Painting as Tribute

A tribute: a thing said, done or given as a mark of respect. ~Oxford Dictionary.

Robert Genn's video above points out that painting can be a tribute to many worthy subjects such as nature, beauty, mankind, history, etc.

Enjoy this inspiring video by Robert Genn, The Painter's Keys

Painting, A Prayer Journey

Digital Image, by S'zanne Reynolds

"Work is love made visible." ~Kahlil Gibran

In his March 11 bi-weekly newsletter, Robert Genn talks about painting as a "spiritual event...a sort of a visual prayer--honoring the gifts that surround us and the life we've been given."

Robert elaborates on his vision of painting as a prayer below, dispelling the myth that art is somehow selfish, self-indulgent or without purpose. I love to think of this whether I'm painting, photographing, writing or being creative in the kitchen!

From Robert Genn:

"A spiritual awakening is often found and developed in a wilderness. It can be a poem or a parable of a deep forest, a mountain meadow or a cactus-studded desert. The outdoor spirit of plein air refreshes and further enables the indoor studio chapel. Each new creative beginning is a confirmation of the simple truth of taking care. And while it may all appear to be self-indulgent and isolating, every thought, every stroke, every caress of the brush adds a small refreshment of meaning and purpose to our universe."