Inviting the Muse

"Wildflowers", acrylic on 20" x 16" canvas.

Here's what I've come to know:

When I paint, I must leave myself behind.  Only then will I be fully present.

And I must humbly welcome the muse each time I paint.   (I could feel her guiding me during the painting of this one.)  I cannot take her prisoner or she will inevitably escape.

That is all I know.

Thank you to Celeste Bergin and Belinda del Pesco, who both introduced me through their blogs to The War of Art by Steven Pressfield, an indispensable read for any artist.

And here is a shadow shot, for Shadow Shot Sunday: