I find the start of my colorful journey quite ironic..
While I am very attracted to rich and vibrant colors, for some reason it’s always white that grabs and holds my attention like nothing else can, infusing me with a peaceful energy. White is defined as all lights combined, but the absence of color.
Anyway, here I was in my backyard about five years ago, admiring a luscious, velvety, RED hibiscus flower when I felt the sudden impulse to find a print of that flower to hang in one of my rooms. But I wanted it in white! So began my internet hunt for the perfect white hibiscus image. I can tell you that there are millions of white lotuses and white roses out there, but not many white hibiscuses. Hours later, just seconds away from calling off my fruitless search, this beautiful, impressionistic painting of a white hibiscus pops up. The link to the image takes me to a beginners painting tutorial on YouTube. Bummer. Not what I was looking for. Disappointed, I call it quits for the day and go make dinner.
But the next morning, coffee in hand, I find myself watching this acrylic painting tutorial by the artist Ginger Cook. And next thing you know, I’m heading out the door to get the supplies needed.
Long story short, I followed the tutorial, my painting sucked, but I persisted. Within a few short weeks it became obvious that acrylics are not really my thing, so I switched to oils – only to find out that oils and I don’t quite mix, either!
Dispirited, I was venting my frustration to a sympathetic friend who suggested I’d try watercolors. “Watercolors?!” I gasped, knowing of their finicky reputation. But hey, why not… And, surprisingly, watercolors and I hit it off, starting an intense love affair. Until I discovered the vibrancy and versatility of colored pencils, and a new love was kindled. But then I gave pastels a try! Currently my favorite medium, they are as rich and vibrant as oil paints.
One thing is clear, I never stop exploring! The radius of the learning curve may vary but it never ends, and that’s what keeps me going. I still harbor dreams of mastering acrylic and oil paints, eventually. I thrive on challenges!
So, all in all, it’s been quite the journey of discovery in more ways than one. From discovering and developing abilities I didn’t know I had, to a different way of looking at the world around me, I feel like I’ve been handed a precious gift. I also greatly appreciate the mind-calming effect of art. I can see why art-therapy is often suggested as an effective treatment for depression. Art allows you to lose yourself in a happy place!
I still can’t paint a blasted white hibiscus to save my life, but as they say here in the South… Hold my beer!
There might be hope yet.
Lori J. Art 