Hey Everyone, so I'm thinking about beginnings. This is my first  blog post. I feel a bit of trepidation as I begin because I am not great at maintaining things and yet I really want to share some of my insights as I go along this journey of painting. I am hoping you will join me along the way as you have time. Maybe you will enjoy hearing my aha experiences and I would enjoy hearing your thoughts as well. 
Today's thought- If you are new to painting, hang in there. It can test your patience. Rarely are we satisfied with where we are or the rate with which we learn and grow. All artists have a vision in their minds of what they wish to produce and yet achieving that vision always seems just out of reach.
When I was young my Uncle guided me to the top of Rocky Face mountain near our family homestead in the hills of Kentucky. From the bottom I could see the climb was steep but the top was right there within sight. After and hour we were almost there, then suddenly I realized we were just arriving at the top of a ridge line. We headed down into a shallow valley and then proceeded upward once more. After another hour I was pleased to see we were nearing the top, only upon arrival I realized this was yet another ridge. It was not until the fifth ridge that I could see down on Cannon Creek Lake at the other side of the mountain. That was a marvelous sight. A plateau, but not the end of the journey. Some other time I will tell you about having to lean off a cliff and climb down a tree to get to the bottom. We had headed back in the wrong direction and had the choice between climbing down or going out and around for miles.
Life is rarely what you expect or an easy road. So, I want to encourage you. Hang in there, relax and enjoy the pursuit. It is ok to miss the mark, just keep striving. Every step toward that goal will bring new satisfaction and a new ridge to cross, but that's ok.    
​:) Craig