What else can inspire change than watercolor strokes on paper?
Today, after years of neglecting my creative side, I decided to pick up my paintbrush. I had no particular plan in mind, but I was eager to see what I could come up with. As I started painting, my hands were shaky, unsure of the movements they were making. It had been years since I had last picked up a brush, and I wasn't quite sure what to expect.
At first, it was just a mishmash of colors, a chaotic swirl of paint on paper. But as I continued to add more strokes, the painting began to take on a life of its own. A bold wash here, a delicate touch there - each stroke was intentional, each one contributing to the whole.
As I proceeded, the colors I chose became more intentional. I realized that what I was creating was a beautiful representation of change. As I looked at the layers of color and texture, I saw how each stroke symbolized a moment in time, a decision made, a path taken. Some strokes were dark and brooding, representing the difficult times in our lives that test us and shape us. Others were light and airy, symbolizing the moments of joy and beauty that lift us up and fill us with hope.
I thought about the people in my life who have influenced me - the ones who have helped me grow and change, and the ones who have held me back. Each stroke of the brush reminded me of the power of our interactions with others, and how they can shape us in profound ways.
What struck me most was how each brushstroke represented the possibility of change. I saw how lighter colors could paint over darker ones, and how sometimes, a mistake can become a defining feature of a piece. As I neared the completion of my artwork, I felt proud of what I had created. It was also a reminder of how much potential we all have for growth.
Even when we feel stuck, even when we feel like we've hit a dead end, there is always a way forward. We just need to be willing to take that first step, to pick up the brush and start painting.
As I put the finishing touches on the painting, I realized that it was far from perfect. There were smudges and mistakes, imperfections that I couldn't erase. But that's the beauty of life - it's messy, it's unpredictable, it's imperfect. And yet, it's also incredibly meaningful.
As I was removing the holding tape, a small part of the paper peeled away. At first, I was disappointed. But then, I realized that this was a perfect representation of life. Change can be beautiful, but it can also leave its mark. Sometimes, the marks that change leaves behind are imperfections that make us who we are.
I decided to leave the peeled part as it was. It was a reminder that life is imperfect, but that imperfection can be beautiful. It was a reminder that change is not always easy, and that sometimes, it can be painful. But it was also a reminder that change is always possible, and that every brushstroke we make has the power to shape our lives in meaningful ways.
So if you're feeling stuck or if you're feeling like you're in a rut, take a cue from this artwork. Start making some changes. It doesn't have to be anything big - just take that first step. Make that first brushstroke.
Who knows where it might actually lead you?
I love process art land how you beautifully depicted each stroke as change.