'Letter to a Daughter'

11"x12"

acrylic on wood

I work out a lot of "stuff" through my art.  I can be feeling very blue and as soon as I start painting, if all goes well, the cloud will most often lift.

I recall a singer/songwriter sharing comments she'd get from her fans.  She tended to write a lot of somber, melancholy songs.  People would say to her, gosh, you must be depressed!  In actuality she said, she is the opposite.  I found this very interesting.

Often people will tell me, your art is so happy and joyful!  Although this is great to hear my fist reaction is, REALLY?  because often I am quite depressed!  (not really depressed but I am reflective and introspective which can come off as sad)

I don't want to get too deep but when I paint I like to believe my authentic self comes out and onto the canvas and that when we cut through all the worries and negative thoughts of daily life there is a joyful and peaceful authentic self waiting [patiently] to emerge.

"Letter to a Daughter'  started out as a solid white field.  After that was dry I went over it with black paint.  Before that a chance to dry I "scratched out" a letter to my daughter.  Being very personal in nature I then painted over most of my words with color and shapes.  I really enjoyed this technique and am thinking of using it in other ways.  It wasn't planned and it was very therapeutic!  In the end I had a very joyful piece to share.