Seeking Solace: "Shhhhhhhhhhh....Quiet....please!"

Often I feel as though I cannot paint because I am unable to silence the ongoing conversations that take place between my head and my heart:) This self portrait that I began tonight ( 1' x 4') seemed appropriate as I tried to quiet my mind. I believe as I invest more of myself in my work,I will find where it is I belong.It is when the "noise" is greatest, that I need to work most. Painting is very much like meditation.Tonight I thought only of color, the strokes of paint, the movement of my brush and the smell of the pigments.I was lost in the rythym of my work. Pure peace....mind, body and spirit. Shhhhhhhhhhhhh. Listen to your heart! ~