Sometimes an evening walk turns out to be more than just an evening walk.

A couple of years ago, and friend of mine and I were taking an early-evening walk and came upon a sign that read, “Create Original Art & Sell it for Charity.” Since my friend is actually a painter I turned and told her to go ahead.

“Only if you go,” she said. Well, the challenge was on!

I had never (artistically, that is) painted anything. Never put brush to canvas. But I was motivated to step out of my comfort zone, whatever that was. I had no idea what to paint, but maybe that was good. I didn’t have to think about it!

We both walked into the store where we were met by a “greeter.” She asked which one was going to paint. We pointed to each other. I thought I might as well get it over with and went first.

Standing at the table with a selection of brushes and paints in front of me, I froze, before my friend handed me a brush. I looked at the brush; looked at the paints and began.

The square came first. Then the cross. I thought it was finished. Not!

I knew it needed more so I selected a color and merely started painting lines in the square. I was beginning to enjoy the effort. As a photographer I do know that when think you are finished, it is only the beginning.

I have known many artists and have read many books on the creative process. Most of what I have read and in discussions with those artists have centered around artists “taking a moment.”

I am pretty sure I wasn’t consciously thinking about that while I stood there with brush in hand, staring at what I had done. The image was OK, but not quite there.

I looked at the brushes and saw that the brush I had used for the greenish color was sitting beside the image. On a whim I picked it up and swept the bottom right corner with a flourish. It was done. I was done!

The greeter asked me how long I had been painting. I looked at my watch and said, “About 30-minutes.”

“You should paint more,” she said.

As my friend and I left the store and continued on out walk, she wanted to know why I don’t paint more. I simply said it wasn’t something I wanted to pursue. And therein lies the crux.

I have the same feeling about playing the guitar. I have “played” the guitar for many years. Am I a musician or a guitarist? No.

It took a very long time to get established as a photographer. With that I ventured into publishing, teaching, etc. Much of what I do is related to photography.

Now, I can look at that picture and feel comfort in what I did. I can pick up my guitar and play with it for a while and I am satisfied. I don’t need anything else.

Then I pick up my camera and off I go!