The Painting Spectrum - What If?

   You're a painter. You've been painting for approximately 90% of your lifetime, ever since you were a kid. You attended classes and workshops. You've taught classes and workshops. You've displayed your works in fairs, businesses, and galleries. You've sold work on-line as well as at art markets and said art galleries. But what if, out of nowhere, you were a painter (or an artist of any genre) who suddenly couldn't see? Or a painter who entered a funky depression? The previous eight sentences have just described me.

   A little over a month ago, I noticed vision problems in my left eye. I was unsure if I needed new glasses or had a foreign object in my eye. I knew something was really wrong and needed this situation checked out, was when I was reading a book while drinking a cup of tea. When I lifted my cup with my right hand and pretty much blocked my right eye, all the letters on the books page moved and suddenly slanted downward much to my surprise. I went to see my optometrist and after a lengthy appointment, I found that I have a macular hole in my left eye. I didn't do anything out of the ordinary to my eye, no unusual strain, or injure it in any way. These things just happen sometimes, mostly due to age.

   In the depths of winter, I often get depressed. While I love where I live along the coast of Maine, the winters can seem to drag, even if they're not that brutal. March can be a difficult month for me, but I take the necessary steps to wade through it. However, it's now late April - the weather has been wetter and colder than normal for the most part and with this news about my eye, (and the upcoming surgery), I can openly admit, I'm tanking.

   I haven't had the energy or the where-with-all to pick up a brush. I'm finding I don't have any fresh ideas. In a way, I'm grateful I finished my oil slick series, but on the flip side of the coin, I'm saddened that it is finished. I'm ready to take all my painting supplies and hurl them out my studio windows. I did have an after-thought; what kind of abstract would that create?

   Over the past six weeks I've amerced myself with writing a book with my husband and I've embraced a great deal of reading despite my vision challenge. One book I'm currently reading states to get rid of clutter, whether personal or professional. I guess I can call this my Spring cleaning.

   Unfortunately, my mind is mostly focused on the upcoming surgery. The doctors are confident that I will regain sight in my left eye. I wish I had their confidence. Being an artist and a tad on the sensitive side, I can easily go and orbit this little planet called "worst case scenario". I want to see again. I want to paint again. I want to do more than just paint my finger and toe nails. However, as my husband puts it, if I have the right attitude and mindset, there is hope!

   Until next time, in at least a month,
   The "Left Eye Blind" Painter
   Jill

The Painting Spectrum - Sick And Tired Of Being Sick And Tired

   Mark this week as a rarity; for the second time in six weeks, I've come down with this flu thing that's been making the rounds. The first time wasn't so bad - I pretty much got over it in about 5-6 days. I think the fact that I passed it lovingly on to my husband helped.

   But this go-round has me beaten pretty bad. I can put up with the stuffy nose, the somewhat sore throat, and the fact that my head feels like a brick has been implanted into it. But it's the exhaustion. I've been too tired to paint, polish, or more or less be creative. Even the writing of my latest book has almost ground to a halt. I've only written about eight pages this week and I've done some very basic sketching - about two papers worth. Oh, and I finished a short book I was reading. The item that has been on my agenda mostly is sleep.

   I'll put creative thoughts and waves out into the artistic universe. Perhaps you can pick up on some extra creativity, since I'm sure as heck not using mine at the moment

   Until next time,
   The Under-the-Weather Painter,
   Jill

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The Painting Spectrum - Is Art For Everyone?

   I have a theory - many people suffer from a silent feeling of inadequacy when they view a painting or a piece of art they do not "understand". Do they feel confused? Do they feel dumb? Or is it a case that no one has clued them in on what they are looking at? And the title of "Untitled" is not helping. The viewer remains baffled.

   I had a neighbor come into my studio the other day where she liked and commented on the floral paintings I had hanging on a wall. "When are you having your shows?", she inquired. "At this point, late July through October. I'll be showing my abstracts with my husbands photographic work.", was my response.
"What's an abstract?", she asked.
I pointed to an 11x14 I had done a few months back that was also hanging on a wall. "This one, for example."
"That mess? Now why would you want to paint that?" she asked.
Responding as graciously as possible, I said, "For starters, I had fun creating the work. Secondly, it looks like a flower garden if you look at these points. It depends on your perspective."
"Oh now I see! Wow! You're right!", she cooed. "And this one looks like city streets. And that one looks kinds like a salad."
"It could be...", I answered. She continued moving around my studio and noticed several sunflower paintings and art works.
"You like sunflowers. I can tell.", she stated.
"Yes - they are my favorite flower.", I commented.
"Did you paint this one?", she questioned.
Pointing to the work, I replied, "No, my youngest daughter orchestrated this work. Here's her foot, the hands and feet of my four grandchildren, and the foot of my oldest daughter."
"That's awesome." One could tell she relished the painting / work.
"It's definitely a family treasure that I'm keeping." After that, she mentioned she had to get going and I thanked her for the frame she brought by which was the original intent for the brief visit.

   Now, from the artist's point of view - take my youngest daughters painting / work, for example - using the tools of hands and feet along with paint to create a work of art. There was a group of people involved, mainly children aged from 7 years down to 5 months old. There was also an idea - to create two images of sunflowers. There is the creative process as well as an element of fun involved. Lastly, the giving and receiving of the gift into its new home.

   Emotions, energy, and excitement are some of the primary reasons why we create art. Sometimes we may have to explain the process or symbolism within the work for it to be understood and appreciated. On numerous occasions, especially with my abstracts, have told viewers that are having a difficult time "understanding" my paintings, to stop trying to "figure out what the subject is". Instead, I ask them what they see, what drew them to the painting, what do they like about it? I tell them there is no right or wrong, especially with abstracts. Enjoy the work, don't try to solve a mystery that's in some other person's head.

   Art IS for everyone. With love, appreciation, and honest questions, we can all engage, live, learn and grow. We, and the art world, will benefit greatly.

   Until next time,
   The Happy Painter,
   Jill