Monday, May 23, 2011

Magic Evening


Magic Evening
8x10

Have you every read a quote that speaks to the heart? I love to collect quotes from many different sources and write them down in my black leather journal.  It's where I turn for inspiration when I'm feeling off kilter.  But this quote turned my thinking upside down.

All life is an experiment.  The more experiments you make, the better.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

I was struck by the utter simplicity.  To me it means that no matter how proficient we are or what we have experienced in life, we're still always learning.  As an artist, it is especially freeing to think that every time I pick up a paintbrush, it's an experiment.  I may follow a formula or certain rules, but I can never predict the outcome.  Thanks, Ralph!

6 comments:

Candace X. Moore said...

Nice topic, Janelle. A well-written quote is a little work of art. More, please.

Celeste Bergin said...

I definitely agree with that quote...and your painting is very much "magic"

Caroline Simmill said...

'Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail'! is one I remember well, RWE gave us a wealth of great quotations. A poetic painting that brings one quietly to a mind full of reflection.

Marion said...

A wonderful quote, Janelle. I laughed just a few days ago because I was once again attempting to put my hundreds & hundreds of books in some sort of order. I found 4 copies of "Emerson's Essays". LOL! I LOVE that book sooooo much!!

Your painting perfectly captures magic. xoxo

Love & Blessings,
Marion

Anonymous said...

WOW. What a great quote to share and such deep meaning with something so straight forward. Thanks Janelle! This is a great help to me too.

~ Kathleen Krucoff

Janelle Goodwin said...

Hi Candace, You love quotes too? They're fun to collect. Thanks for visiting!

Hi Celeste, Thank you so much. I think you flower painting is definitely magic!

Hi Caroline, Hi Çaroline, Thank you for that quote. I think I need to delve further into RWE writings. And I'm looking forward to your poetry that will accompanying your paintings!

Hi Marion, Oh, yes I need to get a copy of Emerson's essays. And books make the best companions, don't they? It just great having them around waiting to be read:)

Hi Kathleen, Thanks so much and thanks for featuring my painting on FB!