Watermelon Sherbet, Leaves X5 and Ideas

Leaves X5
encaustic and paper on birch 9x12

I have this idea in my head that I want to paint a large tree and have the leaves be made of paper scraps and photographs.  I don't really know exactly how it will come together but its in there, in my brain, sitting and waiting to be born into a painting.  Ideas like this just come.  Sometimes they are action items and I know exactly what it is I need to paint and how to go about it.  Other times, its a thought that just keeps turning over and growing a bit here and there.  It wanders around in the corners of my mind and keeps popping up and asks to be acknowledged.  Then it goes away and grows some more.  Most of the time with these kinds of thoughts, there is no "ta da" moment where I see the whole picture.  Sometimes I just play around with the idea and see where it takes me.  The process of playing seems to help these kinds of ideas.  By not having an agenda, I can just let myself play.  I really don't do this enough.  I get a little bent on the idea that I have to make something that is worthy (whatever that means).  The art of playing allows us to create badly and just have fun with it - fun with the artful process.  Play time is about finding the little things that work and we can then build upon their foundation.  Play time = Happy time. 
An artist friend told me that she is often asked how long it takes her to paint a painting.  She says "the process itself takes about an hour and half - but really this painting took me 30 years plus and hour and a half".  I love that answer, because it is so true.  Sometimes we just have to think about an idea and let it churn around, growing and taking shape into what it is meant to be.  I'm not really sure that I have this idea of mine at a point at which I am happy.  I love the process of making the leaves and I love them individually, but I 'm not sure yet.  I feel they need a little more sophistication for what I am envisioning.   This idea needs more time to grow and take shape.  I'll send it back to ponder some more. 
Its the final week over at Summer Of Color2.  This is the last challenge - Watermelon Sherbet.   Its been a wonderful event.  Many thanks to Kristin over at Twinkle, Twinkle for hosting this fun summer challenge.  Happy Paint Party Friday everyone!