Please see the 2021 UPDATED version of this journal entry HERE.

2/24/2020 Grace

Art thus enables us to experience life at second hand… and be educated to appreciate in time a wider experience for himself. …that people may be led through the vision of the artist to enlarge their experience of life.

~The Practice & Science of Drawing, by Harold Speed

There is more to this quote, but I want to sit with this first. The idea of enlarging your world, your view, and your understanding of others. Not judging as quickly. Ideally, not judging at all, but we are human. For me, this is a path to grace.

I’m not sure where my concept of grace came from, but in my mind, grace involves giving someone a chance. Giving others a chance. Giving myself a chance, despite past mistakes or current expectations.

On the news this morning, I heard about a local conflict resolution center. It is working to transform relationships filled with guilt and resentment. What a beautiful mission. To take pain and disappointment and turn it into vulnerability and grace. It is a gift to others and can also be a valuable gift to give yourself.

In episode 168 of Art For Your Ear, Danielle Krisa and Pennylane Shen discuss relating to others by listening. It is important and transformative just to be heard. When we spend too much time trying to make a statement, we forget to listen.

As I was painting the small green girl, she wasn't turning out right. But, I gave myself a healthy dose of grace. I was listening to Danielle and Pennyland and reminding myself not to be too precious about it. So, Grace, it is.

I love hearing from you. Feel free to send me an email at hello@tiasunshine.art or comment on my Instagram or Facebook Page.

Today I also continued to add more transparent watercolor layers to She Rises. It was nice to paint with others for an open-paint day with Saline Painter’s Guild. I even cleaned up my studio and started a new sketch inspired by roses in my mother-in-law’s yard.

~ Tia Sunshine

Today’s Resources 2020:

• The Practice & Science of Drawing by Harold Speed

• Above book was recommended by Carrie Brummer at Artist Strong

• WEMU report on the Dispute Resolution Center

• Art For Your Ear, episode #167: Pennylane Made Me Cry