Saturday, October 1, 2011

The ANTs Disappeared and PAINT Made a Mesa

Ghost Ranch Mesa 30" x 30," on oil cradled panel--Image © 2011 Melinda S. Esparza It was really wonderful to hear from you all about your own struggles with ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts). I know that you work diligently to chase them away. I think you're successful. You inspire me to keep chasing mine away too. When they're gone, it is a good day. Here is a 30" x 30," oil on canvas, that I finished last night...sans ANTs.

13 comments:

Donald Diddams said...

ooohh... 30x30. Big. I bet its a knockout in person! I love that squiggly bit of texture down front -- obviously no ANTs holding you back here.

Melinda said...

Hi Don,

It has presence, let's say. Almost thought it would keep me awake last night...

But, that would be alright!

Thank you so much for stopping by. How are you doing with keeping the ANTs off of the woodwork?

Wishing you well.

Barbara Muir said...

Yum! What a beauty. You make me happy with your glorious work. And you also help clear the ANTs.

Thanks for both.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoBarbara

Melinda said...

Thank you, Barbara!
I think of painting as yummy too. Glad you like it. Some weeks are better than others when it comes to ANTs. Hope you are keeping them away as well.

Virtual hugs to you.

Anonymous said...

Another gorgeous painting, Melinda! The textures are intriguing indeed. Nice work! -- Nancy

Melinda said...

Hello Nancy!
Thank you so much. It is very textured. Difficult not to eat the paint that looks like thick icing, especially as I used the spatulas.

I hope you can come by and see it sometime (hint, hint: upcoming Open Studio Tour):-)

Anonymous said...

Melinda -- I sure hope this painting doesn't sell before the Open Studio Tour. Given the size and surface nuances, it needs to be seen in person. Looking forward to it! -- Nancy

Linny D. Vine said...

This is fabulous, Melinda!! I LoVE the textures and THE SIZE, TOO!! (and the playful post title!!)

Melinda said...

Thank you, Linny!

It's always such a treat to have you come by. You make my day when you do.

Glad you like this painting. I really enjoyed painting large again. It's a lot of physical work, but lots of fun.

Virtual hugs to you and yours.

cohen labelle said...

Melinda, I knew right off the bat, that you’d get those ‘ANTS’ to scram.
I made a quick mental note to myself that you especially were the kind of artist whose emotional highs and lows only served to benefit her work.
Your work - always beautiful, always sings!!!
xo, Marcia

Melinda said...

Ha! Marcia, sometimes I get lucky and make the right connections in my head and dispel all of the ANTs.

If we can use our ups and downs, and even redirect those ANTs, to inform our work, haven't we then overcome, in the way that we've always been encouraged to do?

It's worth the effort, isn't it?

Thank you, dear artist.

Jana Bouc said...

I enjoyed a nice long visit on your blog today, catching up. Gorgeous work! I especially like the Ghost Ranch Ancestors painting with the glowing forms (pueblos?) on the ridge.

Totally relate to the ANTS. The important thing for me is to notice them right away when it's just one or two to turn away. But when I fail to notice the first couple and buy into the negative message, pretty soon there's more and more of them...a whole army of nasty biting ants.

Melinda said...

Hello Jana!
Oh, I am so glad you enjoyed visiting my blog. The "ancestors" I referenced are the rocky peaks along the ridge, as though the ancestors (in stone now) are watching over the land. In fact, the reason the area is called Ghost Ranch is that the people of the region have stories about ancestral spirits making themselves heard there.

You're a wise woman, indeed. You've learned a secret I'm only just now grasping: To kill the one or two ANTs as soon as they show up, before being overrun with them!

Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment. It's a pleasure having you by and hope we'll keep in touch.