Painting is a new hobby. I’ve been a creative all my life (just ask the team I led about my leadership style), but this year is the first time I have put acrylics to a canvas and ink and watercolors to paper. And I love it! In a season where there has been so much change, creativity does not provide more certainty, but it somehow helps me live with ease as I make my way through these days.
Churchill, Creativity, and the Art of Renewal
In Painting as a Pastime, Winston Churchill describes how he unexpectedly discovered painting as a refuge during the pressures of political life. He said the moment he stepped in front of a blank canvas, the noise of political life faded. The colors, light, and creative choices demanded his full attention. Painting did not distract him from stress; it reordered his thoughts, awakened his imagination, and restored his emotional balance.
Churchill believed painting strengthened his resilience. By embracing a craft where mistakes were inevitable and experimentation was essential, he learned new forms of courage and contemplation. For Churchill, painting wasn’t merely a hobby. It became a practice of renewal—a way to recover his equilibrium, see the world with fresh eyes, and rebuild inner strength so he could continue the demanding work of public life.
Apples on Acrylic
As I began to paint, teachers suggested painting the same thing over and over again each day. So, an apple a day was my new year resolution. Maybe my painting got better, but my ability to relax and enjoy the process began to take hold. We know creative hobbies and hands-on pursuits contribute to our mental health; a dear friend just reminded me of that this morning. Give painting a try, maybe an apple a day as the doctors say. Or let me know if you want one of mine and I’ll gladly send it to you!
Singletary Studio 