Expressive. I guess that’s the first word that comes to mind when I think about who I am. I remember one of my favorite gifts I received as a child was paper and pens. I recall wanting to write songs at an early age and spending lots of time alone pondering life and talking out loud as if someone were listening. I wasn’t really a big dreamer with a wild imagination. I was very much atune to reality (as I knew it) and wanted to explore what was in my heart and in response to the wonder and beauty I saw around me. My lifelong enemy, Fear, showed up right about the same time. At the age of 41 I am finally learning to tell Fear where to go and finding freedom to live more courageously and purposefully, expressing all that God has deposited into my heart. This is the good life. 
Painting is not something I have always done. It is a relatively new love. The making of art reflects the art of living–as art is a continual expression of forsaking fear, forging on to find freedom.
Elaine,
I think this is going to be a fascinating journey. I can’t wait to ride along.
Cindy
Good to hear from you. Took me a minute to figure out who “Cindy Harvey” was/is! I got it!!
Elaine dear-I LOVE your ARTWORK and DETERMINATION! You are INSPIRING ME to paint again (watercolor)! THANK YOU SO MUCH for SHARING!! I have recently cleaned out our guest bedroom to make way for painting-as much as I love sewing it was a sign from above when I moved some “stuff” and the machine fell off its perch and is no longer working. I gave it away (sewing is another passion but I haven’t done that in years either….) So now I have more space to paint (although I still have some cross stitch and hand sewing stuff which I cannot part with yet:-)- ONWARD STALWART AND FEARLESS ONE-I am enjoying your daily posts!!
Elaine!
I am excited about this and inspired by your courage. I too have wanted to paint for awhile and I finally started this year. I have done a few oil paintings and love it and I don’t think I am very good, but who cares. I have had a great teacher who says there aren’t any mistakes in painting just happy accidents. I look forward to reading your blog.
Looks like we’re on a similar path! Go for it Nina!
Wow, I am very excited for you! I am so glad that you included my on your journey.
Thanks for coming along!
Elaine,
I am so proud of you. Keep it up. This is going to be a fun ride!
Shaun
that means a lot Shaun! Thank you!
Elaine – This is a new side of you that I didn’t know. Congratulations on your talents and your determination!
Sharon
Elaine welcome to the wonderful world of blogging!!! I am thrilled to read your blog and get to know you in your colorful world. Love the format, so perfect for you! I love the 80 days 80 paintings idea! I admire your courage because I have been haunted by the blank canvas (or sketch book rather) myself and it sure does take a lot to step out there and create. I am definitely here to pray for you and cheer you on through this challenge! Many blessings!
Danielle, thanks for checking it out. Since you are a creative type, you’re words mean a lot. I haven’t tried to figure out the subscription thing. I’m going to ask you about that blank canvas of yours next time I see you. It’s hard, I know, to start but once you do…it will be so cool to see what comes OUT.
It is exciting to see the ways you continue to grow. God is good.
Love you.
Thanks, Dee, for looking. I’m so glad you are “in on it.” I love you too.
Elaine,
You continue to amaze me in your creativity, your drive, your genuiness, your faith. You are contageous and drawn people to you. I miss you, the depth of our visits and the opportunities to grow.
I love your paintings. I have spent the past year staring at blank canvas craving for some color. Metaphorically the canvas is my life the color I crave is wisdom and direction. May your work continue to inspire precious friend. :0)