Power in Limitations

At first thought, limits seem like a prison of sorts. I see them a different way. Too many choices can be overwhelming. We get so wrapped up in deciding where to start, often, we never do.

Limitations can inspire great creativity. When we are confined in terms of what we can use or what we can do, our minds start to work in ways they might not have before. We may come up with new ideas or new ways of approaching things that we wouldn’t have thought of before. This can be exciting and motivating – it can push us to do more and be better.

In this current painting series I am imposing boundaries as an act of restraint, in a world of overindulgence. By keeping things simple, I am able to focus on what's important and add value to the work. Specifically, I am limiting my palette, brush selection, and painting size. At a dedicated painting appointment each day, I am developing a series of small landscapes that coincide with the making of my series Land & Light. These are spontaneous impressions of moments that held my breath at first sight and maintain my heart long after the trail ends.

Creating within these confines, a single color becomes a statement, a simple moment defines a lifetime, an afternoon hike inspires a new body of artwork.

Spontaneous Impression, Red, 8 x 10 inches, acrylic on canvas.