3 Reasons I am a Warrior

1. Its been a year since I got back into Muay Thai, and I've finally made it to the more advanced class. I've been so grateful for the friendships I've made through this experience. 

Little Miss Ellie Jo at my promotion. :)

It seems like the longer I'm involved in learning Muay Thai, the better I can handle everything else in life. I used to rely on running, and enjoyed it (I still do from time to time). When I was a runner, I would spend a lot of time stuck in my head. Alternatively, Muay Thai requires 150% of my attention, to the point that I am able to block out every other part of my life. 

It's an intense workout, but it's also an actual skill I'm learning. I'm so eager and excited to get better and better. 

2. I finished the freaking painting! Still no title...but voila!

Surprisingly pleased with the text.

I'm going to take this moment to talk about this painting a bit. I want to tell you that it was a super fun process and I enjoyed every minute of it...but if that were true I'd have finished this painting after a month of starting.

I've always prided myself on being an artist that works quickly, and this painting kept dragging on. Looking at it now, even after being "finished," I can list out every single flaw. Things I know I really need to go and rework, but I don't have it in me to paint back into it. Maybe it's just an artist thing. I don't know. 

Here's what I'm happy about. I'm pleased I was able to challenge myself with straight lines, aka buildings, inorganic structures, you know: the background. I did not initially enjoy it. I love painting portraits, but buildings intimidate the hell out of me. There is no forgiveness for crooked lines, and before I painted blue over the whole dang thing, it looked like a sad cartoon. I feel confident that I made the right choice with the color change. 

I enjoyed painting Megan's tattoo. I enjoyed creating light from the cellphone screen by just making everything else darker. I like how it all fits together. 

I believe I am a warrior, because I fought through this painting tooth and nail, and knew when to call it quits. I'm finished and satisfied.

Photo of the workspace mid-painting session.

3. I've continued to seek out shows, even though it can be exhausting. 

The older I get, the busier I get. This hasn't stopped me from finding another place to show my work. I hung up some work at the Salesforce Tower in Indianapolis and it is scheduled to be on display through the end of August. 

And, here's an abrupt ending to this blog post. 

I'm actually too busy to come up with a witty segue to end this. Sorry you haven't heard from me recently. I'll try to be better about staying in touch ;) Just know I'm still here. I'm still working my patootie off. Being a full time employee, part time kickboxer, and free time artist is difficult to juggle, but I'm doing it the best I can. 

Xo,

Angela