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There are moments in ones life when the mind, emotions, and body don't get in the way of the creative flow. All can freely come out of the artist. For a great master like Rembrandt, those moments will be frequent. For the majority of us, they may come from time to time. But when they come, they appear with the sense of confidence, and ability. There are not thoughts blocking our way to express the moment. Our emotions are not judging ourselves or anything ourtside of ourselves, muscle tension is not stopping creativity. That is where I strive to be. That is the state of mind that I felt you were describing in Rembrandt at his best as well.
How do we arrive there? Read quality literature before painting to put our relationship to the outside world at rest, at least for the time being. Use intentional movements, whether with the brush in hand, or even while washing the coffee cup between brush strokes. These are some of the thoughts I have while painting at my best. Sadly, that doesn't happen as much as I wish.
While living in Kyoto, Japan (The true pearl of the pearl of the Orient,) I visited a Japanese tea room in Toji Temple. There was a sign on the entrance to the tea garden. The sign was translated to me as follows:
"Use the walk through this garden as a cleansing off of the outside world. This will prepare you for the tea ceremony." An interesting note, in past centuries, Japanese warriors would have the tea ceremony to put them in the right frame of mind before a sword battle.
Good luck to all in our quest for the highest in our moments painting.
Anthony
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