This week's Wanderlust lesson was to first draw and then paint a self-portrait. We started with some collage papers. I used a torn page of vintage sheet music as well as both sides of a scrap of designer paper.
Next came the self portrait. I watched the video … I followed the instructions … but it looked worse than things I remember drawing in 2nd grade. I let it sit overnight, hoping I'd feel better in the morning … but nope.
So I decided, if in the other lessons I used paint and paper to cover up things I liked … why couldn't I use paper and paint to cover-up something I didn't like. I still know it's there … and I know I had the experience of creating it (which was the ultimate purpose) … but now I feel more joy when I look at my finished pages.
I had printed my reference photo on a piece of copy paper, so I cut it out and glued it over my painted photo (you can see a bit of my painted hair peeking out). Then I went back in with some white paint and more gesso to finish the page.
I thought the quote from my Buddha book summarized my intentions for the year, which was the focus of the page. I also want to seek experiences that bring me Joy and Peace.