Like most people, I love the thought of immediate gratification. I want everything to come to me easily and quickly.  But as I get older, I realize that sometimes you have to be patient. 

I had to come to this realization when I started painting with acrylics. I’ve watched a ton of tutorials but for me it wasn’t easy. It took me some time to put all the pieces together. I think it’s always like that when I am learning a new skill. There is the intellectual knowledge of all the tools I have, canvas, paint, brushes, and color theory. Then there is the physical aspect of handling the brushes and paint. Working multiple parts of my brain and also training my arm and hand to move at the right pace, the right angle, the right touch to get the paint to move the way I want.

Adopt the pace of Nature. Her secret is patience.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

I painted “Take It Slow” at a time when I felt the need to really put the work in to learn this craft of painting in acrylic. 

I’m glad I did, the entire process was really meditative and I was fully present in the decision making on this piece. 

I love this painting.  Months later I think it’s still my all-time favorite. The snail, the wood grain and the acorn cap wheels  – those little details delight me. 

And I love that it’s got its own story! This is one of those silly, “does this make sense?” kinds of compositions.  If the title is “Take it Slow” – why not let the snail… snail along like normal? Wouldn’t that be slower than pulling it? Where are they going? 

It’s a reminder that I need to take it slow, but dammit, I want it to be just a little faster! LOL <3