There’s nothing scarier than a blank canvas

A couple of years ago, one of my resolutions was to start painting. I didn’t know where to take classes - well. Truth be told I didn’t look for any. Because that sounded like effort. And what I really wanted was just the fun part of painting. Not the work part. So I bought some oil paints and an easel.

I’ve ended up with some I like. But I’ve also got a pile of canvases in the basement that I wouldn’t sell to a motel I didn’t like as firestarters. All part of the learning process.

Every once in a while, I can tell I’m gonna end up with one I think is pretty good.

I liked the perspective on this one. And I have loved those big white church/town halls so ubiquitous in New England since we moved to Massachusetts. They remind me of the old churches in the South - a similarity of architecture that it feel like home..

I let this one sit half done for a while. I got it to a place where I was actually afraid I was going to screw up what I liked about it.

I think this sat on the floor of my office for about 8 months. I stared at it, and kept thinking of what I was going to do with it.

I painted other paintings that I liked, framed, and gave away. And this one just kept staring at me with what was clearly a canvasfull of skeptical expectations.

At one point, I thought maybe I’d just leave it unfinished forever.

Finally, I worked up the courage to pick up the brush and approach it again.

I still like it.

I think I’m calling this one ready for a frame.