last Iris because it is the last in the series of irises. I had planned to move on to other subjects, like birds, but I let old ideas get in the way. Like most of the rest of the iris paintings, I grew this in my garden.