CARDINAL CARD

CARDINAL CARD, a photo by Louise001 on Flickr.

RED CARDINAL CARD

A Birthday card for a neighbor. Painted in Watercolor & Ink.

My Birthday Card Story...with a question...:)

When I moved to this apartment complex here in Michigan on June 1st, 4 years ago, retired, and planning to no longer have obligations, I was very pleased with the thought. My career had involved my own business which required very long hours and even being on call 27/7. I was a Behavior Specialist working with children.

As soon as I set up my art studio I had the idea...''wouldn't it be nice to paint Birthday cards for my neighbors''...all 28 of them.

I wanted this to be an act of ''free will''...and it was. I painted a card for everyone whether I knew them or not, and they all found one at their door on every birthday for 4 years.

Recently, I have found myself not wanting to do this anymore ... it has become like an obligation...because I have people REQUESTING their cards and telling me what they want me to paint for them...which has taken away the fun of it. I was enjoying using my imagination to think what they might like and also the element of surprise...for myself and them...and some of the cards were hard to give since I liked them too much...:)

Therefore, this will be my last Obligatory card....:)

I have been bothered by my attitude about this.

I wonder if those of you who are artists understand this?