One of the great benefits of learning the Australian Tonal Impressionist methodology is that it asks artists to be in a mindful and nonjudgmental state throughout the creative process. Worries and stresses disappear when we focus on the present moment, ourselves, and our subject with an open mind. We are able to discover the beauty of things we wouldn’t have paid any attention before; like how a simple glass has the potential to splits light in its beautiful colours, or how a bunch of everyday things like toys or fruits can create interesting contrasts of shape, colour shifts, or even elicit all sorts of  emotions.

As times passes by perhaps we start to wonder about the true nature of our perceptions; how in a way our knowledge of things are mediated by our senses. Perhaps we wonder who actually is having the experience as we are almost as fluid an ethereal as light itself; what is the nature of our own consciousness?

Recently I accidentally bumped into a video where Eckhart Tolle was discussing the nature of the Universe, and made me think how painting can be a powerful metaphor, and even a great tool, for enlightenment. How there are two important aspects to it; one is the creative external act with all its physical and expressive qualities, and the other is the deep introspection that comes with the mindful state it demand from us.

Who would have thought that something as fun and hands on as painting could also be such a spiritual journey!