That said, the first coat, the black gesso, was drying on a canvas last Saturday when the Handsome Ginger and the Model stopped by. The Handsome Ginger stopped dead in his tracks in front of the drying canvas and declared it wonderful just as it was.

I disagreed strongly, explaining the plans I yet had for it. But, as usual, his opinion won out. As he stood there gazing at it, he did allow that I could throw a "sploosh" of blue and red ("primary colors only, thank you") across it. I lobbied for a dribble of yellow (primary, of course) as well. After the Professor and his visitors left the house, I set up a "throwing station" in the studio. Ringing the space with plastic, I had a lovely time making the final mess for him...

These days I truly love making messes, and this one now hangs happily in the their home. I called it Youth because it semed so certain of itself, so definitely black and white. Delightful how our creations take on personalities of their own despite of our well laid plans, isn't it?

How have you honored your own creative gift today? Go for it, my friend. You've got something in there just crying to be born!