Yes and No

I'm giving my friend a book about saying "yes" tonight, which
is funny because she's very agreeable, and kind, and does say
"yes" a lot. I saw the book in a bookstore, and my inordinate
curiosity made me buy it. It is one of those books you can read
in a night, so when she's finished, I'll take a glance at it.

On the other hand, one of the big things we teach our students
in school success is how to say "no" to friends, parents, anyone
who pulls them away from their studies.

A class sketch from
my Tuesday art class
acrylic on watercolour paper

I guess the answer is balance. One year I was so excited about being
asked to participate in huge number of shows, that I said "yes" to
everything, even to craft shows where the chances of selling fine
art were slim to none. Now I try to go with my gut. If it feels like
I'll enjoy it, learn something, meet people -- I'll do it.

In the past day we've driven 1,000 kilometers, or half the distance
from Toronto to Nova Scotia -- that's about 600 miles. We left Friday
after work, stayed the night in London, then drove on to Windsor,
had lunch with Sam, gave him a cake, drove back and had
cake in Toronto with Josephine and Luigi for Steven's birthday.
It was too late when we got together to go anywhere, and Steven
was exhausted from the drive, so we sang Happy Birthday to him
and played two games of cribbage.

Sammy loved his cake and gifts. Steven loved his birthday dinner in
Port Stanley on Lake Erie, at Me and Suzie, a great restaurant, last night.
The drive was just insane with horrendous traffic out of Toronto,
heavy rain and hail! But the restaurant held our dinner for us,
and it was delicious.

Now it's bed time, and the family birthdays are all over. Happy, Happy
Birthday to the Scorpio wing of the family (four of us).

Driving home today the landscape was spectacular, moody low slung
grey skies, bright yellow maple leaves and brilliant yellow roadside
grasses, then luminous, green stripes of spring wheat. A painter's dream.

Now it's time for this weary painter to dream. I say "yes" to that
idea.

Have a saying-yes-to-happiness day.

Dipping into the files

I had to mark papers tonight, which is its own kind
of pleasure, but I didn't have time to go to art class.
Plus I admit I spent three hours at the hospital
today waiting in the Fracture Clinic, and I am
exhausted. So I'm showing you an older work.
This is a class painting I did on smooth Arches
watercolour paper with acrylics. I always liked
it, and couldn't understand why it didn't
sell in shows, even when the price was almost
a give away.

Woman in argyle sweater
acrylic on watercolour paper
18" x 20"

But now I think I get it. She looks worried or
cranky. And no one needs cranky on their walls.
I know painters paint angry paintings, but that push
has to come from their souls. Mine is not an angry
soul. I do get upset about things, but in
essence I work hard at being cheerful, and
see that as an essential talent. I'll talk to you
tomorrow, meanwhile enjoy whatever art you make.

Have a letting-the-happy-through day.

Painting joy produces results

I admit it -- my bias leans towards happy art. That said, there's a big difference between happy and sappy, and I try to stay on the joy train, without turning my work into Hallmark cards. This painting of my friend, Carolee is a case in point. When I asked her to pose so I
could photograph her for a painting, she was reluctant.
It was a bad year for her, and she was doing her best
to get through it. My demands were annoying, just
another hassle. Carolee has great taste, and she's moved twice since this image was painted, but she always creates a magnificent garden. Plus she's a beautiful woman and a delight to paint.

The photos I took were a far cry from the final result,
except that Carolee was in this pose, and wearing these
clothes. Her true expression was a kind of wry resignation -- as in,
"let's get this over with."

My goal is frequently to portray what I feel is the joy, or even potential joy inside a person. And that's what I did with Carolee.
The painting hangs in the office I share with my boss
at Seneca, and everyone who sees it, loves it. And Carolee?
She's happier than she's ever been in her life, in love
and living with a wonderful man. So there you go.

Have a looking and feeling happy day.

Loveliest Magnolia

It's on again -- the unofficial contest for the loveliest Magnolia
tree in Toronto. Just kidding. They are all magnificent,
even the smallest saplings with three or four blossoms catch
my eye. This is Sunday night and my family is here for dinner,
so I don't have time to say much. Wherever you are enjoy
the show. In Toronto it's just spectacular right now. After this
cold winter everyone is outside rejoicing. Why not? Here's a picture of a glorious tree I saw today.

Three cheers for spring tonight!