It's the obligatory "Why I haven't been posting post."
There's been a lot going on recently. My mother had major back surgery, and just as she was getting over it (quickly and wonderfully, I should add) my son suffered a broken arm, and we found out he had a bone cyst, and there was plenty of drama over the sling that the ER originally put him in, before we took him back and they replaced it with a shoulder stabilizer. (Evidently casts are now passe.) And there's also been drama over the work situation that I also make a point of not discussing here.
Anyway, I've had several ideas for posts, including
So in lieu of having something actually to say, I offer my first attempt at painting. Just did it on a lark. It's quite amateurish, but it was fun to do. And that, not the outcome, was the point.
There's been a lot going on recently. My mother had major back surgery, and just as she was getting over it (quickly and wonderfully, I should add) my son suffered a broken arm, and we found out he had a bone cyst, and there was plenty of drama over the sling that the ER originally put him in, before we took him back and they replaced it with a shoulder stabilizer. (Evidently casts are now passe.) And there's also been drama over the work situation that I also make a point of not discussing here.
Anyway, I've had several ideas for posts, including
- a snarky take on the media's questioning whether we (Americans) are "ready" for the first African-American, or woman, or Mormon (too late) president, as though we couldn't possibly decide on any other basis;
- a humorous commentary in dialogue on people who essentially hold to inerrancy but quibble over the term;
- a few things that I've forgotten about now
So in lieu of having something actually to say, I offer my first attempt at painting. Just did it on a lark. It's quite amateurish, but it was fun to do. And that, not the outcome, was the point.
I absolutely LOVE that painting, Keith! you have been hiding your talents, dear sir.
ReplyDeletehow large is that painting? what medium did you use? what did you paint it on? I'm sooooo excited. You need to do more and sell them on ebay. That way you could make enough money to kiss that job goodbye and go on to study Theology and get the sheepskin to go along with your incredible mind. selahV
SelahV: You made me laugh out loud! You are absolutely a true friend.
ReplyDeleteThe painting is acrylic on canvas, 11 x 14 inches. Actually, the photograph looks better than the painting itself: the sky, in particular, on the original painting looks more like denim.
I had misunderstood the purpose of my wife going to a local art/craft store with my son--I thought he was using his allowance to buy some painting supplies. So I said, "Hey, get me something, too. I'd be interested in that." Just thinking she'd come home with an extra canvas for me. So she comes home with brushes and paints and three canvases--all for me. Turns out my son was just checking them out; wasn't intending to buy at all.
But now that we had them, we took a lazy day and decided to turn the stupid TV off and get out our painting stuff. We used some music stands we have, because we didn't have any easels. And all three of us just painted. Cecile painted the face of one of our children. My son painted an abstract stained glass window, and I painted the landscape.
I would be happier with it if the tree looked like an actual species of tree, and if what was meant to be flecks of orange sunlight on the leaves didn't look like oranges. But it was a fun first attempt. And just the experience of doing something creative together was nice.
So now we need to buy more canvases!
You know, art almost always gets me out of my listless or downer moods. I get so absorbed in it that it's impossible for me to continue to focus on the stuff making me feel like that.
ReplyDeleteDo more paintings.
Love the one you have here.
It has a folk-art "grandma moses" feel to it; I like that.
You're very, very kind, Julie. An attaboy from you with regard to the visual arts means a lot to me.
ReplyDeleteMusic and writing were always my art forms. I think I'm much more auditory than visual. I never remember what people are wearing, and I couldn't describe a person visually to save my life. But I recall conversations verbatim, and I can play the entire Sgt. Pepper's album in my head (complete with orchestration).
But there's little time to indulge in that these days. You're right, Julie. I'd feel better about life in general if I had more time (and energy, when I have the time) for such things.
I like the painting, definitely impressive for a first effort. I've never tried painting myself, although my grandmother painted oils. I used to do a lot of pencil and charcoal drawings when I was younger, but I haven't drawn anything in years. Sometimes I miss it.
ReplyDeleteI seem to read your blog entries and then think "oh, I'll talk to him Sunday" but then I don't. I need to just comment more.
Keith, I'm only going to say this one more time. That is one of the best pieces of folk-art I've seen in a while. I don't care what you think it shouldn't be like. It is what it is. And it is saleable art.
ReplyDeleteDid I tell you I use to own an Antique Mall? I use to sell pieces like that one for 50 to 100 dollars. It is the simplicity of it that is remarkable. And the depth perception is great, too.
Art takes on its own life and appeals to people because....just because. Show us everyone else's paintings. selahV
Hi, SelahV.
ReplyDeletePlease forgive me. I didn't mean to be dismissive. Thank you for your appraisal.
For now, I think I'll just keep it as a hobby, when I have time. Right now, I need something in my life that's not work, not family obligation, not ministry, just... fun. Maybe sometime later, if I get a glut of old paintings, I'll think about selling.
But once again, thanks.
Bob2,
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, please, comment more!