Painting from life gives you power. It feeds your soul. The words of wisdom began our painting study of the beautiful sunflower still life arranged by our teacher, artist Helen Farson. The venue was Carlton Gallery, tucked away in the rolling hills of Banner Elk, NC. Seven artist friends gathered for a three-day adventure of painting and learning. “You will never be finished but would you want to be? You can’t get it wrong. Don’t compare yourself to anyone.” More words of encouragement from Helen. Sunflower yellow is the color of joy, beautiful in all stages. They bend in field with change. Just take a look at the works of Van Gogh and Monet.
Of course, the message to us was to take the risk and be free with our painting. Gesture. Dance around the canvas as you move around the color wheel, creating value with darks and lights. After all, your best mode of transportation is a leap of faith. Leave fear in the woods. Simplify. Let your painting tell only one story. Work to please yourself but be very hard to please. When getting near the end, stop. Don’t be afraid to be cursory, unfinished. Let your viewer put in the last strokes.
The experience in North Carolina’s beautiful Blue Ridge indeed fed our souls. Gayle and I stayed with Susan at her friend’s home in Blowing Rock. The morning began with coffee on the rambling porch, the view spectacular. The evenings began with wine and cheese and were filled with girl talk of future dreams, our fears and losses, our efforts to rise above sad circumstances and to once again live. As we embraced the challenge of painting the sunflowers, we also were embracing personal change and the life's continuing adventures, as unpredictable and mysterious as they may be. We left feeling satisfied with our individual styles on canvas and also keenly aware that we carried with us a shared renewal of spirit. We are moving forward with our lives.
As Helen often says, “Why not?” We say, because we can.
How is your heart? Mine is joyful.
