Yesterday's art class is probably the last one I'll be giving. I am getting old and tired. It sort of felt like I was at my own wake last night. We ate together, made art, and reminisced about past years. One of my Wednesday evening artists has been with me for almost 10 years. The newest one has been with me for 12 weeks. They are a delight to be with - loud, but delightful. 🥴
That almost-10-year-artist recently traveled to the Dominican on a missions trip. While there, she shared her artistic abilities. She also made friends with a chicken. Her recent paintings remind me of Kehinde Wiley's style. He's the artist who painted President Obama's official portrait. He has a way of stylizing the background vegetation and pairing it with a realistic portrait. Looks like Laura did this too.
It has been such a privilege to witness individual styles emerge as artists gain confidence in what they can do with watercolours. This artist is a very skilled sketcher and boldly tries new watercolour techniques. I love this picture.
The flower below is our newest artist's second watercolour painting. When she was done, I held it up turned ¼ turn to the left and it became a whole new painting. Try it. She will do well as she progresses in the medium.
One of our artists was on vacation and another left early, which brings us to our last Wednesday evening artist. It has been SO gratifying to watch this artist internalize the abilities to make a fine painting. I feel like I am there in the Eastern Townships, looking at her grandfather's sugar shack.
Before our potluck meal, I always read a poem.
This one was written by the too-soon departed John O'Donohue.
To all of my art students:
A blessing: For Solitude
May you recognize in your life the presence,
power and light of your soul.
May you realize that you are never alone,
that your soul in its brightness and belonging
connects you intimately with the rhythm of the universe.
May you have respect for your own individuality and difference.
May you realize that the shape of your soul is unique,
that you have a special destiny here,
that behind the facade of your life
there is something beautiful and eternal happening.
May you learn to see your self
with the same delight,
pride,
and expectation
with which God sees you in every moment.
❤️