Beth, your paintings and reflections truly capture the magic of process over perfection—they’re inspiring and calming. Thank you for sharing both your art and your experience of these quiet, transformative moments.
I agree with you about art being about the process and exploration. And how important art is for our own well being. Look at a Van Gogh, his art was his much needed therapy, as you are finding out by making art rather than fighting insomnia. Especially right now, in our nation’s swirling and terrifying climate, art is a necessary balance.
I love the changes to your recent painting. Just beautiful. And I feel in it a sense of wonder and serenity. The shading in the mountains gives the piece beautiful depth and the stars gives me a hopeful feeling.
As for your instructor’s goal to have his work in a museum ‘someday’, well that’s one way to look at making art. It’s looking for validation instead of looking at the act of pure creation. As you found dealing with your insomnia, creating art in its pure form is also an act of self care.
You are so right about my oil painting instructor's wanting validation instead of appreciating the act of creation.
I'm so glad you brought up Van Gogh because it does seem to me that art was his therapy. I think of him often, in fact. Yes, while I was originally upset at coping with yet another night of insomnia, I am so glad I made those wee hours of the morning such a productive time. Although I was tired that day, I felt that I made the most of my time instead of wasting it being frustrated at my inability to sleep.
I'm so glad you enjoy how my landscape is unfolding. It has been a joy to paint.
Let's continue to devote ourselves to art. For me, it's the best way toward peace of mind.
Oh, how I love this: "But I don’t buy into the notion that art becomes more meaningful when it graces museum walls." That resonates as I someimes feel like my writing isn't as worthy as that of well-known writers, including bigger-name Substackers. It's hard not to compare our art, and then, you offer us this reminder, this incredible validation. Thank you for that, my friend. All art matters.
I didn't know you woke so frequently during the night. I do too! Not as early as you, though. Lately, I've been waking up around 3 or 4. I tell myself, I'll give myself one hour to fall back asleep and if by then, I have not, I get up and enjoy the early morning hours. I don't generally write during those early, early hours. It's more a quiet, reflecting time. With coffee, of course. I plan, make mental notes, and just think. My most productive writing time is morning into early afternoon. It varies, though. And now with Husband home more being semi-retired, it's been a little more challenging to stay focused. lol
I love your watercolor of the bunch of grapes. I feel like I could pluck one off! Very delicate work. And the mountain painting is gorgeous. Yes, what a transformation from the clouds! I love the layered look and the beautiful colors you created. And the comet is the perfect added touch to go along with the stars. There's a glow to the whole painting that is calming and just lovely.
Thank you for sharing your art process as well as the final pieces, of course. I hope you are able to sleep more peacefully more nights than not. I think the entire nation is fatigued. xo
Nancy, I love how you connect Beth’s words to your own creative and reflective routines. It’s such a lovely reminder that art and expression are deeply personal, not measured by fame or comparison.
None of us are less than. You are an awesome writer, and I totally get it. It is so easy to compare ourselves to others; I've done it myself. But your words are so useful, for they are words of comfort and advocacy, and you have a uniqueness in the world, as does each of us.
I know of one writer whose memoir got picked up by a huge publisher and sold many books, he did book signings, traveled the country, as his publisher promoted him, met famous people, etc.. It was a whirlwind.
Turns out, he never achieved the success with his second book as he did with the first book. In fact, he kind of faded into oblivion. It made me sad that here is a quality writer, who had a huge platform, and achieved notoriety for his work, but publishing is a fickle industry. I'm hoping he still looks back at that time, sees it as an extraordinary moment -- but a moment just the same, to go by so fast.
Ah yes, I should be a vampire -- that's how crazy my sleep schedule is. I only got 2 hours of sleep last night, with all the country's problems weighing heavy on my mind.
You get up pretty early yourself! I think it's great that you use the early morning time to reflect. I think having "Me" time is so vital. Everything in society seems to be rush-rush-rush. Slowing down is so important.
I'm so glad you enjoy the grapes; I spent hours on it, but it felt like a minute. And thank you for the kind words about my night-sky painting. That was a huge surprise to me, as it turned out so much differently than it started out.
I agree that our nation is fatigued. Hang in there, my friend. And let's hope for better days ahead (and more sleep).
I create art for selfish reasons – it feels good to create, and I enjoy challenging myself. But I also create art to help build community between me and my viewers, fellow artists, as well as to evoke emotions. I love the idea of using art in this way. I can feel it in your work. It is beautiful whether it is on the wall of a museum or in a book.
Oh thank you so much, Phyllis, for the kind words, and I am so glad my words had such a positive effect on you.
I so appreciate your readership and viewership. I'm blown away by your high praise of my art. I absolutely love the process of creating art; it is so relaxing and calming. And knowing that others appreciate it makes me feel wonderful.
". . .I don’t buy into the notion that art becomes more meaningful when it graces museum walls.
Visual art is more powerful than this." Just like writing doesn't become more meaningful when if you sign with a publisher and dance doesn't become more exquisite only if it's American Ballet Theater you're dancing for.
There's something magical that happens when we get out of bed and go straight to making art. My best poetry is written between 5:00 and 6:00 am, provided I don't let anything distract me before hand -- the trick is to get out of bed and write. Or as you did, get out of bed and paint. It's like you are tuned into the universe before all the obligations, concerns and considerations begin to pull you away from the depths of dreams and images asking to be felt. At least that's how I explain it.
Loved the grapes. Such a delicate touch. It will be interesting to see if you add to it. And those mountains! I have seen those mountains and the night sky punctuated by shooting stars, streaking across the sky. When I looked at the painting I saw Joshua Tree, California. A beautiful desert place that comes alive in the heavens in the deeper hours of night.
As always, my friend, I love your art, your process, the goodness of your heart that surely will leave a legacy of human kindness. Oh those mountains! Oh that magic time, a time with one foot in the dream world and one on the studio floor. With so much love and appreciation today, thank you for this beautiful sharing.
Oh dear Stephanie, thank you for your insightful, warm comment. I love your examples about how writing isn't more meaningful when published, or that a dancer isn't doing more meaningful work if dancing for a major well-known company.
You are a true wordsmith, and I am in awe of your prose and poetry. I find it so wonderful to read your work, and I thank you for sharing a bit of your writing routine. Several creatives have told me that they begin their work early in the morning.
As you explain it so aptly, "It's like you are tuned into the universe before all the obligations, concerns and considerations begin to pull you away from the depths of dreams and images asking to be felt."
Maybe that's why many creatives like morning work? Because they're not already steeped in the distracting matters that the day eventually brings? Of course, there are late-night people creating in the middle of the night, so I guess it depends on the creative's preference.
I generally love working in the early morning, as well, although 1 a.m. is not my ideal time! For me, I need to create art without interruptions. And when the day starts, I don't have the time I really want and need in order to create.
I am so glad you love the grapes! Yes, I will be adding darker colors to each grape and try to make the pencil marks less visible. For me, watercolor requires more thought than oils, perhaps because oil paints are more forgiving of errors and I'm more familiar with this medium. One day I'd like to do a watercolor landscape, but as I'm a beginner, I am focusing on things I can better control like still lifes.
That's so amazing that you've seen these types of mountains and the night sky in all of its splendor. What an amazing sight! I was definitely thinking of the West when creating this landscape, as well as making the landscape somewhat dreamlike.
Thank you, as always, for your support and loving comment. I always look forward to your posts -- whether prose or poetry or both. You lift me up. ❤
We lift each other up. Google images for Joshua Tree, CA at night — your painting so much reminds me of that place and I had some beautiful times there.
Agree that 1pm is a little early for art work, but as you say, it’s finding that stretch of welcoming time with no other distractions that gets one into the zone. I’ve known some wonderful writers who did their best work from 9:00 to 11:00pm — once the world around them had settled down.
Do you keep a little notebook of what colors to combine at what proportions to get something like those amazing purple mountains? When I’m working on a manuscript, I keep an old-school three-ring binder with themes, questions, answers, desires, outlines and such. Wondered if painters did something similar.
That you got up and painted at 1am instead of grinding your teeth was an act of self-care and self-love and oh, those mountains!
Big hugs from your forever friend and fan. ~stephanie
Oh my gosh! I saw the night images of Joshua Tree. So stunning and amazing!
I would think that a binder would be so helpful when putting together a manuscript. After all, if you get an idea, including it in the binder is such a good idea. :)
I know that several artists have a notebook of colors that they can refer to when trying to create certain colors. Alas, I'm not as disciplined. I keep telling myself that this would be a good thing.
However, I also like experimenting and being surprised by different color combinations. It often turns out that I rarely use exactly the same exact colors/proportions of colors twice, And, to me, this is such a thrilling aspect of painting. Of course, I've experimented, only to find the color combinations less than stellar.
Thank you so much for the encouragement of my mid-night foray into art. You are right: it is an act of self-care and self-love.
Notebooks aren't for everyone. . . but my memory needs a little help sometimes, so they work well for me. It's quirky and lovely and fun that you like to be surprised when working with color and different pieces. I can see where that could be a good thing. Sometimes discipline is a yoke, when what is needed are wings.
Joshua Tree is gorgeous! I think it would be great to be there, looking at the stars illuminating the sky.
Thank you for enjoying the fact that I like to be surprised. (Plus I'm probably a little too lazy to have a notebook -- LOL)
Your last sentence in this comment illustrates what an extraordinary writer you are: "Sometimes discipline is a yoke, when what is needed are wings." LOVE this.
Beth- I love the watercolor you created. I am glad you found a way to soothe yourself when you had insomnia. I struggle with it, too, and it can get so frustrating! The night sky painting with the mountains is looking great! I agree that the color of the mountains is beautiful!
I am so glad that you are enjoying my watercolor and the night sky painting. Soothing oneself through art is less painful than laying in bed getting annoyed that he/she cannot sleep. Yes, I'm in love with the purple mountains!
I'm so sorry that you are struggling with insomnia, too. I hear that so many people are struggling with sleep nowadays. I love your article on sleep habits, and I'm sharing it here:
Beth I couldn't love this blog post any more if I tried! Words of wisdom and truth here! I just want to frame and put next to my computer: "I don’t buy into the notion that art becomes more meaningful when it graces museum walls. Visual art is more powerful than this. Art is a living language, and everyone who partakes or even entertains the idea of creating is an artist."--Beth Gainer. You bring us all into this loving, harmonious and symbiotic community of creatives where we can all generously participate in the sharing and savoring of each other's work--without the fear of a having to deal with a hierarchy of great art that's great because it happens to be in a museum. Art is in the attempt, in the intention and in the inspiration and love that comes out of steadily building up one's craft. Your painting here show grace and beauty Beth--it's such a joy and privilege to be part of your incredible artistic journey!
Wow, Gerry. Thank you so much for your high praise. What I really love about Substack is the ability to find and communicate with kindred spirits -- such as other creatives. It is wonderful to appreciate each other's words in the safe space that is Substack.
I know there's competition in the art world and the writing world, but I believe it is so much better to support each other by sharing our work, and therefore a part of ourselves, than to have animosity toward others.
As a side note, my best memories of going to museums is when we went to The Art Institute together. I loved sitting with you in front of a painting and being mesmerized by the sheer power of the artworks.
There's so much truth in your words Beth - it really is the journey not the destination that counts. Yes it can be fulfilling to share work but really it's those moments creating that have the deepest impact on us. I do love the community that sharing work can build as well - here on Substack for instance, I feel I've found my tribe amongst a small group of people and that feeling of being amongst kindred spirits is also so welcoming. As for the painting - what a transformation, I love the deep colour of the mountains, it's beautifully deep.
Lin, I love that you believe in the journey. And I agree that the process of creation is so wonderful.
I also feel the same about Substack and how it allows us to find our tribe of kindred spirits. I had no idea when I started my Substack how rich and fulfilled my life would be, given the kind, talented people I've encountered. People like you.
I'm so glad you are enjoying the color of the mountains. Yes, the painting totally shocked me because I've never changed the subject of a painting so dramatically!
So true. Art is a gift that we can take, give, use, and share anyway we want to. I’m glad you found a way to help ease your mind on those sleepless nights. And I love that purple!
Alene, you are an awesome artist, and I look up to you as a role model. I think so many of us are suffering through tough times. We just have to hang in there.
And I would love to get some sleep! So glad you love the purple.
Great job on your two paintings. The shading on your mountains look amazing as well as the swirling stars. Isn't it comforting to know you have something to turn to that brings you joy? I, too, am experiencing insomnia -- waking up around 1 am and lying awake for about 2 hours. Very frustrating.
Thank you so much about your kind comment on my art pieces. And, yes, in the dark night, when I am feeling upset about being unable to sleep, even while being exhausted, it feels good that I can turn to art.
Last night I only got two hours of sleep. Yikes! I'm really feeling it today.
I'm so sorry you've been having insomnia, too. It is incredibly frustrating, and I hope you can get some rest soon.
Oh Beth, I love, love, love how you return again and again and again to the simple Truth that art IS a living language. Something we make for the joy of making ... for the magick spell it casts, for the way it steadies us all when the world feels too sharp and we need to soften it’s edges a little.
Thankfully my own 'creative' waking time (as I like to call it!) is somewhere between 5 and 6am most days. And perhaps I need to grumble less about it, because the way you describe painting in your own early hours ... letting colour soothe what insomnia unsettles ... feels so wise and tender. A reminder that creativity is one of the gentlest forms of self care we all have.
Your reflections on legacy resonate deeply … that how we treat others matters even more than what we create … land with such grounded grace. Your paintings, your process, your honesty, your kindness … they all speak with a warmth that lingers long after the reading.
Thank you so much for putting the heArt back into art. 💖🙏🖼️
Thank you so much for your wise words of support. I always appreciate your incredible perspective. You are a true artist, my friend, and we who are wrapped in the spell that art gifts us are luckier for it. You said it so well: "A reminder that creativity is one of the gentlest forms of self care we all have."
So true. No matter what worries we have or whatever turbulent times occur, we are lucky to have creative pursuits. The world would be a much duller place if we didn't have them.
I love your term "'creative' waking time," and I am always in awe of your breathtaking words!
Lovely, thank you
Thank you, Derek, for reading and commenting.
Beth, your paintings and reflections truly capture the magic of process over perfection—they’re inspiring and calming. Thank you for sharing both your art and your experience of these quiet, transformative moments.
Thank you so much, Marie, for your generous words and insights. Art is such a wonderful way to express oneself -- and so relaxing, too.
I agree with you about art being about the process and exploration. And how important art is for our own well being. Look at a Van Gogh, his art was his much needed therapy, as you are finding out by making art rather than fighting insomnia. Especially right now, in our nation’s swirling and terrifying climate, art is a necessary balance.
I love the changes to your recent painting. Just beautiful. And I feel in it a sense of wonder and serenity. The shading in the mountains gives the piece beautiful depth and the stars gives me a hopeful feeling.
As for your instructor’s goal to have his work in a museum ‘someday’, well that’s one way to look at making art. It’s looking for validation instead of looking at the act of pure creation. As you found dealing with your insomnia, creating art in its pure form is also an act of self care.
Hi Susan,
You are so right about my oil painting instructor's wanting validation instead of appreciating the act of creation.
I'm so glad you brought up Van Gogh because it does seem to me that art was his therapy. I think of him often, in fact. Yes, while I was originally upset at coping with yet another night of insomnia, I am so glad I made those wee hours of the morning such a productive time. Although I was tired that day, I felt that I made the most of my time instead of wasting it being frustrated at my inability to sleep.
I'm so glad you enjoy how my landscape is unfolding. It has been a joy to paint.
Let's continue to devote ourselves to art. For me, it's the best way toward peace of mind.
Hi Beth,
Oh, how I love this: "But I don’t buy into the notion that art becomes more meaningful when it graces museum walls." That resonates as I someimes feel like my writing isn't as worthy as that of well-known writers, including bigger-name Substackers. It's hard not to compare our art, and then, you offer us this reminder, this incredible validation. Thank you for that, my friend. All art matters.
I didn't know you woke so frequently during the night. I do too! Not as early as you, though. Lately, I've been waking up around 3 or 4. I tell myself, I'll give myself one hour to fall back asleep and if by then, I have not, I get up and enjoy the early morning hours. I don't generally write during those early, early hours. It's more a quiet, reflecting time. With coffee, of course. I plan, make mental notes, and just think. My most productive writing time is morning into early afternoon. It varies, though. And now with Husband home more being semi-retired, it's been a little more challenging to stay focused. lol
I love your watercolor of the bunch of grapes. I feel like I could pluck one off! Very delicate work. And the mountain painting is gorgeous. Yes, what a transformation from the clouds! I love the layered look and the beautiful colors you created. And the comet is the perfect added touch to go along with the stars. There's a glow to the whole painting that is calming and just lovely.
Thank you for sharing your art process as well as the final pieces, of course. I hope you are able to sleep more peacefully more nights than not. I think the entire nation is fatigued. xo
Nancy, I love how you connect Beth’s words to your own creative and reflective routines. It’s such a lovely reminder that art and expression are deeply personal, not measured by fame or comparison.
Agreed, Marie.
Hi Nancy,
None of us are less than. You are an awesome writer, and I totally get it. It is so easy to compare ourselves to others; I've done it myself. But your words are so useful, for they are words of comfort and advocacy, and you have a uniqueness in the world, as does each of us.
I know of one writer whose memoir got picked up by a huge publisher and sold many books, he did book signings, traveled the country, as his publisher promoted him, met famous people, etc.. It was a whirlwind.
Turns out, he never achieved the success with his second book as he did with the first book. In fact, he kind of faded into oblivion. It made me sad that here is a quality writer, who had a huge platform, and achieved notoriety for his work, but publishing is a fickle industry. I'm hoping he still looks back at that time, sees it as an extraordinary moment -- but a moment just the same, to go by so fast.
Ah yes, I should be a vampire -- that's how crazy my sleep schedule is. I only got 2 hours of sleep last night, with all the country's problems weighing heavy on my mind.
You get up pretty early yourself! I think it's great that you use the early morning time to reflect. I think having "Me" time is so vital. Everything in society seems to be rush-rush-rush. Slowing down is so important.
I'm so glad you enjoy the grapes; I spent hours on it, but it felt like a minute. And thank you for the kind words about my night-sky painting. That was a huge surprise to me, as it turned out so much differently than it started out.
I agree that our nation is fatigued. Hang in there, my friend. And let's hope for better days ahead (and more sleep).
I create art for selfish reasons – it feels good to create, and I enjoy challenging myself. But I also create art to help build community between me and my viewers, fellow artists, as well as to evoke emotions. I love the idea of using art in this way. I can feel it in your work. It is beautiful whether it is on the wall of a museum or in a book.
Oh thank you so much, Phyllis, for the kind words, and I am so glad my words had such a positive effect on you.
I so appreciate your readership and viewership. I'm blown away by your high praise of my art. I absolutely love the process of creating art; it is so relaxing and calming. And knowing that others appreciate it makes me feel wonderful.
". . .I don’t buy into the notion that art becomes more meaningful when it graces museum walls.
Visual art is more powerful than this." Just like writing doesn't become more meaningful when if you sign with a publisher and dance doesn't become more exquisite only if it's American Ballet Theater you're dancing for.
There's something magical that happens when we get out of bed and go straight to making art. My best poetry is written between 5:00 and 6:00 am, provided I don't let anything distract me before hand -- the trick is to get out of bed and write. Or as you did, get out of bed and paint. It's like you are tuned into the universe before all the obligations, concerns and considerations begin to pull you away from the depths of dreams and images asking to be felt. At least that's how I explain it.
Loved the grapes. Such a delicate touch. It will be interesting to see if you add to it. And those mountains! I have seen those mountains and the night sky punctuated by shooting stars, streaking across the sky. When I looked at the painting I saw Joshua Tree, California. A beautiful desert place that comes alive in the heavens in the deeper hours of night.
As always, my friend, I love your art, your process, the goodness of your heart that surely will leave a legacy of human kindness. Oh those mountains! Oh that magic time, a time with one foot in the dream world and one on the studio floor. With so much love and appreciation today, thank you for this beautiful sharing.
Oh dear Stephanie, thank you for your insightful, warm comment. I love your examples about how writing isn't more meaningful when published, or that a dancer isn't doing more meaningful work if dancing for a major well-known company.
You are a true wordsmith, and I am in awe of your prose and poetry. I find it so wonderful to read your work, and I thank you for sharing a bit of your writing routine. Several creatives have told me that they begin their work early in the morning.
As you explain it so aptly, "It's like you are tuned into the universe before all the obligations, concerns and considerations begin to pull you away from the depths of dreams and images asking to be felt."
Maybe that's why many creatives like morning work? Because they're not already steeped in the distracting matters that the day eventually brings? Of course, there are late-night people creating in the middle of the night, so I guess it depends on the creative's preference.
I generally love working in the early morning, as well, although 1 a.m. is not my ideal time! For me, I need to create art without interruptions. And when the day starts, I don't have the time I really want and need in order to create.
I am so glad you love the grapes! Yes, I will be adding darker colors to each grape and try to make the pencil marks less visible. For me, watercolor requires more thought than oils, perhaps because oil paints are more forgiving of errors and I'm more familiar with this medium. One day I'd like to do a watercolor landscape, but as I'm a beginner, I am focusing on things I can better control like still lifes.
That's so amazing that you've seen these types of mountains and the night sky in all of its splendor. What an amazing sight! I was definitely thinking of the West when creating this landscape, as well as making the landscape somewhat dreamlike.
Thank you, as always, for your support and loving comment. I always look forward to your posts -- whether prose or poetry or both. You lift me up. ❤
We lift each other up. Google images for Joshua Tree, CA at night — your painting so much reminds me of that place and I had some beautiful times there.
Agree that 1pm is a little early for art work, but as you say, it’s finding that stretch of welcoming time with no other distractions that gets one into the zone. I’ve known some wonderful writers who did their best work from 9:00 to 11:00pm — once the world around them had settled down.
Do you keep a little notebook of what colors to combine at what proportions to get something like those amazing purple mountains? When I’m working on a manuscript, I keep an old-school three-ring binder with themes, questions, answers, desires, outlines and such. Wondered if painters did something similar.
That you got up and painted at 1am instead of grinding your teeth was an act of self-care and self-love and oh, those mountains!
Big hugs from your forever friend and fan. ~stephanie
Oh my gosh! I saw the night images of Joshua Tree. So stunning and amazing!
I would think that a binder would be so helpful when putting together a manuscript. After all, if you get an idea, including it in the binder is such a good idea. :)
I know that several artists have a notebook of colors that they can refer to when trying to create certain colors. Alas, I'm not as disciplined. I keep telling myself that this would be a good thing.
However, I also like experimenting and being surprised by different color combinations. It often turns out that I rarely use exactly the same exact colors/proportions of colors twice, And, to me, this is such a thrilling aspect of painting. Of course, I've experimented, only to find the color combinations less than stellar.
Thank you so much for the encouragement of my mid-night foray into art. You are right: it is an act of self-care and self-love.
Isn't Joshua Tree a cool looking place?!
Notebooks aren't for everyone. . . but my memory needs a little help sometimes, so they work well for me. It's quirky and lovely and fun that you like to be surprised when working with color and different pieces. I can see where that could be a good thing. Sometimes discipline is a yoke, when what is needed are wings.
Joshua Tree is gorgeous! I think it would be great to be there, looking at the stars illuminating the sky.
Thank you for enjoying the fact that I like to be surprised. (Plus I'm probably a little too lazy to have a notebook -- LOL)
Your last sentence in this comment illustrates what an extraordinary writer you are: "Sometimes discipline is a yoke, when what is needed are wings." LOVE this.
Beth- I love the watercolor you created. I am glad you found a way to soothe yourself when you had insomnia. I struggle with it, too, and it can get so frustrating! The night sky painting with the mountains is looking great! I agree that the color of the mountains is beautiful!
Hi Pam,
I am so glad that you are enjoying my watercolor and the night sky painting. Soothing oneself through art is less painful than laying in bed getting annoyed that he/she cannot sleep. Yes, I'm in love with the purple mountains!
I'm so sorry that you are struggling with insomnia, too. I hear that so many people are struggling with sleep nowadays. I love your article on sleep habits, and I'm sharing it here:
https://www.heilmanpsychologicalservices.com/blog-1/common-habits-that-worsen-sleep-problems?fbclid=IwY2xjawQF0M1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEev12zhJvGQUnhvc0jk6jNwny40k43Wu1LE9zHzNwBju2SmQve5Z0sOW6Cu9U_aem_ULKlDKufAbcefSEZRpQxHA
Thank you so much, @Rea de Miranda for sharing my latest piece.
Beth I couldn't love this blog post any more if I tried! Words of wisdom and truth here! I just want to frame and put next to my computer: "I don’t buy into the notion that art becomes more meaningful when it graces museum walls. Visual art is more powerful than this. Art is a living language, and everyone who partakes or even entertains the idea of creating is an artist."--Beth Gainer. You bring us all into this loving, harmonious and symbiotic community of creatives where we can all generously participate in the sharing and savoring of each other's work--without the fear of a having to deal with a hierarchy of great art that's great because it happens to be in a museum. Art is in the attempt, in the intention and in the inspiration and love that comes out of steadily building up one's craft. Your painting here show grace and beauty Beth--it's such a joy and privilege to be part of your incredible artistic journey!
Wow, Gerry. Thank you so much for your high praise. What I really love about Substack is the ability to find and communicate with kindred spirits -- such as other creatives. It is wonderful to appreciate each other's words in the safe space that is Substack.
I know there's competition in the art world and the writing world, but I believe it is so much better to support each other by sharing our work, and therefore a part of ourselves, than to have animosity toward others.
As a side note, my best memories of going to museums is when we went to The Art Institute together. I loved sitting with you in front of a painting and being mesmerized by the sheer power of the artworks.
That was glorious my friend. I would love to spend more moments like that with you!
There's so much truth in your words Beth - it really is the journey not the destination that counts. Yes it can be fulfilling to share work but really it's those moments creating that have the deepest impact on us. I do love the community that sharing work can build as well - here on Substack for instance, I feel I've found my tribe amongst a small group of people and that feeling of being amongst kindred spirits is also so welcoming. As for the painting - what a transformation, I love the deep colour of the mountains, it's beautifully deep.
Lin, I love that you believe in the journey. And I agree that the process of creation is so wonderful.
I also feel the same about Substack and how it allows us to find our tribe of kindred spirits. I had no idea when I started my Substack how rich and fulfilled my life would be, given the kind, talented people I've encountered. People like you.
I'm so glad you are enjoying the color of the mountains. Yes, the painting totally shocked me because I've never changed the subject of a painting so dramatically!
I love watching your creations emerge on the page, Beth--both on canvas (or sketchpad) and digital!
And yes, my mantra for getting through the swirl of these times--like yours--is create! create! create!
Thank you so much, Robin. You are right: creating is so important to get through these turbulent times.
I'm so very happy that we found each other on Substack. Your perspective always inspires me!
Right back atcha, Beth!
So true. Art is a gift that we can take, give, use, and share anyway we want to. I’m glad you found a way to help ease your mind on those sleepless nights. And I love that purple!
Alene, you are an awesome artist, and I look up to you as a role model. I think so many of us are suffering through tough times. We just have to hang in there.
And I would love to get some sleep! So glad you love the purple.
Great job on your two paintings. The shading on your mountains look amazing as well as the swirling stars. Isn't it comforting to know you have something to turn to that brings you joy? I, too, am experiencing insomnia -- waking up around 1 am and lying awake for about 2 hours. Very frustrating.
Hi Nancy,
Thank you so much about your kind comment on my art pieces. And, yes, in the dark night, when I am feeling upset about being unable to sleep, even while being exhausted, it feels good that I can turn to art.
Last night I only got two hours of sleep. Yikes! I'm really feeling it today.
I'm so sorry you've been having insomnia, too. It is incredibly frustrating, and I hope you can get some rest soon.
Art is a living language. Yes! Beautiful post, Beth. I love your art.
Awww, thank you, Rea. I really am moved that you appreciate my art and post. I so appreciate you!
Oh Beth, I love, love, love how you return again and again and again to the simple Truth that art IS a living language. Something we make for the joy of making ... for the magick spell it casts, for the way it steadies us all when the world feels too sharp and we need to soften it’s edges a little.
Thankfully my own 'creative' waking time (as I like to call it!) is somewhere between 5 and 6am most days. And perhaps I need to grumble less about it, because the way you describe painting in your own early hours ... letting colour soothe what insomnia unsettles ... feels so wise and tender. A reminder that creativity is one of the gentlest forms of self care we all have.
Your reflections on legacy resonate deeply … that how we treat others matters even more than what we create … land with such grounded grace. Your paintings, your process, your honesty, your kindness … they all speak with a warmth that lingers long after the reading.
Thank you so much for putting the heArt back into art. 💖🙏🖼️
Dearest Deborah,
Thank you so much for your wise words of support. I always appreciate your incredible perspective. You are a true artist, my friend, and we who are wrapped in the spell that art gifts us are luckier for it. You said it so well: "A reminder that creativity is one of the gentlest forms of self care we all have."
So true. No matter what worries we have or whatever turbulent times occur, we are lucky to have creative pursuits. The world would be a much duller place if we didn't have them.
I love your term "'creative' waking time," and I am always in awe of your breathtaking words!