Painting

Painting and the Art of Listening

God speaks to me all the time..

But when I’m painting,

I listen.

Painting and the Art of Losing Control

Sitting at my easel painting,

everything is moving along as expected..

then suddenly I’m using the wrong color

the wrong brush.

I am adding strange objects..

lines twisting across my canvas

in bold, strong strokes..

I have lost control.

I never fight these impulses..

this is what happens

when God steps in.

Sculpey and the Art of Being Consistent

Sometimes, I like to make things out of Sculpey..

No surprise these little 3 dimensional doodles

look a lot like my paintings..

As my husband and I often say,

the way you do something

is the way you do everything.

Painter’s Tape and the Art of Being Frugal

My favorite old scrubby brush

was getting too splintery to hold..

so I wrapped it in painter’s tape

and went back to work.

Arizona Summer and the Art of Tiny Libraries

*Splendor* exhibit at the Goodyear Library

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.

Long Sleeves and the Art of Summer Painting

In public

I wear long sleeves

(often black)

even in the summer.

All you can see of me

is my head

and my hands.

I like it that way.

My current painting agrees.

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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!

Embracing Bliss and the Art of Painting Slow

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

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*

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!

It’s Hard to Paint With a Cat on Your Lap

It’s hard to paint with a cat on your lap..

but not impossible.

After he’s done rubbing his face on my easel

Motorhead will usually settle down

so I can get back to work.

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

Thank you!