Clarity



"Counting Koi" (partial view)



The title of this post was originally going to be "Resolution,” that thing that some of us do as a New Year’s ritual.  For me, resolutions are a good way to frame the upcoming year … a way to set my expectations for the year and to take advantage of the energy that comes with the thought of starting something new, turning to a fresh page.  I thought of the word CLARITY, which I had lately been using as an affirmation word.

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Years and years ago in my high school French class, our teacher assigned us French names to use in class as we practiced conversation.  I was given the name Claire (ugh, I thought at the time) -- no sassy name like Yvette or Suzette for me, shucks.

But now I like the name.  “Claire” means clear, bright … “Clair de lune,” of course, moonlight.  So, this will be the theme for the year and my goal for my watercolor art.  Several years ago, when one of my art teachers reminded us to “paint the light,” I really had no idea what she meant or how to create it.  But now, this is what I strive for … to paint the light, to capture brightness.  I will remind myself and affirm that I have CLARITY in my paintings and for life in general.

May you have Light and Love in life.  Blessings and Happy New Year to you!    

Like Riding a Bike

It starts easily enough with a drawing … one that turns out nicely.  Lines are good, composition good.  I take a breather and think about the paints to lay down.  But then comes the avoidance of transferring the work to watercolor paper and beginning the under-painting.  Sometimes the delay lasts for weeks!  I know that once it starts, the process will flow, and the colors and lines will come together to make it all work as a “painting.”  The flow comes back to me.  It’s just the starting that is so difficult.  I tell myself, it should be like riding a bike … just get back in the saddle and ride.  Is it fear of failure or fear of success?   Something to think about ... and maybe kill more time?

Beginnings

 


I remember as a young girl my favorite Crayola colors were Burnt Sienna and Yellow Orange.  Those were the colors that I used in my coloring books for Cinderella’s hair … Burnt Sienna to outline the strands and Yellow Orange to fill in her long wavy locks.  I think I may have even smudged the colors together, as much as the wax crayons would allow. 

I remember visiting Siena, Italy several years ago.  We walked up the crowded, cobble-stoned streets and through the gated walls … as I caught my first glimpse of Piazza del Campo and its surrounding building and rooftops, I thought, “Ah, here is the color sienna.”  Visiting Italy gave me a lot of encouragement to pick up my pencils, brushes and watercolors again.  To this day, I still love Burnt Sienna, along with Quinacridone Gold.