NFS
Busy working but feelin the need to post, or re-post in this case, this lovely young lady is Tim's cousin, Jenny. I posted this in my very first shaky weeks of blogging back in '08 but the painting itself was done at least five years before then. I hadn't been working at home at all on art at that time. Exhausted and fried at the end of the day creating campaigns and ads for the newspaper, the last thing I wanted to do when we arrived home was work. I thought I'd seen the last of personal creativity. However, the addition of a new colleague, in our department at work, became the catalyst for reigniting a creative desire I hadn't felt in years.
Young, passionate and gifted, the new employee returned one day from lunch loaded down with canvas stretchers, tubes of paint, brushes and rolls of canvas. I was instantly smitten and I decided I wanted to get to know her better. Our new friendship eventually resulted in the formation of my very first art club. We'd meet once a month, at our respective homes, to present whatever we had worked on. We were responsible for one creation per month for the year, the rules stipulating a fine of $50 would be levied each time you arrived empty handed. The club consisted of only Tim, myself and our new friend but it was incredibly inspiring and lots of fun. The meetings eventually morphed into what could be called parties and eventually died out altogether, as did our friendship unfortunately, but I credit the time I spent painting for the club to be invaluable as a stepping stone toward the work I do today.
So, thank you Patty.
I am totaly in awe and wonder what on earth you see in anything I do! Gosh - I aspire to be half as good as this one day :0)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful! You are so gifted!
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely painting...done from life? You might need to consider forming another little art club for yourself...there must be others around who would love to be part of a creative movement. Meeting even once a month is such a gift and inspiration for new work.
ReplyDeleteWonderful piece. I love the story too. Inspiring indeed! What great memories and example for others, especially that fine for arriving empty handed. haha... did anyone have to pay up?
ReplyDeleteIts a beautiful piece Suzanne. Always love your stories nice add on to your great art.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful painting, the light on her is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteGreat story too.
Love the story Suzanne, adore the painting and admire the masterful technique down to the sunlit bottom lash of her right eye.
ReplyDeleteMy gosh, Suz...She is beautiful and your talent is awesome. It sounds like Patty was a wonderful friend and I like her chutzpah at work (with bringing the canvases, brushes, paint). That your husband joined you in the monthly meetings makes it so much more fun with that masculine influence and point of view. I wish I could find something similar here!
ReplyDeleteAmazing portrait. What a great job with the sunlight on her face. Love your story too.
ReplyDeleteDidn't you know? You and I have an art club of sorts, too...you post another incredible painting of yours, which ultimately keeps me going back to my own easel to attempt another painting of my own! Doesn't matter that you've no idea who I am, you inspire me just the same. Thanks for that, Suzanne!
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher my goal was to try to motivate and inspire, and that's exactly what this young, gifted new employee did for you ! How fantastic ! Kindred spirits are powerful ! We used to have a group of 6 art teachers that met every Monday night at my sister's studio. We were all still teaching, but we made the time to get together. We would bring whatever we were working on, or sometimes we would bring supplies for the group to complete a project. (or at least start) Such an important and supportive group, we've continued to work on projects together. 3 of the group have a 'Fine Arts' Day at their school, and the rest of us are hired for the day to teach a class. It's been so stimulating, and it 'Keeps us thinking about new ideas, and sharing our enthusiasm"
ReplyDeleteLove the portrait with the light and shadow on her face. I too started out painting with a friend and it was great fun and inspiring, we have since moved countries and I really miss the help, critique and companionship we had.
ReplyDeleteBack then, just as now, your amazing talent shines! Thanks for sharing such a great story.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne this is absolutely amazing!! I love reading the back story. I think the $50 fee is a great idea. I believe that people come and go in our lives as we need them, teaching us lessons and shaping us while we're around them.
ReplyDeletethank you everyone so much! these comments are like gifts and i appreciate them more than i can say.
ReplyDelete