I bought a wonderful shell at a sea museum in Port Gamble Washington and am planning to paint the shell from several different angles. I was attracted to the shell's subtle colors and color changes and I love the shape of it. I had intended to start painting the shell several days ago, however I have been on "baby watch" as my daughter is soon to deliver my twelfth grandchild and I will be in the delivery room with her. I didn't want to be in the middle of a painting and have her call me to tell me she needed me to come right away. Alas, today I couldn't put off painting any longer so I did the first small painting of the shell.
It is amazing to me that you can look at something and see certain colors, but then when you really study the item you see many more nuances than upon first observation. That was the case with this particular shell. At first glance I didn't notice the greyed lavendar in the shell, however when I started painting it, the color was quite obvious. I am looking forward to painting other angles of this shell.
I love to be creative. The creative process makes me feel complete and brings me a sense of well being. However, I not only enjoy creating, I greatly enjoy others' creations; whether it be art work, music, dance, theater, etc.
Yesterday I took new paintings to the Ink to Media Gallery to exchange for those already on display and was introduced to the amazing work of batik artist Nicolas Sironka. He is a Kenyan man who's art reflects facets of the Maasai culture. Sironka won the prestigious Fulbright award in 2001, an award which is intended to “increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.”
Sironka's work is amazing. The pieces are large and intriguing; each telling a story of Nicolas' home in Africa. Viewing the two paintings I was privileged to see left me with a desire to visit the far-away land portrayed in the works. It also prompted me to do a little research on this wonderful artist. You can read more about him at http://sironkamaasai.com.
I think it is important to take time to enjoy art in its many forms. If I could have one wish granted it would be to have a private gallery in my home where I could display the work of the artists I admire; a gallery with wonderful surround sound with amazing music playing constantly. Until that time comes I will seek out these things wherever I can.
I bought a wonderful shell at a sea museum in Port Gamble Washington and am planning to paint the shell from several different angles. I was attracted to the shell's subtle colors and color changes and I love the shape of it. I had intended to start painting the shell several days ago, however I have been on "baby watch" as my daughter is soon to deliver my twelfth grandchild and I will be in the delivery room with her. I didn't want to be in the middle of a painting and have her call me to tell me she needed me to come right away. Alas, today I couldn't put off painting any longer so I did the first small painting of the shell.
