Paintings

Arizona Summer and the Art of Tiny Libraries
Splendor exhibit at the Goodyear Library

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My husband Richard and I have been fortunate to have our paintings exhibited

in many wonderful galleries, museums and art-spaces

throughout the years..

but there is something really special about a library.

I was honored to have my paintings displayed

in such a beautiful environment,

surrounded by books

quiet, cool and welcoming..

like an oasis in the desert.

Embracing Bliss and the Art of Painting Slow
Psalm 151 by Michele Bledsoe

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I spend a lot of time on my paintings.

The days and hours

slip seamlessly into

weeks, months

and years.

Time ceases to exist

as I linger over every inch of the canvas

retracing lines

adding layer after layer

of color…

lovingly,

in my state of bliss.

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I don’t fundraise off my blog, use Patreon or ask for donations. If you would like to help support The Secret Kingdom, and brighten my day – please buy a book.

Thank you!

Painting Interference and the Art of Letting Go
“The Swing” by Michele Bledsoe

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Sometimes I struggle when I paint.

I am overthinking,

Interfering…

and then I realize

I forgot to let go.

Trust the gift.

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I don’t fundraise off my blog, use Patreon or ask for donations. If you would like to help support The Secret Kingdom, and brighten my day – please buy a book.

Thank you!

Old Paintbrushes and the Art of Splinters
A Splintery Work in Progress by Michele Bledsoe

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I had been painting for quite a while

before I reluctantly acknowledged

the sharp, needle-like pain

at the base of my thumb.

I poked at it a couple of times..

Yup. It hurt..

and I started painting again.

Eventually, I realized it was a splinter

from one of my favorite

worn-out old paintbrushes.

After my husband removed it..

I picked up my splintery brush

and got back to work.

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I don’t fundraise off my blog, use Patreon or ask for donations. If you would like to help support The Secret Kingdom, and brighten my day – please buy a book.

Thank you!

Secret Colors and the Art of Marriage
“Lullaby” and “Like Clockwork” by Michele Bledsoe

Throughout my years as a painter

I have discovered the most exquisite paint combinations.

Secret colors..

Soft, dusty violets and

the faded, lovebird green of my childhood bedroom.

My husband Richard is also an artist

and we share our secret colors

joyfully..

Painter to painter;

Husband and wife.

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If you would like to help support this blog, and brighten my day – please buy a book.

Thank you!

The Creative Process and the Art of Watching Paint Dry
Messenger (in progress) by Michele Bledsoe

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When I paint,

I spend a lot of time staring at my work.

It is an essential part of the artistic process.

Leaning back in my chair

I contemplate every line..

Examining shape, color and shadow

exploring possibilities.

I could do this for hours..

just sitting here

watching paint dry.

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If you would like to help support this blog, and brighten my day – please buy a book.

Thank you!

Timelessness and the Art of Painting Slow
“Messenger” by Michele Bledsoe

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I am a slow painter.

Lovingly

working with my tiny brushes

for hours

or months

or even years

on a single painting.

Time does not exist in the place

where art comes from..

only bliss

and God.

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If you would like to help support this blog, and brighten my day – please buy my book. Thank you!

Childhood Memories and the Art of Painted Playgrounds

“The Legacy of Mildred’s Basement” by Michele Bledsoe

When I was a child

my favorite place to play was in my grandmother’s basement.

I would stay down there

for hours on end.

That was so many years ago.

All gone now,

along with my beloved grandma..

but not really.

I still go there

when I paint.

 

 

SIX HANDS AND THE ART OF FOLLOWING YOUR BRUSH

 

When I paint
I put a blob of raw umber on my palette
and start drawing on the canvas.
I don’t stop to think about what I’m doing
I go wherever my paintbrush takes me.
Often it leads me into difficult territory..
Not away from it.
Hands are hard,
yet the creature that ended up on my canvas
has six of them.
So I struggle.
I fight.
I am committed to the end.
Dedicated to the direction of my gift
and the heart that guides me..
I will never give up.
Don’t avoid the hard stuff.
That’s how you grow.

Excerpt from Painting, Passion and the Art of Life by Michele Bledsoe