Herd by Richard Bledsoe (acrylic on canvas)
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My husband Richard is an extraordinary artist..
just one of the many things I love about him.
He has sold many paintings over the years
but every once in a while
I stake my claim.
When Richard finished Herd
I told him it was mine.
So it is.
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It’s hard to believe there is no velvet rope
separating me from this magnificent work of art.
This was the second time I saw The Annunciation by Jan van Eyck
up close and personal.
I could have stood there for hours..
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I paint a lot of leaves.
I do this
because I love them.
Simple as that.
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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.
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.
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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.
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God speaks to me all the time..
But when I’m painting,
I listen.
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In painting..
what feels like a mistake
often turns out to be
divine intervention.
Trust the gift.
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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.
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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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The Secret Kingdom 