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I liked this blog quite a bit. I liked that your emotions and behavior around painting, failing, trying, waiting, trying again, and achieving a higher level of mastery and success can apply to most pursuits in life.

For my dog training students, I tell them about "peeling the onion" where they can hear a piece of information or idea to execute and have a ground-floor understanding of what I meant. That's great!

The interesting thing is that when they've matured as handlers a bit more, they can hear the same information, but they take something more from it. I hear "Oh, THAT is what you meant..." With more time, practice and thought, the same information given yet again leads the handler to more in-depth understanding and ability. And again I hear "Oh, THAT is what you meant!" That is when I see that the more seasoned student understands differently, and can run with it herself.

For awhile when I was new as a coach, I feared that I just wasn't clear about what I meant in the first place. But that wasn't it. People have to be ready to peel that next layer, they can't just get it all right away without effort and experience. Each layer of that peeled onion yields surprises, understanding,and insight, but only when you've mastered the outside layers. To me, this is the process of mastery. It's often not a straight line from Novice to Expert - there are many side trips and double-backs. Sometimes we retreat into what is known and safe, vs what is new and challenging (and maybe scary). But moving forward can come after you have logged some miles.

Each of us has to go through the cycle. Nobody else can do it for you. You can take in the information at each level only when you're ready. You know when you're peeling that onion, though - the discovery process is quite reinforcing! And the journey itself, rather than just the summit, is something to celebrate.

Spectacular paintings, interesting pathway to a series in this blog, Jeanne! As always, you do not disappoint.
Whether capturing the light on the leaves and the rustle from the wind in the trees or the smell of bleu cheese or the crash of a breaking wave, you always deliver. Your abilities as a writer and teacher are so appreciated, too, as you share your ideas and apprehensions on this very human journey.

Thanks for this blog, and your beautiful art!

It is hard to find the right words for your autumn pieces...how about achingly beautiful? I am moved by the wonderful colors and the shapes of the trees and leaves...all magnificent. I also find myself avoiding subjects that involve anything like portraits or even faces in a crowd. I've just started adding a figure (faceless!) to a few of my landscapes. It helps that pastel is a forgiving medium. Thank you for sharing your emotions as well as your beautiful work.

You're autumn tree series is just as impressive as your ocean/wave paintings! You seem to capture the light. Do the tree paintings have an underpainting similar to your ocean paintings? I was at your workshop at Carrie Moore's and have really enjoyed painting the ocean which is totally new for me. I like your idea of the underpainting being a "set-up" for the final layers.

Wow! First Place! A beautiful painting that truly deserves a First Place award.

Hi Jeanne, great blog piece! I tend to rush through things sometimes, and this manifests itself in my painting. Hearing about your experiences reminds me to slow down and get comfortable with a subject matter and learn from each new painting. My waves are improving!
Thanks for sharing.
Elaine
P.S. I keep thinking about that pomegranate....

Jeanne, I love your blogs and your work! Your paintings no matter what subject are always so beautiful. You are very inspiring and I look forward to your next blog.

Beautiful, as always!