I'm sitting at my computer, a cup of tea slowly steaming beside me, as the rain splatters in irregular beats against my windowpane. Outside, it's thundering—loud and deep rumbles. If you listen closely, it sounds like the heavens are playing a great symphony. This cacophony of natural sounds feels weirdly pleasant; it makes the inside of my house feel even cozier.
Summer is drawing to a close, and I can already feel the subtle changes—the skies are grayer, and there's that crisp feeling in the air. Autumn is on its way, and I'm not sure what I think of it. I like summer's vibrant colors and warmth, but something about the golden tones of fall leaves and the fragrance of woodsmoke makes me long for a change.
I just finished my latest project, "Dogs by Maroy" (Coloring pages for kids). I've cherished every brushstroke and every splash of color that brings them to life. And there you have it! They are now online and ready for young hands to add their own rainbow of colors.
"You painted dogs just because my sister likes them." my son pointed out with that particular tone of indignant justice only children can muster. "But we have cats and rabbits. Why don't you paint them?"
Ah, the innocent knowledge of children. ;)
He is correct where he is correct. So, can you guess what's next on my project list? Cats or bunnies? But, unlike my children, who can jump from one toy to the next, I have a creative process that does not like to be rushed. And, oh! Not to mention the adult coloring pages I've been working on in the background.
Adult coloring pages are a very different beast—more complicated, more nuanced, and needing a degree of precision that children's sheets rarely require. If kid's coloring pages are pop songs, catchy and quick, the adult ones are symphonies, complex, and require a deeper level of involvement. They take time, and I can become lost for hours in complex patterns and start to color them myself.
So here I am, juggling these disparate endeavors in the same way that I have juggled numerous jobs and activities throughout my life. Isn't that its allure? The variety keeps things interesting. When I'm working on the more sophisticated adult pages, I find myself wishing for the simplicity and vivid colors of the children's pages. At times, the simple shapes and contours appear too simple, and I desire a challenge.
As the storm rumbles on and summer slowly fades away, I find myself at a crossroads of endings and beginnings. The dogs have finished, and the cats are now waiting. My tea has cooled, and I should probably prepare another cup shortly.
For the time being, I'll let the storm outside serenade me, matching its rumbling tones with the strokes of my brush as I decide whether to enter the sophisticated realm of adult coloring or the cheerful simplicity of children's sketching. But whatever I select, I know it will be the best option at the time.
So I keep painting. Because there is always a rainbow after a thunderstorm. And who knows what else? That rainbow might be formed entirely of cats and rabbits. ;)
Love, Sarah
P.S.: Play around with the Clip Studio time-lapse recording.
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