Paint

As the title suggests, I obviously like to paint. Haven’t done it for quite some time but I definitely want to paint again. It’s a break, a refuge from a depleting day. And there’s something so peaceful and refreshing about being able to create something out of nothing. It doesn’t matter if people like it or not. I’m no longer as conscious about my work as when I started – pass the insecurity of not receiving my mentor’s approval. I just screen dark, angry themes - for my nieces, nephews and parents. I don’t want to give the kids a nightmare and I don’t want my parents to get a heart attack.

I paint flowers and fish when I’m frustrated and angry – but not all the time. There are days when I paint flowers and fish just because. But I don’t paint people when I’m frustrated. It shows in their faces. I paint flowers and fish because they calm me.

Oil is my medium. It is the most durable and forgiving. You’re allowed to commit mistakes – if you dab the wrong hue, or paint beyond the edges, it’s ok. You can just splat another coat of paint and no one will notice the error. You do it layer by layer – the base color, then the darker shade, then the highlights. Then you glaze and blend and put additional details. If you have a subject in front of you, you have to squint to see the basic colors and structure minus the intricate details - yes, the paradox of seeing less so that you can see more.

Then you let it dry - in culinary world, this is like cooking time. And when the paint will no longer muddle each other, you glaze over it again and add another coat of paint. Every once in a while you literally have to step back to see the work in its entirety. Some art forms are meant to be admired up close - like wood carving or an intricate weave. But not oil. You have to appreciate its beauty from a distance.

The only downside is that the fumes of turpentine and paint thinner reak across the room – not so healthy for someone living with senior citizens. So I’m thinking of switching to water-based acrylic. Maybe this year.