Paintings

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.

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!