"Spring Breeze"--Ocean Beach Painting is a Christmas Gift

     "Spring Breeze", an 18" x 24" acrylic painting on gallery-wrapped canvas, has now been adopted. My sister and her husband had a spot in their new Maryland  home that they hoped I could fill with an Atlantic Ocean beach painting. I was thrilled to send them images of 5 available pieces in various sizes and palettes (some in shops and one still in our home). They chose "Spring Breeze", a scene at Jacksonville Beach, Florida about 14 miles from our home. The difficulties involved in satisfactorily completing this piece have made it more precious to me, and I'm thrilled that they will enjoy it and that it will stay in the family.

     I am delighted when family members or special friends accept the gift of a painting (or a hand-painted silk scarf--see earlier post about that). Although I would not take a chance on presenting someone with a painting they may not have chosen for themselves or which may not fit in their home, it is a true joy to give a painting away when I know the recipients like and want it.

     I hope you and yours have a meaningful and merry holiday season and that the joy of giving remains central in your lives. All of you who are faithful readers of this blog are a gift to me. Thank you for providing me the opportunity to share photos and thoughts with you, and a special shout-out to those of you who kindly share your own thoughts in response.

Question of the day: What is a gift you have received that seemed particularly precious or meaningful?

Hand-painted Silk Scarf Gifts--Learning to Let Go

A gift a dear friend chose

     I have enjoyed giving some of my hand-painted silk scarves and landscape paintings to family and friends over the years. Giving is a joy to me, and sharing art I have made is a unique pleasure. Of course, it's a thrill to sell paintings or scarves, but right now, I am not marketing my work aggressively. So, even though I work quite slowly, I have a number of creations to share. 

For a precious extended family member

For a creative friend

For a dear relative who wants to frame it

     Since creating hand-painted silk scarves is relatively new to me, I am still experimenting and learning. Many are not planned for the colors and styles I would wear. Instead, they are created to help me grow in using the medium and to try a variety of colors, designs, and techniques. Today's post shows

a few of the scarves that I have given away. There are a number of others, but  it seems I didn't take pictures of all the scarves I made early on so can't show you all that became gifts.

For a fun college friend--a super reconnection

     It can be uncomfortable for people to be given art pieces that may or may not fit their lifestyle or preferences. Thus, I normally ask first or offer a choice of what is available with the understanding that it absolutely will not hurt my feelings if there is nothing in the current "stock" that the friend or family member wants at that point. There will always be more another time.

     Sometimes (especially with scarves), there are a couple that I really like myself. Occasionally, I am torn--truly wanting to offer the chosen item (or it would not have been among those displayed as possible gifts) and yet finding I don't quite want to part with the particular one someone chooses. It's a good lesson in letting go, and the joy of giving certainly overshadows any small reluctance to say good-bye to my creations.

Question of the day: When has giving been an unusually joyful experience for you?