Four Artists Under the Open Sky
A Day to Create
Four Artists Under the Open Sky
Today, three of the other mural artists were working at the Art Park, which meant there were four of us
creating at the same time.
It felt comfortable being around other artists. We each had our own thing going on, our own work to
concentrate on, and our own rhythm beneath the open sky.
I finally met the creator of the dreamy, airbrushed hand-weaver mural. He was a very kind man who told me
he has been airbrushing for quite a while—and I believe him. He has his lines, highlights, shadows, and
colors down.
He moves smoothly and swiftly, with the confidence that comes from years of knowing your
tools and understanding your craft.
I absolutely love watching artists when they are in their groove.
To have four of us outside creating together during the sunlight hours was something special. Beautiful,
even. Like an eclipse—rare and jaw-dropping.
Today’s Work: EXPLORE
Today, I completed the turquoise background behind the upper banner that reads:EXPLORE
Is it perfect?
Nope.
Did I do my darndest?
Yes.
For today, that is what mattered.
Tomorrow will be for cleaning up the lines and repainting the thin areas that a first layer of paint often
reveals. The first coat shows you where the mural needs more attention. It is part of the process.
I notice that I sometimes hold my breath while doing detailed line work. That reminded me that I need to
return to practicing breathwork—and perhaps get back into yoga.
For me, yoga and art are very similar. Both can be calming. Both can be healing. Both ask you to become
present inside your own body.
Creating around other people can feel a little awkward at first, but it does not necessarily feel
uncomfortable. Instead, the shared creative energy becomes almost like an entity of its own. Those who are
sensitive to that kind of energy can feel it. It moves among everyone involved, energizing both the artists
and the people watching them create.
Freeing the Coloring Kits
While painting, I also found myself daydreaming about the next steps I need to take if I want to free my
coloring kits from the prototype prison they have inhabited for far too long.
It is time to release them into the general population.
I managed to hand out three of my coloring art cards today.
Rather than ordering traditional business cards, I chose to create 4-by-6-inch uncoated postcards. The
recipient can choose to:
Keep it, color it, or send it to somebody they love.
These work much better for me than a small business card. No matter how attractive the artwork might be,
a traditional card can easily be forgotten or tossed into the rubbish because it has no real use.
I would much rather share a small gift business card when I meet someone new.
The card gives them something enjoyable to hold, color, display, or mail. It also makes what I do
immediately clear because they are holding a piece of my artwork directly in their hands.
Artists, Moral Support, and Milk-Bones
Two of today’s art cards went to the artist working beside me and the friend she brought along for moral
support.
The artist also brought her beautiful canine companion.
Yesterday morning, Frankie Boy insisted on coming with me while I painted, and I had brought along a
ziplock bag containing a handful of miniature Milk-Bones for him. I remembered that the treats were still
nearby, so I retrieved them and handed them to the moral-support friend, who was also holding the
pupper.
The three of us had a good conversation about the kinds of paint we had chosen and the methods we use
to make cleanup happen more smoothly.
It is refreshing to meet other excited artists who are secure in their abilities and who have aged like fine
wine.
Yes, technically, we are competitors. But most of us are also there because we want to meet one another,
learn from one another, and continue growing in our skills.
That matters far more than competition.
Today was a beautiful day for creating of all kinds.
~Kit S.
“Create something beautiful today.”
