I miss her already...

I finally finished my painting for Susan Tuttle's book and sent it off yesterday. It's funny... I am discovering how those paintings that give me the most trouble end up being my best. I also become very attached to them. Many people liken the creation of art to giving birth, but I think the process of painting a challenging piece is more than that; it's like raising a child through an easy birth, a hyperactive childhood, a troubled adolescence, and then experiencing the magical transformation that often occurs in early adulthood. After all I've been through with this painting, I'd love to keep her around for a while to enjoy her beauty, her wit, her multi-faceted personality, but... she has places to go and people to meet. I'll see her again sometime next year, first on the pages of Susan's book, and finally when she returns home for a visit.

Oh she was a rare thing, fine as a bee's wing
So fine a breath of wind might blow her away
She was a lost child, oh she was running wild
She said "As long as there's no price on love, I'll stay
And you wouldn't want me any other way"

- Richard Thompson - from Bee's Wing

Comments

[steve]

Congratulations on the book Carla! I didn't know Susan had one in the works--must be exciting. Yeah, I don't know how many artists who sale, trade, donate, or give their work away do it and you described the process very well here. The good thing is, you and so many others will get to view your contribution in this book, many who may not have had the pleasuer of seeing your art yet. Keep us posted on its release!!

[Valaine]

My husband thought that one of your artworks was a bookcover - I said "No but it should be one." :)

Thank you for these words. I needed to read them, they hold in them much wisdom, wisdom that I lack.

~Valaine

[toni]

Judging by the eyes I can see that the painting took time and deep consideration. I understand fully how you feel. But the places she will go and the people she will see will be divine.
How exciting for you.

[Aravis]

I want to see the whole thing! I'll have to see if I can find the book when it comes out.

BTW, the link is broken because the "h" is missing from "http"

[Mick Mather]

Now you've done it! I have work to do making investigations over at Tuttle's place! :)

[carra]

Congrats on the book - that's great! Those eyes of hers are haunting, I can't wait to see the whole painting.
And I really liked how you described the creative process, that's a great metaphor.

[Ces]

Congratulations Carla. This one had the travel bug and wants to be famous, so I am glad you let her go so at least more people can see her. What a fun thing to do even though it was hard labor. Congratulations.

[Susan Tuttle]

She is a fine beauty--I can certainly attest to that--Carla, it is such a privilege to have this beautiful piece adorn a page of the book. The words of Richard Thompson (don't you love his voice?) are a perfect description.

Big Hugs,
Susan