The Muse Returns.....

6:43 PM

I caught a slight movement out of the corner of my eye. When I turned to look, she was standing there leaning against the door jamb. Back lit, her hair seem to be shot through with strands of glowing gossamer. She looked ethereal and other-worldly.

It was my muse, returned from a walkabout.

"Have you been creating?" she asked.

"No. I haven't had the time" I replied back. It was then that I noticed her crossed arms and the slight frown on her face. Trouble brewing. Trying to head it off I said, "Look, I've really got to get this video edited. I also have the tradeshow to get ready for and more classes to schedule."

She pushed away from the door jamb, and strolled over to the desk where she gently closed the laptop.

"To the studio. Now. You were suppose to be doing a memory sketch of the butterflies from Brahma Island. In fact, you promised" she quietly reminded me. Risking her wrath or another disappearance, I retorted, "Yes, well, I've not been on a walkabout for the last....how many weeks has it been now?"

Leaning back against the door jamb, she cocks an eyebrow. "Really? I could have been standing on my head in your studio singing Christmas carols at the top of my voice and you wouldn't have known it." She was right. Busted.

"Come on. Let's go," she said, heading out of the office.

"I don't have any of the photo refs printed" I called after her. She stuck her head back around the corner and said, "Yes.....and? It's a memory sketch. You don't need photo references."

"All I can remember about them is a vague, hazy impression. I have no idea what they looked like nor the flowers. I'm sorry, but I'm going to need the photos," I said.

This earned a sigh, and I do mean a long, heavy sigh. The likes that would make the champion sighers of the world, the Irish, proud to call her one of their own.

"Fifteen minutes" was all she said as she disappeared. "Wait a minute...." I responded to empty air. "You heard me" floated in from the other room.

In the fifteen minutes allotted to me, I managed to print two photos as well as find the name of the butterflies and the wildflowers they were sitting on......I could see her hand in this because ordinarily it would have taken hours of research.  

I stomped past her with my materials, headed for the studio. Exactly 15 minutes later. I was rewarded with another cocked eyebrow and a slight smile. [Mona Lisa has nothing on this one, I thought to myself.] Again, she was playing at her muse "thing" because there was my sketchbook, right where it was suppose to be. It's never where it's suppose to be.

I got comfy in the studio chair and started to sketch.....and time fell away.

She wandered in to look over my shoulder but made no comments.

Hours later, I realized she had slipped away. Unnoticed.......

Watercolor and Ink
6 x 8 inches
Nature Sketchbook

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22 Creative Thought(s)

  1. I love the conversations you have with your muse! She tries so hard to keep you on the painting path...THANK GOODNESS. Beautiful painting, so soft and the butterfly is about to fly away.

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  2. Boy, your muse is tough! I'm glad she cracked down on you and you listened, because your painting is lovely.

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  3. What a stern, but GOOD muse you have! She sure motivatd you to do this absolutely wonderful painting!!! It is just lovely in every way! :)

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  4. Laure: Do you think your Muse has a sister she could send up here to Missouri to get me going on artwork !!! Love the post. You are also an accomplished writer along with artist.
    Hope you are doing well.

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  5. I have become so adept at ignoring my muse I think she has run away. Good thing yours cracked down on you.. Lovely painting.

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  6. Love the story...got caught up in it...love the outcome as well.
    ;-)

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  7. Do you rent out your muse to other poor unfortunates? I'm amazed that this butterfly was done from memory - stunning!

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  8. What beautiful writing Laure! I think your muse has an effect on more than just your painting! Beautiful sketch!

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  9. A delightful conversation and a lovely sketch. Thanks!

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  10. Thanks, Teri!

    Yeah, KJ, she's tough, but then she's dealing with me so she has to be!

    Thank you, Cheryl!

    Thanks, Julie! She's a great motivator!

    Martha, you have a muse within—seek her out!

    Cris, I've found that muses forgive easily. Invite her to play...

    Thanks, Lynn!

    Thanks, Gillian, no it's not a memory sketch! It was suppose to be, but I waited too long!

    Thank you, Maree!

    Thanks, Vicki!!

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  11. It is amazing what one can do when one listens to their muse. Your muse is amazing as is your art. I like the lettering and of course nature is what I love.

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  12. Very creative post! Glad you're back to creating art after a dry spell.

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  13. Wonderful! I think your muse is a good one--love that green subtle background, Laure--and the way you handled the flower--beautiful!

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  14. Your posting made me smile - and I'm so glad you listened and visited the studio to create such a beautiful image!

    Then it made me sigh, because I need to do the same, and my muse must still be out and about. Ah, the cycle of creation!

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  15. I enjoyed this immensely! And what a wonderful painting as a result of your conversation!

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  16. Thank you, Lisa! The listening is the hardest part!

    Hey, Krista! Thanks!

    Thank you, Sue!!

    Elizabeth, I bet your muse is patiently waiting for you to notice her too!

    Thank you, Raena!

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  17. What a fun post ... and meaningful too. And the butterfly is wonderful. Thank you for bringing a smile to my face!

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  18. Sounds like you have a quite determined Muse there!

    Love the watercolor... so delicate and appealing.

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  19. Priceless accounting! A beauty of a treasured moment.
    The curser's snowflakes add a perfect touch. Thank you for inviting us into creation!

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  20. This dialogue is way beyond fun! Thanks so much for sharing your creativity and great sense of humor. I'm saving this one!!!

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  21. You have not only inspired me with your painting but have inspired me to call out to my muse and hope she has not given up on me. I am going to tune my inner ears to listen for her.
    I have met my inner critic but I am not sure when the last time was that I had an encounter with my muse.
    Thanks so much for sharing. I will let you know when she and I meet again.
    Sallyann

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