The early morning light, silver. Hovering over an ochre landscape just waiting to green. Brightness in a soft bluish white breaking through the clouds of night. Clouds with a warming illumination in Naples yellow. A snow squall interrupts my morning view. The toss and turning of mid-April weather in Vermont this April 16t.h My sister’s birthday this day. A text first thing to be followed by a call at a more reasonable hour…
A deep purple hyacinth dared to appear in my front garden. Quaking and acquiescing to a cold breeze. Crocus and daffodils in its shadow. Last year’s hydrangeas boast corymb’s swaying. A curious and subtle alizarin crimson hue blankets the hills. Clouds moved swiftly over the mountains with an undetermined destination. A stoic stillness many feet high surrounds my house on the hill. Peripherally through a bank of windows I was made aware of geese in flight…
The warmth in my house builds quickly in early spring. Surrounded by paintings framed and labeled as I drank my first cup. A thrilling art adventure in my native state begins shortly. New horizons are met with an excited anticipation. The years have been many steeped in hard work and dedication. Each composition possesses untold study and exploration. Offering something artistically different has always been my want. The numerous mistakes and frustrations with ability are part of each painting. Obvious to the viewer or not. The business of art and creativity is far from being a science. The many “darlings killed” due to inexperience and bold moments are the same traits that have brought much delight and happy accidents. A strong work ethic instilled by my parents has guided me to my studio daily. Effort given must surpass expectation. Does drive usurp creativity or fuel it? I wondered…
My great grandmother’s delicate platinum engagement ring spins heavy on my right hand. I carry the strong women of my past with me daily. I have worked long and hard to fulfill my artistic dreams and the unrealized dreams of my mother. To seek out opportunities she never knew. My opportunities have been more than my mother’s and my daughter’s more than mine. My hope for my granddaughter’s? A world full of endless opportunities…
“The question isn’t who is going to let me; it is who is going to stop me.”—Ayn Rand