Gone Painting
October 2, 2009 by Janice
Hm, crispness to the air, an end to the week, a white space beckoning to me. And here gold, corals, grey. Right in between them, there in the white, is a web to weave, some “in front of” to make before I can get to my blue…hm… actually…I feel more like painting than writing today…
Gone painting?
The artist smiles.
Yes, maybe that’s what I ‘ll write.
It’s Friday after all. Just hang up the sign and go.
Weave that little web right there. It’s such a nice autumn day…
October, huh? Funny that. It was on a November day that I first spotted deer tracks nearby…yes…so nice to be painting it in the season of its birth on a little pine island near the Pearl River, leaves crushing underfoot, pine needles giving up their scent… following the boardwalk with a friend to crossover to the first of these private sanctuaries…yes, I’ll reminisce as I work…
I can smile now, in spite of what came after. Remember one of many walks. On private land. Land kept whole by a devoted father. An engineer. A builder. A man who gave so much, whose family now carries on. It was a walk at this time of year, clip clop across the boards into the soft needle covered soil. Looking at evidence of wild pigs, the rustles in the grass, birds on the wing. Are there any lizards left this time of year? Tree frogs, are they still out?
I can smile now. Remember. Blue skies up above. Hm…What color is the scent of discovery? I have to put that in the paint.
It was just a walk wasn’t it?
No, it’s never just a walk there.
It’s what will we see next.
I found my handwritten note on the sketch of this panel. I think this panel’s sketch was the second one I did of my original idea. But that’s another moment, those sketches…just the note for now…it says, “panel mystère” . Hm, “Only two words?”, I thought to myself when I saw them again. Some of the other sketches have lots more. And arrows. Painting plans. Intent. From then.
Ahh, yes, I remember. The web to weave right there, the window made by branches…a found echo of the experience….of walking on these paths …not knowing exactly what is coming up…but…thrilling to be walking…
Paint that.
Make sure the mystery goes in.
And now, maybe a hint of all the rest.
Because on these walks, not everything is revealed all at once. It comes in stages and you have to be looking, wanting to see. And seeing, wonder even more. Walk more. Maybe even marvel at how magical it can be. How surprisingly abundant.
Paint that.
Yes…
I’ve gone painting.
That’s where I will be today. And walking, in my mind, on a little Pine Island near the Gulf.
Smiling. Remembering.
Painting that.
And then? Definitely. A huge Naughty Margarita. If I get there first, shall I order us a pitcher?
Have a great weekend.
Comments
3 Responses to “Gone Painting”
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It is grey and drizzly here today, the perfect day for reminiscing, creating and enjoying. I must say this virtual walk with you through the island has put me in just the right mood. Weekend. Bring it on!
Ah yes, the weekend, just in time too. Yep order the pitcher,
Janice, I know that you know you are a painter, an artist who makes magic with puddles of paint. But have you yet discovered that you are also an artist of words?
Because you are. Very much so, you paint beautiful paintings with words.
Janice Cartier is a Writer.
Janice Cartier is a Writer.
Janice Cartier is a Writer.
Yes, very, very much so. A visionary one. I can see every word you write.
Karen,
Now WE have the drizzle. Hm, nice day to stay tucked in side somewhere. Hope you’re dodging the rain drops there.
Wendi,
I have savored your comment most of the weekend and practically beamed over it. Trying that phrase on for size.
All the more meaningful coming from you.