This is a re-run. I’ve posted it before. Sometimes, in all the chaos of horrific news stories, and feelings of frustration, it’s nice to do something that’s completely different, that is just for fun. In no way do I claim to be an artist, so please don’t think you should say nice things about these attempts. But I enjoy picking up a brush or a colored pencil now and then.
What does a mystery writer do when she isn’t writing? Does she slip through darkened streets following clues? Does she listen in on conversations, waiting to hear a phrase or a question to incite the plot of a new book? Well, maybe. But if this particular writer really wants to relax and take a brief respite from murder, mayhem, and mystery, I grab a paintbrush and head for the nearest easel (or dining table.)
oil of Matt
colored pencil drawing of Matt
On the left is an oil of Matt when he was a little boy. In fact, my son has been the subject of several paintings. I’ve also painted my grandchildren but their parents have those paintings.
Next, Matt again, his expression perplexed, which is exactly the way he looked as he surveyed my backyard and the tangle of fallen limbs and trees after the ice storm several years ago. This picture is in PrismaColor pencil.
oil landscape
I painted this oil landscape, when I had just started to experiment with oil on canvas.
The squirrel is in watercolors. I love pushing watercolors around with a brush. This painting hung in a jewelry store in Tahlequah for a few weeks.
watercolor squirrel
Several gourds have pictures in acrylics for the most part.
oil of Chief Joseph, Nez Perce
The oil painting is of Chief Joseph, proud hero of the Nez Perce tribe.
Last is a pen and ink drawing of a cat who looks amazingly like D. C., Matt’s cat we had for many years. She is buried now at Manos Meadows, under the oak on the east side of the yard.
pen and ink on notecard
A long time ago, Tahlequah held a weekly “Art on the Square”. I’d take my artistic endeavors and troop to the Courthouse Square and set up under some of those stately maples. Many artists showed up for this and it was a great deal of fun to meet people and sell birch oval refrigerator magnets with outdoor scenes on them, and other art work. I’ve painted on just about every surface, including part of an old fence post. Notecards I’ve sold or given away, goose eggs which had become a bell with music box attached, an ostrich egg with a Noah’s Ark scene are some of the things which found other homes.
Painting, as well as music, is a way of expressing feelings for which there are no words. It’s also a welcome break from all that murder and mayhem, breathless encounters and narrow escapes which seem to plague Ned, Darcy, and Flora. Maybe those women need to pick up a paint brush now and then.
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