Simplicity and the Glorious Wonder of Leaves

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I paint a lot of leaves.

I do this

because I love them.

Simple as that.

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Not Trying and the Art of Failure

Illustrations from “Painting, Passion and the Art of Life” by Michele Bledsoe

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For many years

I had been trying to write a book..

but I failed.

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Actually, I failed many times..

over and over again.

I had lost my way.

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Then I had a revelation..

an epiphany.

I was thinking too hard..

getting in my own way.

I was trying to write a book

instead of writing a book.

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Filled with renewed passion and purpose

I poured my soul out

onto those pages..

and it became

the book I was meant to write

instead of the book I was trying to write.

Big difference.

.Big Big difference.

Old Paintings and the Wondrous Elasticity of Time
Work in progress by Michele Bledsoe

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It has been many years since I’ve worked on this painting.

Maybe even a decade.

Yet, here at my easel..

it could have been yesterday.

I remember everything.

I dive in without hesitation..

effortlessly matching the subtle shades

of complex color

perfectly.

Seems I have never left you.

Trust the gift.

Clean Teeth and the Art of Visiting Trees

I arrived early for my teeth-cleaning appointment

to visit my favorite seedpod tree.

I was disappointed to see it had been trimmed recently..

with all its magnificent treasures far out of reach.

Nevertheless, I was determined.

Finding a long, sturdy stick

I jumped up..

whacking at the branches above my head

until I was able to finally knock one loose.

You’ll find a lot of these seedpods

in my paintings..

It’s where I keep all the things I love.

Little Canvases and the Wondrous Experience of Painting Small
Work in progress by Michele Bledsoe

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I love painting small.

It is an remarkable experience..

wondrous and intimate.

Leaning in close

with tiny brushes..

I can unleash my soul

onto a canvas

that can fit

in the palm of my hand.