Spirit of the Season

“The artist is the man who makes life more interesting or beautiful, more understandable or mysterious, or probably in the best sense, more wonderful. His trade is to deal with illimitable experience. It is therefore only of importance for the artist to discover whether he be an artist, and it is for society to discover what return it can make of its artist.” George Bellows

I want to wish all the people who have touched my life, a Happy Holiday Season. Those people who have inspired me: my family for their love, my friends who encourage me, my students who share my love of art and always amaze me, my blog readers who create a creative dialogue with me, and my clients who support me. You have made my life richer by being in it.

I thought this pastel of Mount Blanc was appropriate for the season. When you view the world from this high up, it is awe inspiring. It is easy to believe that there can be; “Peace on Earth, Goodwill toward Men”. I return there frequently through my art, to experience the magic and majesty of the mountains.

When you stand in such a magnificent setting, there is for me such a connection to the Earth. It inspires paintings for a long time. Sometimes they are realistic, and sometimes they are abstract.

As artists, we need to find those things that excite us and make us want to create. The “spark” that ignites our creativity. Whether it is: color, the human form, nature, architecture, or interpersonal relationships. As viewers, we see creations that touch us and say something personal, those are the ones we take home and enjoy, or just visit with.

But the things that matter most in our lives are not fantastic or grand. They are moments when we touch one another, when we are there in the most attentive and caring way. I hope you all find joy in that way, this Holiday Season.