Tarnished
What is tarnished? Where do I start? Before I share more, 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 in progress here, OK?
Work in Progress
This week I’m sharing a detail of a painting that is a work in progress. Here is the section of this still life that I am excited to share with you.
These are two candle holders from our family dining room table. They are delightfully tarnished which is super fun to evaluate and paint. As I paint these two objects and hear news (not at the same time!!!), I think of my parents. And, you know, I wonder what they would think of this world in which we now live.
Unimaginable and Losing Luster
In a word, I think they would find our current political environment here in the US unimaginable. Why? My dad, John Henry Dyer, flew 22 missions in World War II. Here’s his picture as a young pilot.
To think that he flew those missions at significant risk for this own life and the rest of his flight crew 80 years ago. Would he and his mates support the current administration? I believe he would say it lacks a moral compass.
I believe he would say the same about destroying decades of diplomacy with valued nations and their citizens around the world.
And, he would surely show dismay as our government stops funding for the least of us throughout the world.
Given he had 6 children of his own and always pledged to volunteer to help the least of us through his faith and community service, he would object to the Department of Interior’s latest decision To send a stop-work order to non-profits that provides legal representation to over 26,000 children who are unaccompanied immigrants into this country.
In short, he would say we and our country are tarnished, tarnished now more than ever.
Why Share This
What does this have to do with painting and color? Oh my everything! We each are absorbing all that is happening, aren’t we? One of my coping mechanisms is to paint and process. I share the story of my father to stay inspired and to inspire you, gentle reader.
Here’s what I am doing to cope, besides painting. I am reading the US Constitution and I am handing out copies of it everywhere I go. If you want me to send you your very own pocket copy of the US Constitution, send me your address and I will mail it to you. NOTE: I ordered them here and am waiting for my latest order to arrive.
Make your voice heard and protest! And, call your elected officials! Here’s the easiest way to do that via 5calls.org
Do what brings you joy and happiness because you are beautiful and the world needs you. And remember “Walk together children and don’t get weary (x3), there’s always light after the darkness.”
How Are You
How about you gentle reader? What are you doing to uplift, protest, fight back and carry on? Do tell in the comments below.
10 Comments
Patricia Reid
February 20, 2025Dear One,
I share your view and sense the pain. Having worked in Congress as an aide back in the 80’s, yes I am a dinosaur, my mind cannot process how far we have fallen from diplomacy and bi-partisan legislating. I agree, those with true integrity, need to do all we can to save our democracy. Kudos for having the courage to write it out there!
Julie Holmes
February 20, 2025Hi Pat,
Had no idea you were a Congressional aide in the ’80s. How cool is that?
TY so much for reading and being here. xoxo
Alexandra
February 20, 2025What a wonderful photo of your father! His story is inspiring. Thank you also for your uplifting tips with which to take constructive action during this dark time. I also enjoyed seeing your work in progress, especially the color and mass you captured in the candle holder. xoxo
Julie Holmes
February 20, 2025Hi Alexandra,
I love that photo of my dad…so fresh and young looking! Glad you see value in the tips I shared. And, thank you for looking at the work in progress too. Take care my friend xoxo
Beth Dyer Clary
February 20, 2025Great post, Julie. Thanks for all the information and links and inspiration to keep after this upsetting situation and trying to make it shift towards all that is good.
I’d like to see the painting when it’s done and hope you will post it here one day. Sometimes the close-up look is like a teaser. This feels like that. Please consider sharing the completed painting whenever it’s ready to be shared.
Off to make calls and learn more about actions to take!
Julie Holmes
February 20, 2025Hi Beth,
TY so much! I pinky swear promise to share the finished painting. It warms my heart to know you are out making calls and taking action. xoxo
Kathy Michaud
February 24, 2025Hi Julie,
This is a great start for your painting. I like the pop of green!
I love this picture of Dad and actually might copy it to give Danny when he graduates from Basic.
Like Beth I’m looking forward to seeing the whole finished painting.
Julie Holmes
February 25, 2025Hi Kathy,
TY! I scanned the image of dear ol dad and can send you a copy via email if you’d like? xoxo
Ruth
February 25, 2025Hi Julie,
We surely are tarnishing the reputation of that our country tried to build after folks like our parents fought to resist cruel authoritarians. The idea of tarnish is also intriguing because it’s possible to do the work to make things look shiny but the tarnish comes back and we have to do the work again. It’s a practice – process not a one and done action. Probably this is true of painting – the artist doesn’t just paint something and say “done” but works to refine the first painting for more depth and nuance. We also need to polish up our skills and engagement as citizens.
Ruth
Julie Holmes
February 25, 2025Hi Ruth, Indeed! Tarnish and gardening have so much in common now that you share your thoughts here! Refining is always necessary in painting and life, eh? TY so much for reading and commenting here. xo