This week we were delighted to gather once again before the easel of artist and dear friend, Helen Farson. Helen is a gifted teacher and Gloriosa Studio was ready for our two-day art experience. In past workshops we have painted bright sunflowers, softly-tinted hydrangea, and vivid gerbera daisies, usually with pears, grapes or cherries. Helen’s still life on this occasion was a glass vase of breathtaking white roses. Observing the bewildered looks on our faces, she reassured as she began to gesture on her canvas, “Think shapes. Don’t think roses.” We sat in awe as her demonstration unfolded. “Put in your darks. Paint across the shapes.” Helen likened the value scale to musical notes forming harmonious chords and melodies. As she redrew with a mixture of purple and cadmium red deep, she quoted author and theologian, Thomas Merton: “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” Painting is not for sissies, Helen emphasized: it involves passion, dedication, consistent practice and patience. Painting is a quest for joy.
We approached individual canvases tentatively, hoping to emulate what Helen had so adeptly modeled. The voice of Eva Cassidy provided musical background as we painted and our teacher circulated and encouraged. “Squint way down. Don’t think petals-- think shapes and value shifts.” I must say that we surprised ourselves by the end of day two: each finished painting a unique style but unmistakably white roses. Over glasses of French rosé, we shared impressions, challenges and suggestions. We were delighted to purchase Helen’s new art book, Paintings of Joy (www.helenfarson.com), in which she wrote personal inscriptions. I look forward to painting with Helen and artist friend, Laine Francis, in the Province countryside in September!
Painting is a quest for joy. My heart is full.
