Socially Distanced Summer Squash and Friends

Here we are smack dab in the middle of Summer 2020. What does that mean? It means this is a Socially Distanced Summer. In fact, even the vegetables in this painting realize the importance of social distancing. Hence, the name of this painting: Socially Distanced Summer Squash and Friends.

Before I share my perspective on this steamy and socially distanced summer, I will remind you, dear reader, of a few things. First, this painting is a part of a series I began in January 2020. The series is called “My Favorite Things.” I share a painting each week. Sometimes, I describe my painting process or palette. And, occasionally, I share a recipe or a reference to current events. This week I plan to share some personal stories about social distancing. It’s amazing how easy it is to social distance when one is outside and, say, walking the dog.

However, social distancing with people you haven’t seen in a while or in the midst of a significant life event is incredibly difficult. I will share more on this in a minute. But, first, if you enjoy the idea of this series of paintings, sign up for my weekly posts here.

Confession(s)

Guess what? I completely goofed on the title of this blog post. Why? Well, I painted spaghetti squash not summer squash. Oh no! What should I do? From now on, I promise to say spaghetti squash to you. And, here’s an easy and delightful ‘how to cook’ spaghetti squash from The Kitchn for you.

And, while I’m sharing confessions, here’s another one! I confess that the idea of suggesting social distancing by spreading apart subject matter in a painting is not completely mine. I recently took a workshop where the amazing instructor was considering different painting ideas to show we were in the middle of a pandemic. She did not want her painting to have obvious references such as masks or protective equipment. However, she did several compositional sketches of people sitting and standing apart.

So, I decided it would be fun and challenging to separate the vegetables in this painting.

Socially Distanced in Practice

OK, onward to the challenges of the concept of socially distanced people for a bit. First, lest you think I diminish the seriousness of this pandemic, I do practice social distancing. But, in the past week, I and my family members were tested in three different circumstances to be strong and resolved in this practice.

My husband and I went camping with dear friends last week. We hadn’t seen these friends since last November. And, prior to that encounter, we hadn’t seen either of them since 2015. And, between, 2016 and 2019, this couple divorced and remarried, each other. In addition, they were with us when we eloped nearly 21 years ago. These are the kind of friends you hug, people! And yet, we didn’t hug.

One of my siblings attended funeral and the other a wedding in the past week. And neither they nor their children hugged each other at these events. Just thinking about this makes me weepy! But the fact is, each of us is using our brains and our actions to protect one another from this dreadful pandemic. Onward now to the painting.

Painting what we know

When I started painting this week’s painting, I did not consciously say to myself, “OK Julie, start painting vegetables that are slightly far a part to symbolize social distancing.” However, I did hear one sister say “How can I not hug my daughters at this funeral we will be attending?”

I kept working on the painting and observed (via Zoom of course) my other sister’s daughter marry this week. I continued to paint my yummy yellow spaghetti squash. And, then I realized, these characters (squash and two onions) are a bit far apart from each other. I kept looking at the onion on the right. It seemed to be leaning towards the squash even seeking it’s company. All I know is this week’s painting became a metaphor for the challenges we all face with social distancing in the midst of this pandemic.

Palette

I continue to limit the number of colors I use. This week I used Burnt Umber, Cadmium Scarlet, Raw Sienna, Naples Yellow, Phthalo Blue and Cremnitz White. Can I just say that my new favorite color is Burnt Umber? Oh my oh my! It has so many delicious properties. First, it dries really quickly. Why is this important? Well, it means I can work on a painting on consecutive days without difficulty.

Also, burnt umber is a delicious and warm brown! And, it mixes well with all of the other colors I used this week. The challenge for this week’s painting is to communicate that the objects were in a cool natural light. How the heck do I show a cool yellow? I guess I could have made it easier for myself by using a cool yellow such as Cadmium Yellow Light. But, why would I want to do that?

I found that I could cool off the yellow pretty well by adding Cremnitz white. And I further illustrated the cool yellow in the lighter parts of the squash by painting the dark lights of the squash incrementally warmer.

Pearlescence

Painting onions in natural light is about the most indescribably beautiful experience. Why? The natural light is casting a slightly blue-ish light on a warm-ish golden brown object. This combinations results in SO many colors in the onion. And, each color is incredibly gorgeous and mostly nameless. All I can tell you is that I have to look at the onion for a moment, choose a color and lay that color down and stop.

Then I take a moment. Look again. Choose another color, lay it down and stop. The goal is to show the incredible and beautiful pearlescence of these onions. And, this does not even account for the fantastic aroma of onions simmering in a skillet in your kitchen. Ooh la la I love that smell. And, I certainly thought of that while I was painting these characters, too.

Studio

Here’s a snapshot of the studio. Recently, a neighbor gave away an air conditioning unit (yes! as in free!). We snagged it and Mr Studly installed it in the back of the studio. It is now super steamy hot outside. But thanks to this simple window air conditioning unit, I am working away and so grateful to be comfortable in the studio!

Vigiliance

As I work in comfort and cool air, I can’t help but think it has been over a month since George Floyd was murdered. There is still so much more to be done. We need to have policies and practices that lift up black lives.

I am studying contemporary black artists. And, I am reading about how art in history has contributed to our current condition.

In the immediate future, I see the importance of voting. And, we must elect officials who are committed to changing policies so that black lives have access to fundamental rights in our country. Rights that include decent housing, jobs, education, health and child care. Period! This is a marathon not a quick race.

This vigilance is also relevant for the original focus of this post: social distancing! Not sure about you, dear reader, but I have found that social distancing is necessary but – shazam – it’s hard!!! Have you found this too?

For Sale

This painting entitled “Socially Distanced Summer Squash and Friends” is for sale. You can see more details including a larger image of the painting on this page here.

Thank you for reading here today and please share your thoughts on social distancing, too.