So I finally finished 'The Boots'!!!!
It always feels so liberating and joyful when you finish a painting... I enjoy that one moment where 'you just know' it's done....that ONE moment is always preceded by numerous 'I'm almost done' moments but when you hit on the 'done' moment...it's such a sigh of releif and accomplishment!
Now this particular painting was never meant to be super tight(in fact, I am starting to get away from that), photo real or even perfect...it was just meant to make you smile and have a special kinship with the person who enjoys viewing it. I know I feel that way about it but I should, it's a 'Mothers' type love. I love all my paintings...they are my creations, my children in a sense. I give them all a little part of me....they are of me and from me....
I actually painted this painting with Etsy in mind.
I have a cousin who is a custom wood craftsman (Finniwig Studios) and he told me last summer about how well they do there so I thought why not....I should start making a bit of money with this.
I likely won't sell a thing but I like the idea of being a 'working artist'....it seems more true in some respects.
If you can paint what you enjoy and then have someone who enjoys it as much as you do and be willing to trade something in return...that's not a bad deal. I'm really not one of the typical gallery types...I am pretty private and humble.
I have to admit, it's pretty cool knowing that my paintings live in other countries and homes in the US...it makes me feel good! Granted most of those I gave away, traded something for or actually sold but it still is a pretty awesome feeling knowing that some people actually like MY stuff!!!
This week, and the last few weeks have been quite busy. This time of year is always filled with personal projects as it has been since I was in nursing school. I make most of my presents for friends and family. This year has been no exception. I started this when I was so poor, I could not afford to buy things so I made things. I have continued this tradition ever since... Christmas should not be about money..it's about the joy of giving. I give things made by me...I give a little part of me.
I have one more thing to make and that's for my Mom...a portrait shirt...she will most likely never wear it but when I paint things for her, it always make her cry and that's no sign of failure...that's a sincere WINNING!!!
I finished a portrait of my best friends 2 dogs, done in monchrome....it really turned out quite, quite nice and I hope I get the WINNING tears from her as well! I am quite sure of it.... Her one beloved dog passed away a couple years(can't remember if Sara has been gone 1 or 2 years now) ago and I painted her looking so alive! When I paint memorial portraits, I feel that in my own way, I am giving them back...they can look at them again, touch them and never forget...it's like they are there when you look at the paintings. This particular painting is no different...they are essentially life sized....it turned out very nice. I am quite pleased! :)
I also painted a cheesy Victorian styled Father Christmas canvas for my boss and his wife...I gave it to them last night and they seemed to enjoy it...I hope they enjoy it for years to come.
So today is my 47th birthday and 11th wedding anniversary! Its hard for me to believe I am 47!
In my head, I will forever be 26, that was my best year! I was a new nurse, had a great body, met my husband, felt young and in control...it was a good time in life. Mentally, this is how I think...with my 26 year old brain however...some changes have occurred....
My body has gone to hell, I now have lines and spots on my face that never used to be there...
In the course of one year, I swear to God gravity did a U turn and came back twice! What the hell!!! What happened to my chin????? LOL!!
My joints are not what they used to be...arthritis is NOT fun! My hair is no longer the pretty blond color it naturally used to be and I am so tired of trying to keep it as such...I have finally decided to give in to my darkening roots and gray hairs... I now drive an automatic car and I go to bed early and wake up early.... I say things bluntly, with a honest in your face candor but always tempered with my dry wit... I can't do what I used to be able to easily do in years past. Some things...I just won't do anymore, like snow ski...I am too afraid to fall now! All this has brought me to one realization....
I have finally grown up... :)
With that...I wish you all a great day filled with 'say what you feel, do what you want and have no regrets' !
Kath
