Inspired

There's a great store I found today in Eau Claire. It's named Benny HaHa. Clever. Art supplies, framing gallery and photography studio. They also display local pottery and some wall hangings.

As I'd mentioned a while back, I have a student, although we have not met in some weeks, I know she is painting on her own, and quite nicely, I might add. Toni Clark said she always wanted to create oil paintings, and she really took off! Here she is with one of her latest creations. Nicely done!

After I arrived home, I got out my oils and set up a canvas and decided to paint a study of a Jamie Wyeth watercolour, only in oil. The subject is an old, abandoned Coast Guard wood hull, tied up in some dark and lonely boathouse. As soon as I began, it felt wonderful! I had not painted an oil in this century. Watercolours, yes, but many years since I tackled and oil. Everything just flowed...I felt inspired and comfortable, and wanting to start two or three canvases. So, I am sort of kicking myself for not doing this earlier in the winter season. However, I think it takes the heart to be in the right place and time for this to happen. My autumnal mood since losing family would probably have caused me to create sullen and uneventful paintings. Now, don't get me wrong, my style is not happy-go-lucky hearts and flowers. Rather, I think I would have started, and been very unhappy with the outcome, and tossed incomplete canvas' right in the dumpster.

Now I am inspired! Happier, and feeling like I could paint for hours upon hours.