My Secret Wish
A business has recently opened my town that has given new life to my secret wish for talent in another artistic realm…painting. (Okay, now that I’ve told you, I guess it isn’t a secret anymore.) Yes, I have long wished I could paint beautiful landscapes or heartwarming still life. My grandmother and great-grandmother both were hobby painters, and I own a few of their pieces. So maybe the desire to paint is genetic. But I’ve kept this secret desire under wraps for years, quieting that longing by telling myself I didn’t have the time, the money, the space in my house to pick up a new hobby.
Anyway, the business, called Painting with a Twist, allows novice painter wannabes to attend a class with friends for a nominal fee and create fun, simple masterpieces that you can take home when you are finished. I’ve been twice and had fun both times, but… it was rather clear I need lots of practice before any of my art will be anywhere other than hidden in my closet! (Yes the two pictures here are my Louisiana Cross and my Christmas Monogram paintings) However, the two times I’ve been there with groups of ladies from my church were enough to wake the sleeping monster in me. You have an empty nest now, the little voice in me has said. What better time to foster a new hobby? I even went as far as acquiring a couple of blank canvasses…just in case I wanted to dabble in my spare time. (Spare time? What is that?)
The thing is, I can’t help but believe that whether I think I’m good at it or not, giving any and all forms of creative expression that gurgle up in me room to grow can only feed my writing muse. I’ve long known that listening to music stirs my creative juices and inspires scenes faster than staring at a blank computer screen. So why wouldn’t dabbling in paint be a possible new venue for my muse to work?
How about you? If you could do anything, artistic or not, that you aren’t currently doing, what would it be? Yoga? Taking a class in Chinese? Mountain climbing? Sculpting?
What is holding you back from pursuing that desire?
Feb 06, 2013 @ 05:35:45
Oddly enough, I am trying to study Chinese in my spare time. What holds me back (from doing any given thing) is the constant nagging sense that I should be doing something else.
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Feb 06, 2013 @ 10:00:47
Chinese? Wow! That’s cool. And I know all about that nagging sense. Even reading, which I NEED to do for my job (to be a better writer and keep up with the market) feels like goofing off because I love it. So I feel guilty when I read. Messed up, huh?
Good luck with the Chinese!!
Feb 06, 2013 @ 06:46:18
I love being a writer. BUT one of the downsides is that when I’m doing something else (other than writing), I feel like I SHOULD be writing, know what I mean? The guilt can be overwhelming.
However, off the top of my head, I can’t think of anything I WANT to do that I don’t.
But I’d love to try yoga! What stops me? Probably fear of looking like an idiot trying to do it.
Feb 06, 2013 @ 10:03:33
Yes…guilt. See my comment above. Look at it this way (and I’m talking to myself too) A writer needs lots of experiences to draw from to make her writing better, fresher, always growing and not stale or stagnant. Travel, movies, books, heck, LIFE is our research. Don’t feel guilt gathering more material for your writing!
Feb 06, 2013 @ 07:12:02
Beth, It’s so interesting that your thinking on painting is just like stories you always here from people who want to write! Art is art, right?
Writing was the one thing I wanted to learn – still learning.
Oh wait, I always said that when I retired I wanted to start tying flies for fly fishing. The eyes are shot — I’ll have to be happy buying them at the store. And I’m good with that.
Follow your dream!
Feb 06, 2013 @ 10:07:26
Yes! Art is art and I think it all stimulates the same areas in the brain…which is why I should exercise that part of the brain in different ways, yes?
And let me tell you about eyes…I have to wear two pairs of glasses (reading and regular) at night as I read my Rita books! I know it looks silly but…
When I read on my Kindle I hike the print size way up.
Feb 06, 2013 @ 08:27:44
Beth, I’m moving to your town! I’ve always loved to draw and when I was a little girl spent hours in my room either writing or drawing. Not much has changed. Funny, I developed the writing, but the drawing fell by the wayside. Good for you! Let us know how you progress
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Feb 06, 2013 @ 10:17:12
Donnell- I’d love for you to live in my town! I need a local writing buddy for brainstorming, critiquing and such. But…I guess it is only fair to tell you Painting with a Twist is a national chain. There may be one near you. Or a similar business.
If I ever create a masterpiece (cough) I’ll post a picture.
Feb 06, 2013 @ 10:20:26
Hey, I checked their website just for kicks and there is a PWAT in Colorado Springs. Are you close to Co Spr?
Feb 06, 2013 @ 15:35:33
I am. Thanks for checking for me. I’d still like to move by you. It’d be a kick!
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Feb 06, 2013 @ 08:31:30
Beth: That’s great that you’re doing something you’ve wanted for so long. I agree that any creative expression is likely to fire up the muse. Generally, these days, if there’s something I secretly want to do, I do it. That’s was writing for me until I finally started a few years ago.
I’d like to regain my German skills again and finally get fluent, but time, money, and a bit of laziness are holding me back. I just need an incentive, like a move to Austria, or something.
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Feb 06, 2013 @ 10:26:41
Gwen, I admit to being a bit lazy myself! If you decide to go to Austria, say for an inspirational trip to rejuvenate your German, let me know! I’ll go with you!!
Feb 06, 2013 @ 19:15:36
I took art classes in grade school and loved to draw. Painting…too complicated. All those layers of color, the mixing and waiting for bits to dry. But pencil sketches still fascinate me, the millions of textures and shades that can come from a single piece of lead. Someday, I’ll have time for it again. *sigh*
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Feb 06, 2013 @ 20:23:52
Yeah, pencil sketches are amazing! My aunt is really good at drawing (no blood relation) but all my drawings look like cartoon characters. My desire to be artistic doesn’t necessarily translate to talent for it!
Feb 06, 2013 @ 19:59:33
I love the idea of painting. I’m not sure I would enjoy it as a hobby. I love love love black charcoal though. I need a room that would be okay with charcoal dust going ever to enjoy it because it can be messy.
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Feb 06, 2013 @ 20:30:16
Now too familiar with charcoal. I’d love an extra room where I could be messy too! Oh, wait…that’d be my whole house! (Messy I mean)
Feb 06, 2013 @ 20:02:21
DEFINITELY, painting is great for your creative well!
I’m so not creative. My mother’s mother painted, and my mother did a lot of craft stuff, good enough to sell. Our house is full of things she made. I have not an ounce of talent or desire.
I have to admit, I don’t feel guilty for doing any specific thing. I DO berate myself for the bigger picture failure to write, but the few things I indulge in are important to me, too. The only thing I can think of that I used to do and stopped is cross stitch. I loved it! But I can’t find the kinds of patterns I used to use, so that’s a big part of it, too. But I’m boring, both in my interests and my aspirations. LOL
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Feb 06, 2013 @ 20:32:45
Natalie- I used to needle point too. And cross-stitch and knit a bit. All got put aside for writing. I do think about pulling it out for while I watch TV but haven’t found a project yet that inspired me.
Feb 07, 2013 @ 07:07:34
Painting, photography and crafting are my favorite hobbies. When the writing gets to be a struggle, I switch to one of those and it always helps get me back on track.
We have Painting with a Twist around here as well. Might have to check them out!
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