To be what we are, and to become what we are capable of becoming, is the only end of life.
-Robert Louis Stevenson
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To me, this new small painting, a piece about 7″ square on paper that is titled Fulfilled, feels totally peaceful. The road with its winding tracks that disappear over a small rise signifies a journey at its end for me and the Red Tree that appears on piece of land across the water represents the intended destination that is reached. The horizon here feels as though it might represent time or eternity.
Whatever the case, it has a great feeling of tranquility, one that feels very satisfying to me. Fulfilling.
This was one of those pieces that came easily, as though it fell from my hand without any thought or struggle. This is a sensation I have described in the past, saying that when it occurred earlier in my painting life I would not trust the ease with which it came. I still felt that struggle was necessary. Little did I know that what I sought required no struggle, In fact, this inner wrestling only took me further from the desired end, confusing me and obscuring the destination.
No, what was required was an acceptance of the moment and what I was. And am. And in this simple, quiet painting I think I see that.
PS– This painting, Fulfilled, is going to the Kada Gallery in Erie as part of my upcoming solo show there, Alchemy. The show opens Saturday, November 16th.
Redtree Times 
It tickles me that the road here looks like so many roads I drove during my trip. In fact, after traveling at 30 mph on so much gravel and dirt, I turned cowardly as I returned home Monday night. Rather than taking my normal route through Houston at the height of evening rush hour, I left the freeway and added an hour to my trip just for the pleasure of secondary roads.
In short, I chose to reject struggle in favor of an easier path – and arrived home with the same sense of tranquility your painting communicates. Interesting.
It’s always good to take the road less traveled…
On Thu, Oct 31, 2013 at 7:50 AM, Redtree Times
Oh my gosh, Gary. Calm and well being just jumps out of that piece.
It’s just what I needed today. I’ve been traveling extensively this Fall. My last trip is tomorrow. It’s all been good, but it’s wonderful to take a minute and soak in all the goodness that comes from your own “fulfillment.” Thank you for sharing your talent and your insights.
All the very best,
Susan
So good to hear from you, Susan. Thanks for kind words. Hope your travels have been fruitful. All the best to you!
On Thu, Oct 31, 2013 at 3:11 PM, Redtree Times
I love the house (I could live there next door to such a large tree); the Red Tree looks Japanese-Maple-in -fall-ish to me here; the “thinking-about-turquoise” blue of the “cross hatching” in the sky just sings.
I’m so glad you like the way the sky “sings,” as you say. If you could see the sky up close you would see blues and reds and yellows and violet, along with flecks of gold. A lot of voices singing there…
On Thu, Oct 31, 2013 at 9:18 PM, Redtree Times