Are you ready for another person on the East Coast bemoaning the snow that is defiantly falling outside right now? Huge, fluffy snowflakes are swirling outside my window in a circular motion, making me feel like I live in the center of a snow globe. Now, if this were December I would be sitting at the window, tea in hand, oohing and aahing over the beautiful snowflakes and winter wonderland and blah, blah, blah. But it's not December, it's April. And we've had one heck of a long winter, or are continuing to have one heck of a long winter. Spring did not arrive last week, I don't care what the calendar says.
So here I sit looking out the window and I find myself angry at the snow and the gloom. And I keep looking out the window, cursing another cold day, and then I notice the blooming daffodils and pansies out in my garden with the snow falling around them and they look absolutely brilliant....so much brighter and luminous than anything else in the gray landscape today. And what comes to mind is something I learned from my art teacher, which was when something looks kind of blah in a painting and is not as bright as you want it, make whatever is next to it a little darker before trying to lighten up the object. I tried this last week when painting pink tulips that looked flat and not light enough, by darkening the background a little bit, and BAM....the tulips became almost surreal and their magnificence was turned up on notch. So today the drear and the grey is dampening my mood, but it is making the flowers outside especially brilliant.
Finding the beauty in every day is an artist's calling. When I sit down at my easel I am trying to capture the beauty that I see in whatever my subject is. It's easy to focus on conveying the light and beauty, but without the darkness and shadows next to the light there would be no beauty, no contrast. I think what I will take away from today is that the dark is necessary to truly appreciate the brilliance of the light. You cannot have one without the other.
12 comments:
Beautifully stated, Christine.
Well said, Christine. Without the clouds in the sky, a sunset wouldn't be as beautiful either or know the joy of a bright sunny day. Nice painting.
Thank you Claire!
You are so right Young, the sunset is most beautiful with the clouds.
This painting is gorgeous - I love all the elements. The lilies are so delicate and the little nest spilling eggs is very intriquing. Does make me want to put them back!
Nice job Christine! I feel the same way.
Thank you so much Dianne and Ron!
Christine, this is a gorgeous still life!
Well said, Christine!
I remember this your painting from our visit to Bucks County. Looking great here, on a blog, looking even better in person (doesn't it apply to all good paintings?.. I think it does!) We didn't get any snow this time, but it is still cold and sort of nasty and we all so ready for spring! Hopefully soon we all will some some green around. Till then... we all can use our imagination!
Thanks so much AutumnLeaves!
And Tatiana, thank you! You are right, most paintings look better in person. I love the florals you are working on right now. The colors are amazing! Next time you're down this way let me know. We can grab a cup of coffee. I'd love to meet you.
I would love to meet with you, Christine! More likely we can be traveling your way at the end of this month or maybe even in May... All depends on few factors (including of me finding somebody to stay home with Mom and dogs).
But I will let you know, when I'll be heading that direction... And co fee does sound as great idea after long drive (and before another long drive back).
Wow! What a great painting. I love the title also!
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