Oil Pastel Painting: “full Moon Song”

It's quite obvious, I can’t get enough of my oil pastels. For this painting I’ve used some photo’s which I’ve found online for reference, to be able to draw the wolf and the woman in the right pose. The whole painting is made with shades of grey and blue in order to create a nighttime feel.  So far it has been a great oil pastel adventure…

Eight of Arrows – We Struggle Because We Have Hope

 

Today’s card is the Eight of Arrows (Swords) from the Wildwood Tarot. We see a young woman struggling to find her way through the snow and the blizzard. There are eight broken and wasted arrows lying in the snow, with no use to anyone anymore. The woman is carrying a lit lantern, which is a symbol of her hope to eventually find her way again. Everybody knows how it feels to be in a situation like this; to be challenged by choices and dilemmas, which are often calling for harsh and sometimes painful decisions. And we know we are the ones who have to make them. Life can be cruel and difficult but we are fueled with hope that we will prevail. Otherwise we wouldn’t struggle and fight to overcome these challenges. And what will our destination be, once we have survived this storm?

The Six of Arrows. We are heading for the port to set sail on our boat towards calm weather. Now that we have left behind our broken arrows, our old thought patterns, we are energized with new possibilities and ideas. There are boundaries to cross. New reasonings will be tested, and new approaches will be researched. What wonders may lie ahead???

Personally I’ve experienced yesterday a minor struggle of my own.  After reading Bev’s blogpost “indulging the Ego” I was wondering what hidden agenda I myself had for creating art and why my ego is always so hesitant to create since it would probable result in praise.  Or is my ego afraid that I will ruin the drawing and it won’t get it’s quick fix. Some part of me wanted to start drawing again so badly and finally, late at night I succeeded to overcome my inner adversary and I drew a woman’s face. Maybe I should call her Hope.

The Chariot - Confident I’m on my way!

Today’s card is the Chariot form the Crystal Visions Tarot. As most chariot cards this one too radiates willpower, self confidence, perseverance and victory. The woman riding this chariot, is a young warrior leaving the safety of the town and castle behind her. She is holding her reins with only one hand which tells us she’s in total control over the horses, who would rather choose their own direction. One is black, the other is white as a symbol of opposing and/or conflicting emotions and ideas. But the charioteer doesn't seem to be bothered. She know where she has to go in order to be victorious. She is  also accompanied by two sharp eyed eagles who help her to make the right decisions along the way.

She does remind me of Freya riding her chariot in the sky with her two cats. She is to me also a representative of fiery strength and self confidence.

Yesterday I've gathered my strength and  I went upstairs to look at some old paintings and drawings I've made. After that I've picked up a piece of paper and only two pencils and an eraser. Nothing more. I started doodling and I felt good. It was difficult to let go of having to make a “beautiful “and finished” drawing. Finally just before dinner I've drawn a duckling. So no time to make it perfect either. I have enjoyed myself so much (humming !!!) and I was so relieved to be able to eliminate the blockage and stifle my inner critic. It was an empowering experience. I definitely feel something has shifted. J

“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think”.  Winnie The Pooh