Stage 1
(No photograph because I’m just too eager and excited…)
I’m going to paint a nest. Putty/sepia palette with robin’s egg blue.
“It’s going to be fabulous!” I say.
Stage 2
(No photograph because the painting is looking terrible.)
What I envision is not translating well to the canvas. What a mess. Hubby mistakes it for a whirlpool. The kids raise their eyebrows.
“I can’t paint!” I complain.
Stage 3
(No photograph because I completely paint over significant portions of the painting.)
Sigh. The only way to erase in acrylic is to paint over. I reformulate paint mixtures, and pick up different sized brushes. How do birds make such a lovely mess! Ahh. every straw and twig is unique. I start again.
“No pain, no gain.” I whimper.
Stage 4
(No photograph because I’m just too eager and excited to see something wonderful emerge.)
Focusing on the overall feel rather than any individual spot, I start drawing out the light and shadows. I’ve got one brush in my mouth, one in each hand.
“Hey! I can paint!” I exclaim.
Stage 5
Finally, I’m connected. Creator with the creation. Hubby knows it’s a nest. The kids stay and admire. I like. I love.
“Do I have to give/sell it? Can’t I just keep it? It looks so good in our house.”
That’s how I know I’m done….because I don’t want to part with it.
But I do. And that’s how I know I still enjoy making art.
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Wow! That is such a beautiful painting Mrs. Simons! I love your paintings! The blue really pops out and looks fabulous with the color of the nest. I can’t imagine how long it would have taken, or patience for that mater, to paint all those twigs. They look so real and perfect! I’m amazed. =) Look forward to seeing you again soon. =)
Wow Ruth…..how did one woman end up with so much talent!!??? Painting is intimidating! Its so very beautiful! I might have to ask for one for Christmas from Mr. Rader!
Hugs from Indy!
Jen
PS. Funny story. Remember me asking for wardrobe advice? Remember the cool belt I soon after bought? I wore it with a little dress to a grad party a couple of months ago and felt pretty good in it. Well, while sitting and eating, the belt spontaneously popped right off, grabbing the attention of all those around me!!! Sigh. Only me. I had to laugh. If that isnt a hint to stop eating, what is?
Oh, Jen. I’m laughing. I would have loved to be there to enjoy that moment with you. Don’t you love when the Lord gives us those moments that we can take ourselves less seriously!! I’m sure you looked lovely…with and without the belt!!
really gorgeous!!
Beautiful, Ruth….thank you for sharing!!
Sigh… I always love your paintings. Always. This one may be my favorite.
O my goodness! Without reading your story, I really thought it was a real nest yesterday, and today I was wondering:”Why were there blue eggs in the nest?” So I went reading your article and then realized it was your painting. Beautiful job, my dearest artist!
beautiful.
Ruth … beautiful! Amazingly realistic; love it! I say you should keep it, but if you don’t; let me know because I’d be on your list of people that would love to have it in their home. Be blessed, in Jesus’ name.
Paint? Yes you can!
Exquisite, Ruth.
sigh.
what a lovely painting. and those eggs nicely contrast the straw. the perfect shade of blue too. =)
reading your blog is so hopeful! makes me think: “ok, these baby stages where i completely collapse at 10pm will soon pass. there will be a day when i will have time to create art again.”
thank you for sharing. =)
Yes, Seda, this season will pass all too quickly. You are building something greater right now than arts and crafts!
Thanks, Ruth. So true!
My itch was partially relieved this morning when I introduced oil pastel to him. =) Not like paint or charcoal, but a step up from the usual crayon. We loved it.