A society without art, is a dead society.
I can't imagine living in a society devoid of art. I was born into a family that had little to no interest in the arts. Their main concern was food on the table, and a roof over one's head, with a steady job, no matter what, in order to achieve this goal.
That I would have an interest in the arts came about when I was a mere child, and a great-aunt came to visit my grandmother, setting up her easel in the summer kitchen, and magically, with a box of colours and a canvas, proceeded to paint an imaginary landscape. From that moment on I began to appreciate that there was more to life than just having a job, and taking home a paycheque. As a boy I dreamt about becoming an artist, and that I did, but only years after getting a "job", a dream kept alive by learning to appreciate art in all of its forms.
I became an artist and have been fortunate to practice this trade for several decades. Did it provide for me fame and fortune? Definitely not, but the study, and the making of art, has enriched my life beyond my childhood dreams.
So, my message to those that may contemplate becoming artists, don't be dissuaded by the reality of the struggle, but embrace the opportunity to be a part of those helping to make society the interesting and wonderful world that we're privileged to enjoy.
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Step #1 I recently picked up my brush, dormant since Covid, to see if I still knew how to make a watercolour painting. Since Covid, and our having to shelter in place, I've been writing quite a bit, neglecting painting, and, as well, I seem to have grown old in the interim giving reason as to why I should. I decided to make a few small paintings as practise, starting off with a pencil sketch. |
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Step #2 We're slowly adding a bit of colour, and slowly building up my courage to plow ahead and finish, so that I can get on with the next painting...  Stage #3 - Frood Lake, Algoma. For all intents and purpose this small painting is finished as it will be framed as a small painting to the edges of the image. Now, it's on to the next small painting, Christmas gifts should I get them finished in time.... |
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Provoking Lake - Algonquin Park Pencil sketch |
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Island - Provoking Lake, Algonquin Watercolour Painting 2024 |
