The Lake in the Park

A friend asked me on seeing this if I'd painted it in situ. The answer I had to tell him was...no. I wish! Maybe, one day. The only time I've painted live was sat just inside a doorway during a windstorm with a view up and over the field hedgerows. Usually, I'm out and about with my camera or smartphone, I see something which looks like a composition. It makes a good photograph and then, hopefully, a painting, acting as an aide memoire. I'm not aiming to make an exact copy. The pleasure really comes after the initial challenges when I lose myself in the process and trust to paint.

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To take a step back, I've been wondering...wondering why I upload each painting to social media. I consider that I've not been able to rejoin an art class for covid reasons. Feedback is good. Every artist needs a response, after all. Although those of my friends who respond are generally kind. Still, it's good to put it out there.

On Facebook, I get my memories from a year ago, often paintings. How good is that Pericanthus! And despite what some say, I don't feel I've learned too much, by which I mean I wouldn't know how to do it again, particularly, glass. This is why I've shot a scene in a cafe with another coffee pot and a glass window to have a go at. Some friends say, 'Slow down! It takes some artists 4 years to finish a painting!' I'm knocking out one a week on average!!! But I'm not an artist in the sense I want to create 'great art'. I've discovered that painting is a great way to spend time. And I have to trust that, because I've created something that some people enjoy looking at during a difficult period, I can do it again. And I'm enjoying it, despite all the angst on these pages! I feel better in myself in having a go - walking, photography, birdsong and art - what's not to like, if it's your thing.

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One friend commented it reminded her of spring. While it's a wintry scene, I wanted to emphasise the light around, those small rays, flecks of sunshine that lift the spirits. I told myself I've grown lazy, taking the easy option of picking my colours from the paint tubes. What if I go back to my old colour swatches..? Wow, hooker green and gold...go on, add some orange! I love that green!

Will I stop sharing on social media one day? Will I carry on painting, despite that annoying voice telling me it's rubbish. I should be doing something else. That makes me smile. I feel I go on while I want to and can. To do anything creatively and put it out there, it has always sprung from the insight I do stuff for me, for one other person (I may never know who it is) and for God (my three-letter, shorthand word). Yeah, I know :O)