Palo Verde, once a seed, lightly nurtured, now flourishing. (Click for details.)
When I first got the idea to become a painter I was 55.
I was driving home from work one evening waiting for a red light to change. I turned my head and looked in a gallery window. What came over me at that moment was both unexpected and life changing. I thought to myself, “I could do that.”
Not that I could paint like that. Not yet. But that person had figured it out; I could figure it out.
But when? I had a full-on job, so full I brought work home. We were raising children and involved in their lives. I was on multiple boards. My travel schedule was such that I was always carrying tickets for my next trip. I was somewhere in the middle of a mid-life master’s degree program. We were involved at church.
I wasn’t complaining; I loved it all. But how to get this new seed in the ground?
Weeks and then months passed and I wasn’t able to even start. Then one day, after dinner, I set up a card table in the corner of a room, got my materials out, and began to play. It was very low key. I painted in oils in a sketch book. Very impractical, as oils dry slowly and you can’t even turn the pages, but that’s what I did.
I repeated this the next day, and the next, and next. It was just for an hour or so, playing in the paint, then leaving the mess out so I could sit down and immediately be doing it again.
I found that even in a busy schedule, I could do this. I could reserve an hour each day, at a given time and in a given place.
The seed in the ground, after that it was just regular nurturing.
I still had no idea where this was all going, but it didn’t matter: I was painting.
Now it’s my occupation.
These things start small. They’re seeds. They just have to be put in the ground, then nurtured. After that, growth is only natural.
What’s your seed?
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
9:29 am
Hyatt! I needed inspiration this morning and you delivered with these words! Thank you!
9:37 am
Well, I have made changes ten minutes ago re: what we talked about regarding the gallery. Its gonna be interesting.
My motto has been, for years, that we plant the seed and God grows the tree. If a tree is not growing or has been pruned back to a stump, then its time for new seed plantings. Or going in a new direction carrying the same seed. Perhaps the seed planting is on the inside of us and not outside?
:)
9:41 am
Very cool story, Hyatt. It was like me and teaching. Me? Quiet, introverted, keep-to-myself me? Well, after taking a noon hour supervisor job in college at La Jolla Elementary and warming up to the world of young children, I thought, “I could do this.” As with you, a seed planted and the rest is history. Furthermore, it’s 40+ years later and I’m still loving it. It’s when I feel God’s pleasure and loving purpose. He knew me, and was resolved to give me the true desires of my heart. Ps. 37:4.
9:43 am
I started painting at 53, now 59, and retiring on June 28. Can’t think of anything I want to do other than paint and explore the art business.
Not sure where it is going to lead, but the seed has sprouted and now I will have more time to nurture.
Thanks for coaching me along this journey and becoming my friend.
9:58 am
I enjoyed hearing you speak at Community Pres. church last Friday and I’ve always been awed by your art. I relate with your seed metaphor as an inspiration to my life.
My art and writing life started with a similar lightning bolt one summer afternoon. I quit my teaching job, trained to be a swim teacher in the summer so I could bring in some income,, took classes in the winter, then proceeded to paint in watercolor and write and illustrate children books and paint fine art.
My spiritual life also started with a strong seed, planted by God, deep into my soul, that got me through an abusive childhood without parental spiritual mentoring. So this God-planted seed keep me always yearning to be close to God and to learn about Him and His mysterious spiritual
Kingdom. This thirst sent me on a lifetime into Bible studies and prayer which is the main source of my creative life.
I feel my spiritual seeds are interconnected like the threads woven into the tapestry of my soul, with vibrant colors, shades, depth and value.
Peace be with you, Julie
10:29 am
That’s a great testimony to your start as a painter, and another career. I don’t have a “seed” story. Makes me a bit sad, I’d love to be good at something. By good, I mean above average or higher. I only seem to be average at most of what I attempt. However, I do feel that the Lord leads me here and there and gives me some spiritual successes to lift me up. It feels like there is something I’ve missed. Maybe I’ll find it or maybe I’ll find that I’ve been doing it all along. Always searching.
10:31 am
Again, soo good. Thank-you!
12:51 pm
I love this story because it reveals your great approach to life.
I want to adopt your low-key, matter of fact technique for cultivating the seed!
1:48 pm
I love this story. Always inspiring.
2:29 pm
I love this encouragement, Hyatt. I have unused sketch books and other artistic items that are sitting on a shelf just waiting for that moment of inspiration. You sent the inspiration today. Thanks. Judie
4:46 pm
AWESOME Hyatt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I did not know you were so old when you started and also that you were intrenched in a work world and family and church life that was crazy too!!! WOW! I thought you were younger when you started. This gives me hope still with my painting too. But for right now, God has me in the Design areas. I will persevere like you do for sure! Thank you! Lisa
6:20 pm
I love the inspiration and dedication here. I wish I had a “seed.” Wait a minute, I think I have some water colors & paper around here! Mmm!
9:44 pm
Hi dear Hyatt!
such an inspiration!! However, there has to be a
gift from God in there! I would never to able to look
at a painting & “say I could do that”!!! Never!!
You are much more special & gifted by our Father, & how
you have used it to Bless others!!!
Barbara Mitchiner
12:20 am
Wow, Hyatt! This came at the perfect time! Thank you.
6:32 am
Pretty good stuff Hyatt.
You MUST collect this all and produce a devotional book for artists.
Keep blessing us,
Pastor Adam Barton
Akron, Ohio
9:15 am
great idea- devotional book for artists! yours would be the first! okay, i have this part right: “leave the mess out…” sigh.
6:08 pm
The Lord tapped on your shoulder that day driving down Laguna, and you listened.
A wonderful testimony to His planting and His hope in each and everyone one us.
Thanks Hyatt.
1:08 pm
I agree with Pastor Adam and Sue…a great devotional book in the making are your blogs! Grandma Moses didn’t start painting till her 70’s, you were 55…inspiring for this 58 year old to let the paint fly!
12:07 pm
the seed in the ground may be my favorite so far
extremely inspirational
just like the old adage: journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step
Thanks Hyatt for sharing and inspiring – again and again
Lora