Push through heavy mud
Fertile, nutrient rich, mud.
It stings as it heals. ©

Earth tones rarely show up in anything I create. I stay away from browns. They seem dull but really, it’s the fear of dullness in myself that keeps me away. 

As a result, when challenged to paint something in earth tones, an irresistible urge to toss out my work takes over. All because it doesn’t include my favorite colors; amethyst purple, peacock green, magenta, or sapphire blue. 

What it does include is richness.

All of the earth tones used in the sketch above are mixed. There are no earth tones straight out of the tube. This approach brought the risk of finding myself in the thick and uncomfortable territory called “Mud.” The truth about Mud is that it’s fertile. Things grow in it. 

Things that can’t be seen grow in it.  

I love this metaphor for life because instead of buried hopes and aspirations, surprising results find a place to show up. Understanding and finding confidence in the dark mysterious unknown properties of mud brings the chance to grow something you want. Or maybe it’s one of those hidden truths you didn’t know was there.

If the approach is with care, things that we really want can eventually show themselves out of the mud in our lives.

Inner symbols and illuminating truth can emerge.

When beginning, I chose a mixture of brown and started with a woman’s face that had brunette hair. A safe place for brown don’t you think? It was like sitting on the edge of a mud bank without totally immersing myself. It was limiting the risk. Oh well! We all have to start somewhere. 

The more the paint was mixed, the more depth the colors of brown took on. I added again more of the base colors which were red, yellow, and blue. As I casually laid a stroke of hair across her forehead, a bit of red paint on the edge of the brush showed itself. It was a beautiful glimpse of color in a river of brown. 

And then I realized something, mud actually enhances the colors. 

Soon I became less exact about mixing and just let the colors reveal themselves. In small amounts throughout her hair, they were like accents. And in that moment, I fell in love with the results painting earth tones provide. The strokes began to flow. 

Life might seem muddy at times, but the color shows itself in the beautiful backdrop of the tones growth provides. 

Trust your work. 
Trust your plans. 
Make your choices. 
Grow. 
You’ve got this! 

The mysterious forces are with you even when it doesn’t seem like it. Something is growing underneath the thick muddiness of life and whatever you dare to create for yourself. Let your inner symbols guide. 

Catherine Gardner is an ally to those on the inner journey to wholeness and belonging through Interactive Guided Imagery℠ and Creative Expression.