"But why do we have color? It seems to serve no practical purpose--at least none that scientists can discern. And why are there photoreceptors in our eyes that enable us to see it?
I believe that God's goodness is the point of His creation. He is 'good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works' (Psalm 145:9). He colored the world for our childlike delight. He's like that, you know." ~David Roper
Hi, guys. I just finished up a pre-semester workshop called "Views of Vincent". The idea of the class was to learn to apply paint in the manner of Van Gough, and to learn to see beauty in ordinary objects.
Since the weather outside was not favorable, we were given photographs of landscapes to work on. We had to work quickly--"in one go," as the instructor told us. So this is my landscape of somewhere in France...or New Hampshire, I can't remember. I think it came out well, but it bores me a wee bit. I like parts of it...I might like the whole of it later.
Next, we had to quickly paint our shoes. These are my Vincent-esque mules. It has some glaring issues, but it's far more interesting to me than the landscape. I'm being stretched and pushed and loving every minute. It's good. Next week, spring semester starts. One class is called "Conquering the Palate." With God's help, I intend to. *Cheesy grin*
36 comments:
I think they're both beautiful. The first one looks like a scene you are very familiar with which is neat because you aren't. I think it will grow on you.
Steph, Aww thanks. Coming from you that means a lot, you talented thing you. P.S. Bron and I miss you.
That sounds like a Great course a nice mix of challenge and fun...the shoes are great and I like the inviting light in the top picture. It makes me want to follow the path into the picture :0)
Val, Thank you! Learning to handle light will be the biggest challenge for me, I think, and it's what I want to learn the most.
you inspire me. you always have. i love you dearly.
I'm excited for you. We always need to be challenged but never more so than in winter. Learning something new keeps us young!
You'll conquer more than that palate, I'm sure!
There is so much for me to like in this post--David Roper is a friend and was the senior pastor of our home church for many years! And, Van Gogh is my favorite artist (well, him and Rembrandt, for different reasons of course.)Your paintings are lovely and the shoes are very Vincent-esque.
I am forever getting Paris and New Hampshire confused!
A painting in one go? Sheesh! That sounds truly terrifying to me. Yet look what you did :)
Did I ever tell you about the time I was in a Hampton Inn breakfast room in Utah with my kids and, as the sun rose above the horizon, my son looked at the silhouette and said, "It looks like a Van Gogh painting!"
You artist people. You really do see the world differently. And I'm so very glad.
Keep posting your homework, and thanks for taking us along on your adventure :)
Both are beauteous, my friend. Carry on! I look forward to seeing more.
Olivia, you are gracious. xx
Nancy, Merci beaucoup, mon amie! God bless that boy of yours.
Melissa, you've met David Roper? Wow! Thanks about the shoes. :)
Southern Gal, you are kind. xx
Dewena, you are so right about needing a winter challenge. Endless gray days make it a challenge to get out of one's pajamas! At least for me.
Amy, the feeling's mutual.
Grinning back at you:) Love your adventure in color and growth and lots of good! I think Van Gogh would like it as well.
Your shoes make me smile. I cannot wait to see how you are pushed and pulled next.
Elizabeyta, it's always worth it to make someone smile. Bless you :)
Amy, do you think he would? :) Thanks Tea-girl.xx
I love that quote at the beginning,and your artwork is stunning. Artists and art fascinate me;each so unique and wonderful.
I am simultaneously,over the moon thrilled for you and out of my head envious...sigh. Is it one class or many one day classes? - Ethel
Oh, Wonderful! I would love to be in that class.....I'm off for a month in Florida and am taking my art stuff (some!) with me. It's been gone from my life for too long!
I love your work. It's always beautiful, Jodi!
Lucy, thanks! It's one of my favorite quotes.
Ethel, Three classes a week from March to June.
Kristi, I'd love to see what you create! Safe journey.
It's lovely. I'm somewhat jealous. I think someday I'll go back to school. Just for fun. I liked pottery, and I'd like to be good at it. Or even painting. There's one thing I suck at, it's painting.
The shoes look a little more Van Gogh-esque to me, but I like both paintings. Yes, lovely color, color everywhere.
JoAnn, you suck at painting? I own a lovely acorn water color that tells me otherwise. :) I hope you do get to take classes again. I think you will.
Sara, yes, color is the thing. And thank you.
I love that quote by Roper - yes, color must be one of His tender mercies. :-)
Gretchen, amen.
Did you ever hear the song, "The Color Green," by Rich Mullins? It was inspired by his looking out at nature one day and being struck by the fact that God created the color green for no other reason than the fact that we would enjoy it.... That quote reminds me of it....
Your class sounds like great fun. And I love your paintings! I think the landscape is great - there's something very pleasing about the trees up in the left corner, and the way the light is reflecting off the side of the house... Beautiful. And great shoes, by the way. :o) Have fun with it!
Beth, thank you!!!!! and I will look up that song.
Jodi, I'm so glad you shared your work. Love it.
Jodi, These paintings are absolutely gorgeous!! We all just huddled around the screen waiting to unveil your first works from class. Bravo!! We can't believe you don't like the "somewhere in NH or France" painting.
But then again, that's what drives artists. Always a little unsatisfied with the product and driven to do try again.
Lucky cast offs. We get to enjoy the beautiful fruit of trial and error while you struggle to capture the beauty needing to be expressed in your soul again and again! So glad your doing this!
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