“It’s Been a While”
“If you see a tree as blue, then make it blue”.
– Paul Gauguin
I posted this image to my Facebook page last week. It’s my first attempt at painting, of the non-digital type, in thirty five or so years. The last time I picked up a paintbrush to create art was back in high school and honestly, I was not very good at acrylics, favouring sketching and watercolours. Primarily because I could not get the colours right. I over processed and turned everything gray or brown. Of course, it was art class too, so it had to meet certain parameters. Creativity my my art class was not encouraged. Wow, that sounds odd, doesn’t it? And that, was the end of that. I much prefered to express myself through photography, which I was more comfortable with.
I recent posts, I have taken images that I composed with the camera that did not result in the image as I envisioned it. Some of those, I processed through digital art programs and was very pleased with the outcomes.
Last week, I went to an Impressionist exhibit in Toronto, called “Mystical Landscapes”, presented by the Art Gallery of Ontario. I’m drawn by the impressionist form and style myself a bit of a photo-impressionist, focussing on the feel of a place, rather than precision. I’ll often visit the same place over and over in different times and light, much like Monet did. I see different colours, like the Gauguin quote. I’ve seen lots of blue trees, in early evening light. You’ll notice, many of my trees in this painting are blue.
I’ve had this quote in my head for a few months now and it challenged me:
If you hear a voice within you say, ‘you can’t paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.
— Vincent Van Gogh
So, I finally felt inspired to pick up a brush to see what happens, silence that voice. If it was a total disaster, I could just toss it and go back to photography, if it was half-good, I might pursue it.
Well, the result shocked me, as I stepped away and looked back at the painting on the easel I got quite emotional. I’d found something within myself that I did not know existed. This was something created out of nothing, just an image I had made, transformed into something new. I shared it with some friends who responded back positively, most asking me why I had not painted before this and encouraging me to continue with this, which I will do. My biggest surprise was that this 11 x 14 acrylic painting was done in about 2 hours, so I think I will continue, maybe take a lesson or two, since I’m relearning brush strokes for my youth.
Life sure is an interesting journey 🙂
Ed Lehming Photography 
Obviously, it is something you to pursue. 🙂
I really like the painting and am inspired by your words. Paint on!
Thanks Mike
It’s VERY beautiful. Fantastic job!
Thank you
I’m taking watercolor. One instructor said, some of her quick painting – done in less than two hours, were more popular than the ones she spent hours with details. I like your painting. It’s an art, not a photo, it’s up to you of the colors used. I went to the Van Gogh museum, and I could see the changes he made from the beginning of his painting. Yes, continue to paint. You did a beautiful job!
Thank you. Yes, I will continue, see where it takes me.
I just finished one watercolor painting. It’s not perfect. I may post it anyway!
Go for it, would love to see it.
Thank you for cheering. In a few minutes!
I did it! Credit to your encouragement!
Beautiful! You photography gives you great perspective for painting! Dwight
Yes, it does. Thank you
Beautiful!! Love the colors!!
Thank you, trying to portray what I saw.
Amazing portrayal!!
Good for you, Ed! Keep going. I took a hiatus from painting for a few years, concentrating on my photography. A friend kept encouraging me to return to painting, specifically in acrylics which I had never tried. Ironically, I finally took my first acrylic painting class the week she passed away last September. Like you, I like to focus on creating an atmosphere rather than replicating the subject and it is great fun to see a vision emerge from what had been a blank canvas.
I’m looking forward to this adventure.
Wow, beautiful. 🙂
Thank you
Wow! Beautiful painting and very inspiring post! Thanks for sharing this very personal experience.
Thank you.
Beautiful, Ed, and well done! 🙂
Thank you Pete.
Go for it Ed! 👌🌟
Thank you, I intend to. I have all these images rushing through my thoughts now.
Very nice! If I could do something like that I would definitely pursue it. Good luck with it.
Thanks
Hey Ed, beautiful painting and reflection! Loved your quotes, too. I love the impressionists, too, and van Gogh is my favorite.
Thank you 😊
🙂 I have an oil painting by E.E.Cummings, and the tree in the painting is blue.
Awesome!
love it
Thank you
What a surprise to see a painting instead of a photo on your blog 🙂 I love it Even before I read the text I thought that it looked impressionistic. By all means, go on! xxx
Thank you.
Inspired – will be reposting this as today’s short visual meditation
Thank you
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