Blog
9/26/2017 9:41:07 PM
For some reason this week I chose to paint an owl. This was a particularly fun effort…it was so exciting to see the canvas come to life as the big eyes looked back at me. Of all owls the “Hoot Owl” is without a doubt my favorite.
It is such a treat to hear them ‘hooting’ during the night—often in the early morning hours. My son has a “Hoot Owl” caller and it isn’t too difficult to strike up a conversation. I’m sure they are very disappointed to see a human on the other end.
Some years back we went camping in a very remote location. My father had always said owls will hoot before a rain storm. During the night we awoke to MANY owls hooting—it was incredible how many voices rang through the mountains around us. It was ironic to be in the middle of a forrest and unable to sleep because of the volume of the owls. Of course—Dad was correct…within the hour a torrential rain storm pounding on the tent replaced the chorus of owls.
I suspect there are few creatures with more symbolic meanings than owls. To some they represent the occult or are associated with witchcraft. Others see them associated with magic or mystical things. As a spirit animal to the American Indians they are emblematic of a deep connection with wisdom and intuitive knowledge. Some associate owls with change while to others they symbolize death. To the poor mouse…they definitely represent death.
To me they are intense, hidden in darkness, have haunting eyes, and are excellent weather forecasters. I’m struck by their appearance. I wouldn’t call them beautiful, but intense…their eyes, their markings, their calls are very striking.
I’m not really sure why owls are on my mind so much this week. I need to ponder that a bit more. Maybe they are my spirit animal trying to guide me to true reality. These are difficult times in our world. I find myself wanting to retreat further away from the crazy world represented in media and the false realities of people. Society is losing track of the simple paths in life.
I believe I will go with the American Indian symbolism…let the owl connect me with true reality, deep wisdom, and intuitive knowledge.
Have a good week!
Beth
9/19/2017 10:04:00 PM
One picture I really wanted to try to paint was of my husband’s grandmother and one of her favorite cows. This tiny woman loved her farm and her cows! She was widowed far too young and worked very hard to provide for her family. Caring for her animals may have been chores to some, but she seemed to take pleasure in this time. My husband reflects fondly on the hours he spent with her and the many lessons learned as they mended fences, fed cattle, and monitored newborn calves.
I was fortunate to have a similar upbringing on my parents small farm. As a child my calendar was measured in crops and critters. The spring meant mail-order baby chicks…school let out when the sour cherries were ripe and the lightening bugs plentiful…the forth of July was blackberry picking…school went in session when apples were ripening….Thanksgiving meant helping mom cook—what wonderful measures of time!
I’m delighted to see my sister venturing into raising chickens. She let her grandchildren each pick out several baby chicks of their choice. Her henhouse is a the picture of chicken diversity! My dad would chuckle and the array of colors. The children love to visit and quickly don their muck boots to visit with their babies. Children are so busy with sports team practices, lessons, home work, school…it is nice to hear their giggles as they chase escapees from the hen house. I’m sure these are wonderful memories they will never forget!
I’ve recently found myself enjoying painting pictures of chickens, pigs, cows, veggies, and fruit…I now realize these bring back wonderful memories.
Have a good week….reflect on where your morning egg comes from!
Beth
9/3/2017 8:31:37 AM
I have enjoyed many things about painting, but perhaps what is most fun....I can do what I want to! That is what excites me the most about art--there is no right or wrong, it is isn't exact, there are no accreditation bodies overseeing (my healthcare friends understand this), no benchmarks, it is not evidence based. It is 100% about what makes me happy and brings me pleasure. If it can put a smile on someone else's face that is a plus.
This mindset is how I best describe the works I've posted this week. Porky (pictured below) and Funky Chicken are farm animals with an attitude. I've tried to highlight their dominate features in a bright background.
I hope they put a smile on your face!
Have a good week!
Beth
