Bringing the Everyday to Life
Capturing a Memory
Walking on 27th East
When my husband looked at this painting, he was not impressed. He asked, "where is that supposed to be?" I told him that it was a street near where I grew up in SLC, Utah. (2700 E 3900 S) My friends and I used to walk this street on the way to the mall when I was younger. His comment back was that it never rains in Utah and why would you want to paint that...
I have thought about that question for the last couple of days. When I see this painting it brings back memories. There are moments in time that come back to me, a sence of nostalgia. It does rain in Utah! It may be far and few between, but that is what makes a rainy day more special. My husband would want blue skies and bright sun in a painting. But, I am more interested in the beauty of an ordinary, everyday scene that connects with someone. A good painting subject should never be confused with a beautiful scene. They are not always the same thing.
In this case, this painting connects with me. Even if it is only me, I feel successful. Art is not always about pleasing other people, it is more about self discovery. I do like to please other people, don't get me wrong. However, if I do not paint something with meaning to me, I find that the painting is not as good. Often there is no life and soul to the painting. I have heard it said before, "paint what you know". I am finding that is so important. We all have different experiences and when we express those different experiences, our world becomes a more colorful and interesting place.
So, here is to painting what we know. Happy painting...
BB:)
