Inspired by a Certain Artist

One Sunday mid-afternoon, we rushed through our plate of pasta and meatballs and quickly rinsed the dishes in the sink. Then we changed our clothes and packed the car. It was time to go.

In the rear seat of our car, I sat tight to the “framed piece” to keep it safe. I nodded to my husband as he skillfully drove unto the main road. We were headed for the town art show. This time it was being held in a historic barn with ample wall space for entries and spacious tour areas for the guests.

For several years I had participated in the Spring and Fall shows, entering scenic watercolor pieces. But this show was a bit different. This time I presented a composition most pleasing and elusive to the eye, stirring a sense of excitement. Looking over at the watercolor, my stomach fluttered.

Perhaps this piece would be noticed.

You see in every show there are special awards given to select pieces. Having entered a painting or two in every event, there was a personal anticipation in delighting possible viewers. And, who knows, perhaps this time I could receive special recognition. Yet, for some reason, such a response has not happened. 

This longing should not detour my actual reason to pick up a brush. That is, the keen desire to swirl and mingle the most robust of design, expressing the image in my mind’s eye with a dose of bold color.

Personal expression is key as my fingers tighten the brush with emotional intensity. Then painting with focus and zeal, the pictorial within my vision is revealed. I fashion and develop this essence of imagining, a boldness of self release from the bondage of time … flowing with swaying brush peppering amazing color. The final flick of paint depicting a scene portraying interest and delight.

Other artists have prompted such personal inspiration. I take courage from a particular favorite who embraced his world with keen imagination and passion. Loading his brush with vivid hue, he applied strong strokes, painting one canvas after another, day after day, year after year. He was fully absorbed in this creative process, paying little mind to public opinion, promotion or sale of his works. Indeed, he sold only a single painting in his entire lifetime. That painter often was recognized by his self-portrait wearing a Grey Felt Hat.

Yes, you probably have already guessed his name.

Vincent Van Gogh remarked, “Painting is the very bone and marrow of me. I feel in myself such a creative force.” Van Gogh stepped to his own tune.  I aspire to that.  Embracing his zeal and tenacity, my full attention is also focused on the the subject before me.

And as dramatic brush strokes are applied … walls fall away and time seems to stand still. I grasp onto a sense of spirituality as I yield to the powerful presence of creation around me and through me. For such an energizing moment, I am thankful.

Yes, I have come to realize the better choice is to fully inspire... bringing forth the intriguing and lovely.

… “and that’s how I live it.”