Painting and creative vibes

By Lori D. Bowers

A warm welcome to you from Crows Chase Cottage. Finally, yesterday, I began work on a new canvas 😀 I have already painted in several layers of trees and brown grasses. Definitely a work in progress. It needs details added to the trees, some different field grasses, and of course, I will be adding an old crooked fence. If I get to feeling especially brave, perhaps a little Bob Ross style shed in the background. Not sure yet what the final piece will look like, but I know there will be a YouTube marathon of Bob's cabin tutorials ahead. Even though I knew this piece would take a few days to complete, it felt relaxing to have paint all over my hands again. The feel of the brushes swooping this way and that, then tinkling against the glass rinse jars. How lovely that feeling when everything else melts away, leaving only the canvas and colors.


Strangely, it wasn't until my spouse pointed out what I painted up to this point was the ridge line and field that is adjacent to Crows Chase. I didn't even notice that when creating it. The painting had taken a new direction, being something completely different from what it was meant to be. So stepping back, I could see how the trees were rising, as if on a ridge, with the sunrise breaking over the upper level, and that lovely light pink morning sky we get here on occasion. I love those moments of surprise we get when creating. 


With yesterday being serene and bursting with creativity, of course today would have to be opposite 😏 I was to finalize moving some canvas and photos into my new space at FACS in Crossville by mid morning. That meant a long, early morning drive into Pikeville. Arriving well before opening hours, I let myself in with my new key and immediately noticed that one of the prominent artists had moved all of their work out of our gallery. A massive space had opened up, both wall and floor. Being in a hurry, I focused on what final pieces were to transfer. I texted the manager before leaving and was overjoyed when they offered me the area just vacated. It is a prime location near the front of our showroom. With my next day in studio not being until next week, they offered to move my artwork and set it up for me this weekend. Yes please 😃 I snapped a quick photo of the new space, and can't wait to see it with the proper lighting applied.  Grinning Possum has such a unique atmosphere, being more like an artistic loft studio instead of a formal gallery. And I am down for that ❤ Furthermore, the vibes from everyone are awesome! 

Studio showcase area at Grinning Possum

After a quick visit to Miller's Bread for an iced latte, it was time to drive back up the mountain. The humidity was already settling heavily in the valley, so I was more than ready to be back in Crossville. Once at FACS, I set up my display wall and added my inventory to their computer. I love the pegged walls throughout their gallery. It is definitely more boutique styled there, bringing its own unique vibe. 


My 'Homage to Matisse', 'Grey September', and 'Adrift' fit in perfectly. I also added a few framed and matted photo prints to round out the selection nicely. OK, cue the excitement of keeping track of each locations inventory and remembering to write down when transfers occur 💁 But I have a nifty plan   for getting that information organized and advertised.....things in the works 👏 More about that coming soon. 

Now for tomorrow.... painting. Ideas are swirling and I want to get busy. Isn't  it difficult to find peaceful moments in our lives, being still. With most days feeling like we are jumping time windows with TVA Loki, not knowing exactly what time it is or what you're supposed to accomplish in that moment. (Little hint, I'm a massive Loki fan, and Dr. Who nerd) Apologies, I am meandering. 😂 

Sometimes, we just need to be still and listen to what our creativity is trying to communicate. Yes, it is difficult, sometimes feeling impossible. But there are those moments. Moments that will surprise you. In the midst of chaos, create. 

With kindest regards, from Crows Chase Cottage

'Homage to Matisse'


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