It's been almost four months since my beautiful daughter-in-law, Rosario, was killed in a car crash which nearly took the life of my son, Westun, as well. I give God all the praise for saving my son's life; he is nearing 100% recovery. I still have a lot of daily sadness, though, and it's been hard to get back to painting. I decided to take a workshop class from artist Cathleen Rehfeld (see her blog Cathleen Rehfeld's Painting A Day) to give myself a kick-start. It was really, really nice to paint with other artists and to hear Cathleen's thoughts on her daily paintings. Here are my four little paintings from the first session. Hopefully, this will kick-start my blog, too! Thank you all for your support.
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7 comments:
Hi Rachel, I thought these looked familiar. So what are the thoughts behind these little daily paintings? I am mystified. Hope you get back to painting, I miss your ideas.
Rachel! I am so grateful Westun is improving so much and my heart goes out to you and Rosaria's family. I love your colorful small paintings here...& I think you are so smart to take a class for the "kick-start"! I just know that each day you'll feel better and better...as long as you keep painting (which is what you were born to do!) Hugs to you!
Thank you both for your comments!
Donna-I'm not an authority on the daily painting movement, but I think the whole concept is to paint every day, whether you complete a painting or not. I've never been able to get to that point, although I'd like to! These four were all done in one sitting. For me, they represent simple objects with appealing shape or color that allow me to paint without any particular "inspiration"-- just the joy of holding a brush in my hand and making the oils represent something on canvas. I miss you, too: can't believe we didn't get to paint together this summer.
Celeste- thank you for your kind words: I know you have had losses in your own life this summer, and your sympathy is returned. Yes, the class is going to help, I know. It already forced me to scrape off 4-month-old paint and lay out fresh. Now I just need to quit using my studio as a storage room... :-)
I'm so glad to hear you are moving ahead, it must be so difficult. You have made a start now and I hope you will continue. I like these new little works.
thank you, Carrie!
Hi Rachel! Nice job with the little paintings. They are fresh and lively and sweet all at once.
I don't presume to speak about your loss and the effects and consequences Rosario's death has had for all who loved her. But, I know a lot about loss. And I know that over time it adds a depth of feeling and compassion and character for those who survive.
You are brilliant for putting yourself in a workshop. Brava!
Kvan (a painting buddy of Celeste and Carrie!)
thank you, Kvan, for your nice comments. You're so right about the effects of tragic loss. My main character flaw is impatience, and I find that it is now tempered by compassion. thank you again.
I don't know about brilliance: maybe as necessity is the mother of invention, desperation is the mother of brilliance? :)
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