This Darling Disappeared Today...
My filmmaker daughter and I often share the ups and downs of our creative processes. We are on similar paths and recently when I shared with her how hard it was to paint over something that I love but isn’t working, she told me that in film there is a name for it: Killing Your Darlings.
How fitting and how hard--Letting go of the “Darlings.” I do this in just about every painting I create. There is that special area that is just amazing to me in some way –the color, the shapes, the details--and yet it’s killing the composition. It could be so tempting to leave it in, but in the end, I edit. And yes, the moment my brush covers over that spot, I feel lots of anxiety, but nearly every time, my painting is more powerful once I’m done.
It takes so much courage to let go of something you really like but know isn’t working. And it’s as true in life as it is in art. Taking that leap of faith to make a change-- Whether it’s in a relationship, a job, or a routine.
So today I give you food for thought: examining your life for “Darlings.” Feeling the anxiety that letting go will stir and considering making the move toward finding something even better…Opening to the exhilaration. I don’t know if there is an artsy name for that moment when you realize letting go and moving forward was just the perfect thing… so I’ll just call it rapture. Wishing you find yours...Namaste'
How fitting and how hard--Letting go of the “Darlings.” I do this in just about every painting I create. There is that special area that is just amazing to me in some way –the color, the shapes, the details--and yet it’s killing the composition. It could be so tempting to leave it in, but in the end, I edit. And yes, the moment my brush covers over that spot, I feel lots of anxiety, but nearly every time, my painting is more powerful once I’m done.
It takes so much courage to let go of something you really like but know isn’t working. And it’s as true in life as it is in art. Taking that leap of faith to make a change-- Whether it’s in a relationship, a job, or a routine.
So today I give you food for thought: examining your life for “Darlings.” Feeling the anxiety that letting go will stir and considering making the move toward finding something even better…Opening to the exhilaration. I don’t know if there is an artsy name for that moment when you realize letting go and moving forward was just the perfect thing… so I’ll just call it rapture. Wishing you find yours...Namaste'
