Usually, after I’ve been painting for an exhibition, I will complete the body of work, get it delivered, attend the reception, then I go through the, “post show blues.” It seems to be a normal experience for artists, at least the ones I know. So much energy goes into preparation and the event, kind of like a wedding, and then it’s over. Well, recently I completed a very large painting, the biggest painting I have painted in my career as an artist (so far) in fact. This painting drew me in, pulled me back and forth, made me fall in love, and then I had to let her go. She is on her way to Abu Dhabi to a new Westin Resort that is opening there. My wall, once filled with a canvas about 8 feet tall by 11 feet wide, is back to being empty and it feels weird. It’s not usually so tough for me to let a painting go like this. I mean, I’ve been working professionally for 14 years now. I’ve seen so many of my pieces fly away and never have become attached. I love them all, don’t think I don’t, and it’s always a wonderful surprise to happen upon wherever they may be hanging, but I don’t usually don’t remain so emotionally tied to them when they go. This one was different. I don’t know if it was the physical size that commanded, the level of growth that occurred, or maybe both of those and other factors that made me lament watching her sail off to her new destination, but she’s gone and I miss her. This is a good thing though. I hope she has this impact on others. I hope that when people in Abu Dhabi look at her, they will experience the mystery of life and light that I see reflected on the water. I hope they too will lament at having to pull their eyes away, leaving only a reflection of the image on their memory.
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| Echo (un-numbered) Oil on canvas 120″x84″ |