Midwest Mary

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By

Mary K. Doyle

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Painter I’m Not

Painter I’m Not

I like to write, read, bake, and sew. 
and there are languages I want to know.
I’m good at prayer, although I’m not a saint,
and now I’m doing my best to paint
but as a strength, I don’t think so.

*
The silly little poem above was inspired by the rainbow-colored image above by Kevin on the blog, The Beginning at Last. This adorable image even has birds, which I love. Thank you, Kevin, for another fabulous image.

I recently took one of my grandsons out for a day and we went to Color Me Mine, a studio where guests can purchase a piece of pottery to paint. I chose this feather above and used a color palette similar to the one in an area rug in my home.

I enjoyed the craft so much, I returned with my daughter-in-law to paint another piece. I was looking for something for St. Patrick’s Day and designed this one based on an image of a stained-glass window I saw on Amazon. All of these bright colors are out of my comfort zone.

The painting was fun and relaxing, but I don’t think it is one of my better talents. When I drew on the shamrock and then painted it, I felt like I had the ability of an elementary school student in art class.

Despite my limited artistic talent, I can’t wait to go back and try my hand at another piece. If you’re lucky, you may get one of my artistic endeavors for a birthday gift.

©Mary K. Doyle, 2025

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Responses to “Painter I’m Not”

  1. Looking for the Light

    Practice makes us better with every try. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      We will see if I get better. My son is an artist and wants to go. I’d love to have some direction from him

      Reply
  2. Ernie ‘Dawg’

    I think the St. Paddy’s leaf is colorful. Your talent is fine even though you’re not in the comfort zone. 🙏😁👍

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Ernie. I’m having fun with it. Have a great day.

      Reply
  3. kagould17

    That is a neat idea Mary. These types of studio offerings attract more people to explore their creativity. Happy Monday. Allan

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hi Allan, it’s also fun to go with different ages. Both my grandson and daughter-in-law loved it. Hugs to you.

      Reply
  4. Eternity

    I really enjoyed read this article. I must say, though, that if you are a believer in Christ, you are a saint, which is what I have always considered you to be. Please keep up your good work.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for that beautiful and heartwarming compliment. Blessings to you.

      Reply
      1. Eternity

        You are very welcome.

        Reply
  5. hubertprevy

    I like your artistic pottery, it definitely looks accomplished.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Hubert. It’s been fun and I enjoyed the time with family. Have a great day.

      Reply
  6. capentalc

    I enjoyed Color Me Mine too and painted a vase for my mom. It turned out bad and it’s now at my house. 😂 Have you heard of Pinot’s Palette? They have all kinds of painting classes and they walk you through step by step along with the whole class. You can even drink wine while you’re painting! I painted the Eiffel Tower! I had so much fun. Didn’t think I could do it but they break it down into easy steps.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I definitely could use some lessons. My son is an artist and would like to go. I would love that. You have artistic talent and awesome fine motor skills with your jewelry. I’m sure your work is beautiful, Lauren.

      Reply
      1. capentalc

        Thank you. Good luck with your future painting endeavors!

        Reply
  7. Nancy Homlitas

    Your poem is cute. Personally decorated pottery is wonderful for home decor. The imperfections make them unique. Even professionally decorated pottery has flaws, but you can’t chuckle about them. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I keep thinking my kids will feel obligated to keep my basic artwork when I die because I made it 🙂 I still have their third-grade projects all over the house.

      Reply
      1. Nancy Homlitas

        As do I! In fact, our key catch-all is a lopsided bowl my daughter made in school. 🙂

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Love it!

          Reply
  8. Escribir Y Sanar

    Mary, this is a great poem! It gave me a really good laugh this morning—thank you so much for sharing. And the painting idea? Brilliant. Love it. Also, I can tell you’re very talented in a couple of languages—or at the very least, you’re really good in some. Impressive! Have a lovely day.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you! I try to read your posts in Spanish and then translate if necessary. It’s good practice! Thank you for reading and commenting. I appreciate you.

      Reply
  9. Anonymous

    I love the shamrock

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you! It was fun to try.

      Reply
  10. restlessjo

    I was never any good at art in school but have often fancied trying since. I’m a bit messy, though.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Portugal artists design beautiful tiles and plates. I have a gorgeous plate on my wall from Portugal. You can probably get classes there. Have you tried any of that, Jo?

      Reply
      1. restlessjo

        Not at all, Mary, but I am aware that classes exist xx

        Reply
  11. Rosaliene Bacchus

    Looks like a creative fun activity 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It was fun, Rosaliene. Thank you.

      Reply
  12. Sharon Malatji

    Creative juices flowing beautifully

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Sharon. Have a great day.

      Reply
  13. gustavo_horta

    Nice!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Gustavo.

      Reply
      1. gustavo_horta

        ❤️❤️❤️

        Reply
  14. Under the mask..

    If you were a neighbor, I’d beg you (and pay you) to paint me a leaf and a shamrock — gorgeous work!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Ah, thank you. I appreciate the compliment. All the best to you.

      Reply
  15. Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

    Lovely projects!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thanks, Dorothy. I hope all is well with you.

      Reply
      1. Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

        Yes, thank you for asking. Had a busy but fun weekend with family and friends houseguests, plus one granddaughter who is still here until tomorrow. That’s what it’s all about!

        Reply
  16. Michele Lee

    A perfect poem for a Monday and thank you for reading. 🙏🏻 Joy in the journey, right? I can relate – my daughter is the gifted painter.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      That’s right! I remember you saying how talented your daughter is. My son is an artist. Why don’t we have that ability, Michele? Love you!

      Reply
      1. Michele Lee

        Love you too dear Mary, thank you! Our talents express themselves in other ways. 😊

        Reply
  17. joannerambling

    I am not a painter, damn as a child I would manage to stuff a paint by numbers project

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Paint by number should be on the pottery. Thank you for chiming in, Joan.

      Reply
  18. johnlmalone

    it is good to spread one’s creative wings; it is good to have a second string to one’s bow; I shall write about this —

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yes, I think you have the beginning of a poem going there, John. Sounds like a great start.

      Reply
      1. johnlmalone

        I’m working on it, Mary 🙂

        Reply
  19. mistermaxxx08

    Enjoyed that and very versatile. Peace

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Peace and love to you, dear Mister Maxxx.

      Reply
      1. mistermaxxx08

        The same unto you.

        Reply
  20. arlene

    Nice one Mary. I did painting by numbers last year and finished seven different designs. It was a joy doing them.😍

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I remember that, Arlene. I understand your joy.

      Reply
  21. equipsblog

    Often the enjoyment of the practice and pursuit, exceed the results achieved. Doing it may be more rewarding that perfecting it.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are so right about that. I’m sure much of the enjoyment for me is realizing it won’t be my strong point. It’s all for fun.

      Reply
      1. equipsblog

        We are lucky. Not everyone recognizes that aspect.🤩🥳😘

        Reply
  22. Laura

    Limited artistic talent? What? No way, Mary! These are lovely! And I love your poem to match the image ❤️ I hope your week is starting out well, much love and hugs your way!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hi Sweetie, you haven’t seen these pieces up close, but I do appreciate your encouragement. It’s a fun, relaxing activity. Have you tried it? They have adult nights.

      Reply
  23. Hazel

    I love the poem, Mary, as I can resonate with it, especially the love of writing, reading, and praying.

    Further, the art is stunning!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Ah, thank you, sweet Hazel.

      Reply
      1. Hazel

        You’re always welcome, Mary. Have a fantastic day as you are!

        Reply
  24. Ben

    Nice

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Ben, and welcome to Midwest Mary!

      Reply
  25. Cindy Georgakas

    Love this sweet poem, Mary and you have a lot of both, I’d say! ❤️❤️❤️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Cindy. Another activity. Hugs to you.

      Reply
      1. Cindy Georgakas

        ❤️❤️❤️

        Reply
  26. Anonymous

    Your shamrock is lovely.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, and the Top o the Mornin to you.

      Reply
  27. Willie Torres Jr.

    The art pieces are absolutely beautiful… It’s so wonderful how creativity brings joy and relaxation, even if it’s outside our comfort zone.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yes! You get it, Willie. Blessings and love to you.

      Reply
  28. Kevin

    The poem is fantastic, Mary! And those pieces look downright excellent! I especially love the feather, but they are both so, so great. Love ’em! 🤗

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Kevin. I appreciate your generosity in allowing us to use your beautiful images. You’re the best! Love to you.

      Reply
      1. Kevin

        Thank you so much, Mary. I am truly honored that you enjoy them so much. Thank you and much love in return! 🤗

        Reply
  29. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

    Lovely poem & image, Cindy! 🤩
    Great combo. 🌸

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, T’.

      Reply
      1. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

        You’re most welcome. 😊

        Reply
  30. P. J. Gudka

    Trust me, you’re a painter. Those are so lovely.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Maybe I’ll get some lessons. It was fun to do, Pooja. Hugs.

      Reply
      1. P. J. Gudka

        That would probably be fun, art is always a great way to express our creative side. Hugs.

        Reply
  31. KC

    Lovely

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, KC.

      Reply
  32. Dawna

    I think you did an amazing job. A painter perhaps you are.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hahaha. Thank you, my friend. I think you are partial. Love you much.

      Reply
      1. Dawna

        Truth be told, I am, however, the truth is, you really did do an amazing job. I think the more you paint the more you’ll see your inner lying talent for this wonderful and relaxing craft. Love you much

        Reply
  33. SiriusSea

    I don’t believe there is anything you can’t do, Mary ❤ … The feather is my fav! 😀 The poem is so cute and really good! Your talents are such beautiful gifts already!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Ms. Siri. There are lots of things I can’t do. Never trust me to cut your hair, my friend.

      Reply
  34. Awakening Wonders

    You have been blessed with many talents, and it continues to show in this work!!!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Mary. I feel awkward when I paint. My son is an artist and said he’d go with me. I’d like him to guide me.

      Reply
  35. Baydreamer – Lauren Scott

    Cute poem and both projects turned out great, Mary! I painted an 11×16 canvas with my sister once and it was so much fun that I’d like to try it again. It hangs in our family room and I actually like it. But like you, I don’t think I’ll ever be a painter. It’s just about enjoying the activity and trying new things. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It is fun, isn’t it, Lauren? I love that you like your painting enough to hang it. Good for you!

      Reply
      1. Baydreamer – Lauren Scott

        It is fun, Mary, and I’ve shared my painting on my blog, but maybe I’ll share again later this month. 🙂

        Reply
  36. Garden Bliss

    I love the pottery painting day. So nice to listen to your voice ready your happy poem.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Flavia. You probably have places like this in Australia. It was so much fun.

      Reply
  37. noga noga

    I wish you happiness and for your beautiful family. Your grandson will learn to draw and teach you. ❤❤🤲🏻😇🌼

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, dear Nougat. Hugs to you!

      Reply
  38. Kym Gordon Moore

    WOW, looks like you had a blast Mary. I love painting, even if it is for decoration purposes. It is so soothing and therapeutic, yet so much fun! 🥰🎨😘 HAPPY PAINTING my friend. 💖

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It is fun! I loved the leisure play time with both my grandson and daughter-in-law. Love to you, Lady Kym.

      Reply
      1. Kym Gordon Moore

        How awesome Mary. Those are such precious moments to share with your loved one. Sending you a truckload of smothering hugs and smooches my friend. Love you! 🥰💞😘

        Reply
  39. GraceoftheSun

    Absolutely wonderful!!! Sounds like fun. Great poem.💕

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Grace. Painting was a lot of fun.

      Reply
      1. GraceoftheSun

        My pleasure 💕

        Reply
  40. The Mindful Migraine Blog

    Fabulous poem – and you’re being a bit down on yourself; you did a great job painting that feather! Linda xx (I love how in Kevin’s picture the girl is painting her own world / imagination – so good!)

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, MM. Ya, Kevin is awesome, so creative and full of depth.

      Reply
      1. The Mindful Migraine Blog

        🌞

        Reply
  41. NTT Showcase: 1/30/25 Edition – The Beginning At Last

    […] Bad programming #sink to sail# Crazy Two Sentence Horror Story #3 My Truest Form Painter I’m Not You Are The Phoenix Justice Officiary of the Oligarchies Efficiency fades, genius […]

    Reply
  42. Anonymous

    Healing feeling to this, Mary. Love for spending time with your grandson then daughter-in-law, love for playing with forms and drawing out beauty in life.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for reading and commenting.

      Reply
  43. Ritish Sharma

    This is so lovely ❤️Your honesty about your painting skills is adorable, Mary, and I think your creations are actually pretty great! It’s all about having fun, right?

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I want to do it again, Ritish. It was a fun way to spend time with loved ones. Thank you for reading and commenting. I appreciate you.

      Reply

I’m curious about your thoughts and comments.