Make Me An Angel

OK Make Me an Angel and make you an angel too. In fact, make everybody see their better angels right now. Why? Stay tuned. But, first, here’s a warm (and bright colored) welcome to this place. What happens here? I am glad you asked. Each week I share a colorful painting with you. My hope is these color clad paintings delight your eyes and lift your spirits! If you’re new here and would like to receive these weekly posts, subscribe here. Let’s look more closely at this week’s painting…er color study here, OK?

Inspiration

The inspiration for this painting started last week. But it has probably been simmering for weeks (months, years?) Last Friday, I was lucky to live stream a 24 hour documentary about painter, music producer and creative genius Brian Eno. It was fantastic! Should you hope to watch it in the future, stay tuned. The director hopes to announce where that will happen soon.

Anywho, on Friday night, while the livestream showed an entirely new version of the documentary (as it would do over the entire 24 hours ~ every 2 and 1/2 hours), I set up my easel, donned my ancient but bright pink sweater in front of our living room mirror. And, I sketched out a self-portrait. Here’s a photo of the first pass that night.

How about the fantastic pink shirt Brian Eno is wearing, eh? And, guess what? He dyes his own shirts. There’s a whole thing about that if you watch enough versions of this documentary.

And Then This Week Happened

As I worked away on this color sketch, the news of the week did creep in. And holy smokes it’s troubling! I started thinking about America as the angel in the beautiful song written by John Prine and sung by Bonnie Raitt here. I also want to start sending angels out to lift up and support you and everyone I know and love.

But wait! There’s more…how about wishing people think of the strongest, most bad@$$ people we each know to lift us up? OK here’s one person I’ll share who – even though she’s gone – still inspires me today. And then after I share her story, I’ll share this week’s painting.

Meet Kay Meredith

When I was living and working in north Raleigh, I was lucky enough to live next door to World Class Dressage Horseback rider and coach, Kay Meredith, and her Omar Sharif look alike partner, Ashok Taori. And, while you can read all the accolades about her life as an incredible horsewoman, judge, coach, I came to think of her as my Raleigh mom. Why?

Kay had a really (really) hard life. But, she never (ever) complained about it. She, like any good mom, just listened and when appropriate (and amidst a few well placed f-bombs), would offer me the best advice about life, death (and she experienced the tragic sudden loss of her beloved while living next to me), dating, men, divorce, religion, work, leisure, friendship, ethics, history, and more. Ultimately, she would tell me to be strong, to adapt and to pay attention (f-bomb) virtue and resilience, always. So, thank you for being my Raleigh mama, Kay! Your words and end of workday glasses o’ wine stay with me to this day.

Make Me An Angel Painting

So it’s still color study season here at the studio. That just means I painted this 20 x 16 inch painting on canvas paper. Here are some close ups and then the whole thing. And, yes, I had an absolute blast painting this painting.

New Material

I used a neon pink oil paint where my sweater had the most light. And, it’s fun to use. But I read that I can’t really mix it with other colors. And, to paint with it, it’s best to lay it on and leave it. (which I kind of did?) Supposedly, the neon fades with time. I’m not sure how long into the future that means. But I think it’s super cool to ponder this color changing in the future. And, yes, this is inspired by Brian Eno’s light paintings that changed if you stared at them long enough.

Who Is Your BadA$$ Angel

Enough about me, who is your angel, gentle reader? If you can, please share the details in the comments below. You know I would love to hear from you!