The story of the painting, Saturday by Steve Henderson, at Start Your Week with Steve:

Especially in today’s world, not everyone’s weekend falls on Saturday. But the concept of Saturday — a day, or at least a portion of it, that belongs to us — is something we all want and need. One cannot work, work, work all the time without resting, both physically and mentally, from the demands of daily life.

Whether your Saturday is actually on Saturday or Tuesday, you need time off from all the obligations shouting at you.

The painting Saturday is a gentle journey through a hidden inlet. It is a sunny day, with a mild breeze, and the only sound is that of the birds, the wind against the sails, and the lap of water against the boat. It is a time for one’s thoughts to wander in no particular direction, and while there are informal plans to eat lunch sometime, there is no schedule, no specific task that must be done.

Saturday is a reminder that life consists of many things, and relaxation is one of them. In a corporate society, it is easy to fall into the misconception that we must be efficient, driven, organized, dynamic, and productive at all times, and any slowing down is a sign of weakness. But slowing down, taking time to think, to breathe, to dream, to meditate, is a vital component to our contentment as human beings, and indeed, when we don’t slow down, we are too tired, often, to maintain the grueling pace that we have convinced ourselves is normal.

We all need Saturday.

Saturday is an original oil painting, 12 x 12 on panel, framed, and is available directly through Steve Henderson Fine Art. It may also be purchased through Houzz, the popular site for interior designers and residential homeowners and renters redecorating their living space.

Read the rest at Start Your Week with Steve, and enjoy Steve’s latest YouTube Video, Stretching Canvas: An Overview of the Material and Process: