The Painting Spectrum - One Eye Painting

   I ran into an old friend at a local plant store yesterday and, even though she was extremely busy, we had a chance to briefly discuss my recent eye surgery (which has been quite successful thus far). She asked if I was able to paint again? Have I regained sight in my left eye? I informed her that about one-third  of my eyesight had returned, and there is still a small gas bubble in the macular region that is helping to heal my eye. It will still be a few more weeks before that bubble dissolves along with the stitches the doctor put are gone - my apologies if I just grossed you out. I told her it is rather difficult getting in the mood to paint, as the bubble bounces around and I can see it. She realized that, as a painter, one's eyes are a window in creating. She knows I love to paint and that I've been doing it almost my entire life. She gave me a consoling hug and said she could not imagine how difficult it is not to exercise my creative muse.

   In between customers and calls on her walkie-talkie, we chatted about the shows my husband and I have coming up this summer and fall. She extended the invitation to me to paint inside the greenhouse, which she showed me, easel and all. However, due to a lack of space, (and the fact I wouldn't want to disrupt their business), most likely I would have my husband take photographs and then reproduce them later for me to paint. But while we were there, I did notice the greenhouse was bursting with blooms and intoxicating scents. I could tell my friend was in love with her job. She was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic as she rattled off the names of the plants as we strolled by them. I knew it would be a while before I would paint flowers again - I truly need both eyes to catch the details an colors accurately.

   My friend got called away by more customers. We said our goodbyes. My husband Dave and I picked up my two house plants (an orange geranium and another flowering plant called Nemesia) and paid for them. I've been hankering for flowers / house plants after the eye surgery center gave me a beautiful Kalanchoe plant with pink flowers for "putting up with them during this ordeal." Who put up with whom??

   As I write this, my plant stand is full of lively colorful new plants. Some of my older paintings are also being done over in lively new colors. I managed to touch up two different works this week. Just some basics - nothing crazy. I can barely work one hour at a time or I pay the price with a headache. Progress not perfection. Time will take it's time.

   Until next time,
   The one-eyed painter,
   Jill