Painting Frenzy

"I begin with an idea and then it becomes something else." - Pablo Picasso

I love to paint. Are you surprised? I know I haven't mentioned that about myself yet, that I really enjoy painting, but I do. A lot. So there, now that I've said it, you know. I love to paint.

Usually it's walls, or sheds, or garden structures I'm taking brush to. But in any event, I love to paint.

Pardon? Canvas? Um, no. I don't generally paint on canvas. Not unless you count that one pair of sneakers I tye-dyed in college... Yes, I do love painting, but my talents aren't particulary artistic. I just love the feel of bristles on something--anything. One of our barn's doors haven't weathered well this past winter so I'm planning to give them a fresh coat of cheery barn red paint this weekend. Truthfully, I'm already thrilled by the prospect.

Yeah, I know. It doesn't take much to please me, does it? I love the feeling of unaccountability that comes with painting. It gives me the chance to let my mind wander. Naturally, when I paint I "write" in my mind. I find some of the easiest plot smoothing and dialogue polishing comes during mindless tasks. So, I embrace the paintbrush!

But I've got to admit I do enjoy art. Real art, I mean. I can't do much more than draw a wavery stick figure but I love art. My tastes are eclectic in this area, as they are in so many other areas. I'm open to almost any style of expression, as long as it's not too gory or grisly.

Last summer we went to a Grandma Moses exhibit and I loved it. I actually went back twice, just because I wanted to experience the paintings again. I love her primitive style, and the attention to detail. Grandma Moses' scenes have so many things almost hidden in them. I could spend days "discovering" the layers in her paintings.

Recently I read through a bunch of quotes. I have a habit of filing a quote if it interests me, or makes me think, and I noticed a few came from Pablo Picasso. His mother reportedly said his first word was "pencil"--isn't that interesting? My mom says my first words were "ice cream"--no surprise there.

Although I don't particularly enjoy everything Picasso painted--and I definitely don't agree with how he lived or a great deal of what he said about women, life or much else not art-related-- I appreciate his sketches. The simplicity of the line drawings is lovely and encourages me to look beyond a first impression. I look deeper, see the curve in a smile or the tension in an elbow. I begin to feel the drawing. I recognize myself, or someone or something I know, in a line less wavery than any I'll ever draw. In that instant a connection is made, an appreciation felt. Yes, I love his drawings.

His words, the ones related to creativity, leave an impression on me. Do they touch you in any way? Or is there another artist who leaves a fingerprint on your heart?

"Inspiration exists, but it has to find us working." - Pablo Picasso