I sidled up to a makeup counter recently, curious what could be done with an aging face. The question really is what should — or shouldn’t — be done. I’ve learned that less is more. But when the products were applied and the mirror held up, I had to admit: The makeover was impressive. My make-up pro didn’t make me look younger; she made me show up! When used correctly, makeup colors compliment skin and eye tones, bringing out their natural sparkle.
Life is full of makeovers. I hear people say “I feel like the same person I’ve always been, only wiser.” The process of living, with its steep uphill climbs and flying, somewhat out-of-control, downhills, brings the skill needed to handle both. Living compliments existence, bringing beauty from its ashes, strength from its exhausting pushes, the lovely patina of aged character.
A makeover differs from a do-over: Makeover indicates changing what is; a do-over is re-creation. Makeovers bring us into the present by building on what is already done. A do-over says what was done is not right, it comes up short and needs improvement, perhaps from the start.
I’m working on a painting becoming a do-over. It’s time to make a new start rather than continuing with the inspiration. The effort has reached a stopping point. Seeing this is freeing; I am free to stop working on a piece that refuses to “settle down”. I’m free to redo my original idea or to go in another direction. This happens to creators at times.
I prefer makeovers.
My rabbit painting is a good example of a make-over. The essence of the painting has remained, its character holds steady. What has changed is its mood and message. Composition and direction suggest movement as the narrative has gone from indoors to outside. Color clarity is fresh and alive and, well, breezy. There is something happening: Spring is stirring, brewing, springing.
I try not to be harsh with paintings born in another season, but some seem a little somber when compared to the new sunny surroundings. Could this be a reflection of the artist? As I study the body of winter work hanging in the studio, one or two are asking for more, suggesting a makeover. Others sit quietly, contentedly reflecting a time of introspection and hibernation. I’ll leave these alone — for now.
In much the same way, I notice some shifts in my thinking about myself, my world and its Creator. I sense a makeover underway. Not a redo, but an update. Like luscious new colors stirring, brewing from within. Or a bubbling spring of fresh water — water of life — the result of a renewed commitment to prayer in the presence and spirit of others seeking a deeper experience with the Creator God.
“Jesus said, ‘Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst — not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life.” John 4:14 Message Bible
An artesian spring: Water from deep in the ground available by simply being near its source; pure water consistent and dependable with little or no pumping.
I live in a small village named for the many natural springs in the area: Spring Valley. Most of the people I’ve met here have lived in the village all of their lives. Rivulets of water flow year round, nourishing lush grasses, wildflowers, a marshy fen and its wildlife, a grove of Redbud. These springs watered gardens planted by former generations who made a home here. Water makes life.
I’m drawn to what I see, a bit like a thirst for beauty. I paint how I feel as the thirst is quenched. Artists use colors, shapes, lines, and other elements found in art in order to share the experience, passing on a visual drink from a never-ending spring of creative expression.
I am inspired by nature and houses and flowers and creatures because of their possible stories. I paint these stories. Sometimes I re-paint the narrative because my own story is changing. Inward makeovers influence creative expression, bringing viewers into the process, resulting in a sharing connection. Creating is relational no matter what the medium. It’s no wonder we were created to create.
It’s scary starting a painting makeover. It means covering sections, loosing what has been done at a different time. Sometimes making-over requires covering something skillfully painted, but in the way of the big picture. Artists are told not to regard anything in a painting as “precious”. Those first few strokes of new paint look like the painting has been ruined when in reality, it has been given new life. It has been awakened, its development continued. It’s actually a freeing, exciting experience for the artist once those first few marks are made.
This experience gives clarity to the words of Jesus:
Whoever loves his life loses it,
and whoever hates his life in this world
will keep it for eternal life.
John 12:25
Makeovers are about letting go of the precious in order to sprout new growth. Scary, yes; but taking those first steps, letting go of what seems good, in order to have what is best for the big picture, is worth the loosing.
