The Early Morning Club

The article copied below came through my email yesterday from The Painter's Keys in the Robert Genn Twice-Weekly Letter. The idea from it was to begin painting as soon as you wake up -- before the tea pot boils, before you brush your teeth, before breakfast, blah blah blah ..... WELL!!! I did it this morning. I LOVE it. This will be my new routine. It puts my committment where it needs to be -- with painting. That is my work. I begin when I awake. The rest of the day will take care of itself. Hope you enjoy the article. Please let me know your thoughts.

"The Early Morning Club"
June 3, 2008 Dear Mary, Inspiration and motivation--how do you find it, where does it come from, how do you maintain it? Rankled by time and money considerations to say nothing of non-supportive others, some folks find it a tough order. Like a lot of life's struggles, the solution might just be a simple one. As many know, I'm a believer in effective habits and bold pump-priming. Right now I'm working with some painters in what we call "The Early Morning Club." It's very much like a prayer breakfast, except there's no prayer and no breakfast. Active in several time zones, we meet virtually. People can start and stop when they wish, but frequent non-attendance can result in excommunication. If you'd care to join, here you go:
The minute you awaken, proceed like a zombie to your studio. Before your kettle has boiled, before you have checked your email, squeeze out and prepare your palette. Still in your jammies? Pajama painting is still not against the law. No matter how bleary or unwashed, start now--it's the imperative of drying palettes. Don't know what to paint? Doesn't matter. Start anyway--bold, expressive, blocks of forms and colours are preferable to lines.
Our Patron Saint is Goethe: "Boldness has genius, power and magic. Engage, and the mind grows heated. Begin, and the work will be completed."
Unless disabled, members generally stand during meetings. Dancing, jazzercise and even yoga are also encouraged--we are a cult known for exercising the cardio as well as the creative. Some of us sing nonsense or speak in tongues. We have yet to choose our anthem. "Land of Hope and Glory" and "La Marseillaise" have been put forward.
As the easel-dance progresses, ideas and motifs form and give clues to further directions. Like Boy Scout badges, stuff accumulates. As well as experiencing stimulation and excitement, members begin to feel a beautiful calmness, a connection with all of history's dawnworkers, and the welcome procession of creative joy. Simply speaking, this miracle of private process is further understood, honed and mastered. The break for ablutions and breakfast comes a bit later. The meetings are well worth attending. Membership is free.
Best regards,
Robert PS: "Rest not! Life is sweeping by; go dare before you die. Something mighty and sublime, leave behind to conquer time." (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)