Many of my pals, including my best friend and partner SAM, enjoy painting. They buy supplies and books and videos. They attend classes and workshops to develop their skills and deepen their understanding of how to paint well.
Some painters I’ve met really don’t know how to draw (SAM draws very well.) To me, that’s like writing without knowing how to spell. Yet, they seem to enjoy the process.
This is not a “what IS art?” rant, except to say we’ve come a long way in our expression and appreciation of the graphical arts – from Carpaccio to Rothko. There are spectrums of artistic ability, style and viewer appreciation that continue to amaze and delight me.
I prefer more literal styles with a twist – Degas, Toulouse Lautrec, Magritte, Hopper, Picasso, Cole, and Eakins. SAM prefers a more classical style, so we have great discussions. Since leaving her busy career in teaching she has become a dedicated painter in watercolor and oils. IMHO she has grown rapidly largely because she paints every day.
Drawing and painting are one of life’s great pleasures, missed by many who were poisoned by hurtful or stupid comments when they were young. It’s never too late to rediscover that inner child and pickup that pencil or brush again.
It’s my special pleasure to share some of SAM’s recent paintings and take a nice, but brief, drive away from my silly drawings. Enjoy. Roll down the windows…
