I've made some exciting progress on my latest fox painting this week! Woohoo!
And what a journey this one has been.
I began with a vision of something abstract, atmospheric, and mysterious, inspired by my earlier painting Where Dreams Bloom (see digital mockup below)
But no matter how much I worked and reworked it, I couldn't seem to bring that vision to life. And frankly, it was frustrating!
There's something maddening about being able to envision what you want to create but not being able to translate it onto the canvas. After a while, I start questioning whether I have the skills to pull it off.
Eventually, I let go of my original concept. Not because I had a better idea, but because I couldn't seem to make the original one work.
What I did know for sure was that I loved the fox I'd developed and I loved those purple flowers nestled beside her ears. So I held onto them and forged ahead.
What followed was a whole lot of trial and error. Painting, repainting, experimenting, occasionally stepping away in frustration, and returning with fresh eyes.
Little by little, the painting began to evolve into something I never could have imagined when I started.
And here's the surprising part.
I don't think I would have been nearly as delighted with my original concept as I am with the direction this painting has taken.
It's brighter, more colorful, and full of things I love—purple flowers, birds, lush botanicals, and, of course, that sweet fox. It makes me smile every time I look at it.
There are still a few finishing touches I'd like to make, but I'm already thrilled with how it's coming together!
Looking back, what fascinates me most is that I didn't discover where I wanted to go by having a clearer vision.
I found my way by recognizing what I loved along the way.
And perhaps that's true of life, too.
We don't always know exactly where we're headed. Sometimes all we can do is pay attention to what feels right, hold onto what matters, let go of what isn't working, and take the next step.
Of course, that's much easier to appreciate in hindsight than when you're in the thick of it!
But maybe that's part of the magic of creating—and living. We don't always have to know where we're going to discover something wonderful along the way.
PS: If you’d like to see to see the completed painting - visit Joy Begins Here.