Tag: Painting

Painting Outside The Box

Photo by ADP – Winslow Homer Exhibit MFA Boston

Standing in the dark gallery filled with a sea of people, I struggle to get a close up view of the iconic watercolor paintings by Winslow Homer on display at the Museum of Fine Arts, in Boston. It is a stunning show of works, some of which have not been seen for decades. I love coming to the exhibitions. The abundant displays of art from all over the world inspire awe and inspiration for the many visitors that pass through the museum’s doors. And yes, for me as well. Yet the place that really ignites my imagination is in the artist’s studio. Where the quiet chaos slowly unfolds into the masterpieces that line the walls in these great galleries.

I delight in the smell of linseed oil and turpentine, mixed with fresh oil paint. And if I close my eyes I can still hear the faint sound of the old wood plank floors creaking underfoot, as I walked across my former high school art studio. It alway seemed dark and moody in there, steeped in the quiet turmoil of creativity. But what exactly makes a great piece of art? Why does one painting or work of art draw millions of visitors per year, yet another, perhaps even by the same artist… well, crickets.

I recently read this question in a magazine article. And although they had a few interesting ideas, they never really gave an answer. So, I decided to explore this notion for myself, starting with what I already know about artistic creators.

They are innovators, movers and shakers and ahead of their time. They see things differently, and the stories behind those works of art can be fascinating. Artist are not afraid to think outside the box. In fact, they were born to think outside the box.

Consider Elisabeth Vigee Le Brun. Not only was she a successful female artist in 18th century France, almost unheard of at the time, but she also seemed to be the mother of photoshop. Centuries before we were image editing our photos, she was using her gift of flattery to portray her clients in a more visually pleasing way. Shortening a nose here, strengthening a weak chin there and basically using her paintbrush to refine her patrons’ essences.

Or Caravaggio, the rebellious Italian painter from the 1500’s, with his inventive use of light and dark to create dramatic intensity. And his notorious use of ordinary people, to elevate the scenes of everyday life to canvas worthy masterpieces.

And who can forget Monet, the father of impressionism, and his revolutionary use of light and color? Or Van Gogh’s brush stroke portrayal of deeply displayed emotions?

Still, what makes one work of art more memorable than another? What is it that captures our attention and catapults it to fame? I believe it is the story. Behind every work of art there is a story, whether we consciously know it or not, we feel it. We recognize it. It moves us. Some profoundly more than others.

Since the beginning of time, humans have loved stories. Long before the written word ever existed, they were passed down orally generation to generation. Maybe around a campfire, or visually pictured on ancient cave walls. We learn from them, we are entertained by them, we cry and grow with them. They are as much apart of our lives as living. They are life.

And though I am no expert or art historian, for me that is just it. Artists take us on a journey with them, transporting us into the stories that they create. Is that a smile on Mona Lisa’s face, why is she looking so directly at us? Was that really the way the night sky swirled in 19th century France, or did Van Gogh just have a little too much wine with dinner that night? We are hooked. We are mesmerized. And then they leave us hanging, because we never truly know what the answer is or what the ending is supposed to be… That is solely up to our “artistic interpretation”. Because as with art and life, the finale is uniquely our own creation.

Simply For The Art Of Watercolor

Photo By LdP

As, I wandered through the little shops lining the main street, in the quaint New England town of Groton, Massachusetts, one particular store caught my attention. Its delightful storefront window decorated with all sorts of home decor and holiday gifts, called to me. Lately, I am completely drawn to table settings. I love the artful way they tell the stories of our most cherished gatherings. And as I meandered around the little shop, it did not disappoint. Sparkly Christmas decorations, inspirational holiday tables, and all the clever little gift ideas! Everywhere I looked was like candy for my eyes!

Yet, once again I found myself standing in the tiny room off to the side, surrounded by art supplies. I stood there staring at the watercolor paints, feeling the urge to buy some. But I have all these paints at home, I thought, trying to convince myself not to pick some up and head straight to the cash register. But just then, a little book caught my eye, and as I reached across the shelf to pick it up, I realized it was a watercolor workbook. Well, I certainly don’t have one of these at home, I thought as thumbed through the pages.

As I wrote in a previous blog post, “The Art of Curiosity,” I had been looking for a way to bring some fun into my “a little to predictable” life, and I had brought some art supplies up from the basement, which ironically, just happened to be watercolor paints. 

I had set my intention to do some painting, though I hadn’t really done much else but think about it. I guess I was kind of waiting to see what the universe had to say about it. But speaking of it, it did, because I had been looking for a way to start painting again, and this little book was perfect! So I scooped it up and off to the cash register I went.

For the first few days, the little workbook just stayed in the bag, then it came out of the bag only to lay on the kitchen table for a couple more days. I don’t know why, but I was a bit intimidated by it. I didn’t want to make any mistakes, or mess up the book. And then my husband inquired, “are you going to do anything with that, or just let it sit there?” I’m going to paint!” I snapped, “I just haven’t had time.” Of course, I had time, I was just afraid to start. I didn’t want to make a mistake.

But by day three, I decided I was just going to go for it. After all, what is the worst that could happen, I thought. So I make a mistake, there are a lot more pictures left in the book, and that’s how we learn right? I mused to myself, as set up my paints and opened the workbook.

As I nervously dipped my brush into the water, and started to paint, something interesting started to happen. I slowed down, grew patient, and as I swirled my brush around in the water, dabbing the colors on to the paper, my mind grew quiet. I started to loose myself in the very act of painting. I felt calm and grounded, no ruminating about daily problems, the dinner that had to be made, or the chores left to finish. Just me and the colors and shapes and the delightful way the paint spread across the paper, with each new brush stroke. 

Suddenly without warning, an hour had passed, the sun had sunk deep into the horizon and the house had grown dark. And I was happily surprised with a painting. Huh, it’s not bad, I thought, as I pack up my things and put them back in the cabinet. I guess the Universe had something to say after all, and all I had to do with listen!