Many times when working with a painting, I get lost in the colors, and then I step back and imagine someone saying, “That sky isn’t possible. No sky is THAT color or looks like THAT!” Yet, just when I make that statement, our Outer Banks sky proves that it is indeed possible. One example is the sky in Storm at Sea, which is now in it’s new home with a wonderful family. While out running a couple of weeks ago, I saw the Storm at Sea sky hovering above the Corolla Lighthouse. What a beautiful and awe-inspiring sight. I couldn’t stop to take a photo – the storm was indeed on its way, and home was a couple miles away. But, seeing that sky reminded me of the omnipotence of God, the beauty of this world we are given, and that no matter how many times we look up, there is always another vivid, wild variation of the colors in the expanse above us. Yes, indeed, that sky is real!
A Little Background
First of all, thank you for visiting this site. As I am writing, I find it difficult to even believe that at this point in my life I am beginning something new. Perhaps I am simply awed and grateful!
I've always had a "creative streak," but this whole painting thing began after age 50. It began out of necessity. My husband, then a career military officer (Chaplain), received orders telling us that we were moving...again. So with moving trucks on their way, we purchased a home in the city of his new assignment. I loved the house, but it had a two-story-tall living room! There was also a fireplace with a mantel that was extremely tall. I knew something very large would need to be over the mantel, and it was going to be expensive. If you move every two to three years, paying dearly for something that works in one particular house is not wise. So, I decided to create something myself. At the time I was a teacher and had access to an overhead projector. I found a Georgia O"Keefe work that I liked, and after school one day, I copied the O'Keefe onto clear paper, put it on my classroom overhead projector, and traced the image onto four large canvases. Then, I basically "colored" the work with acrylic paints. TA-DA! Instant art.
I had so much fun with that "painting" that I decided to do it again. Instead of tracing the original art, I tried hand-copying it. I also decided that I would try using oil paints instead of acrylic. Again, this was FUN! Soon after, one of my daughters suggested that I try doing my own work instead of copying someone else's work. Her words were the kick I needed to take the next step on this surprising new journey.
Though it's taken a while to discover it, I can only describe the time I spend at the easel as rejuvenating. It scratches where I itch. It makes me feel alive. It makes me smile. Yes, I am grateful and in awe!
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