Thursday, November 5, 2015

The gift that keeps on giving

A few weeks ago, for my birthday, we took a car trip down to the Connecticut Shore. (See "Life's a Beach, 10/14/15).

I needed a project to bring to my Monday painting group, so I decided to look through my photos ( I have thousands) and I chose a photo I had taken of the Lieutenant River on my birthday trip. When I first looked at it again, I had a visceral reaction. My shoulders slid down from around my ears. My breath slowed down and I could hear myself inhale and exhale. It was like that old commercial where the music starts up and the lilting voices beckon, "Come back to Jamaaaiiica".

Wow! If just looking at this photo was transforming, getting intimate with it's lines and colors seemed really attractive. Also, of course, if the painting caused even a similar reaction to the photo, it would go up on the wall immediately. Just a glance would transport me back there.

The idea of making such a powerful object was enticing as well as somewhat intimidating. Could I create such a tranquil mood? I have not painted many landscapes, and this suddenly seemed a challenge.

Well, the instructor at my group was very kind and her suggestions were spot-on. I enjoyed making the piece, and will continue to enjoy armchair traveling each time I look at it.

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