Birds and flowers

“The best artists tend to be the ones with the most sensitive antennae to draw in the energy resonating at a particular moment.” – Rick Rubin

During the last monthly meeting of the Desert Artists’ League, I gave a presentation on my art journey. When I walked in, even though I saw so many friendly faces, I must have looked a bit apprehensive. Before the meeting started, one of my fellow artists, Sally Valliton, asked me if I was nervous about speaking in front of this group. She admitted that although she had taught second grade for many years and could stand up comfortably in front of any group of second graders, this venue would likely give her pause.

I began my presentation about how I came to watercolor with a story about a hobby I had tried before I started painting. The story began decades ago when I decided I wanted to take voice lessons. Although I had always been told that I couldn’t sing well, I went to my first lesson and loved it. However, during my second lesson the following week, while we were working through the musical scales, the instructor asked me if I had practiced. I proudly stated that I had been practicing non-stop since my first lesson. In response, the teacher said, “Have you ever considered piano?” I was devastated but made it to my car without crying. When I got home, I told my husband what had transpired. Instead of the sympathy I had hoped for, I watched his tortured face as he struggled so hard not to laugh. To my assertion, “It’s not funny, Don!” he sheepishly replied, “Well, it’s kind of funny.” It was remembering this experience that caused me to approach watercolor classes with some trepidation.

I really enjoyed this evening with the artists’ league. After my presentation, Sally walked over to me and whispered, “I think your paint brush is your voice.” That quiet comment touched my heart in such a profound way.

This evening with the Desert Artists’ League, coupled with Sally’s sensitive analogy, inspired me to pick up my paint brush and find my voice as this bright happy vase of colorful flowers and whimsical wonky birds exploded onto the paper.