When I signed up last month for Ken Hosmer’s water color class, I didn’t know what I was getting into. I thought he would say something like:
Ken: On “Edge”
“A little bit of this (yellow),
a little bit of that (blue),
a little bit of blending makes the color fast (green.)”
But, NO! He said, “90% of details are found on the edge.”
What?
He may have meant at the edge where values change, but upon hearing that statement, I knew this man had something to say.
After all, what are the times in our lives that have been the most exciting?
Have they been the times we walked around the neighborhood or on the rim of the Grand Canyon? When we’ve worn sensible shoes or blood red stilettos? The times we watched the sunset from beginning to end or glimpsed the red-orange on our hurried way from car to house.
Changes could also be the reverse: like the times a marathon runner stops running to have a cuppa with a friend. Or even the times we have suffered beyond endurance and have re-evaluated priorities.
The most revealing times have been on the edge of a value change!
These times paint the details that connect our pathway from beginning to end, anchoring us to our lives, unifying our journey as dramatically as darks and lights unify a painting. Without them, our walk through life can lack color, energy, or excitement.
Fellow student Barbara Enochian: Edge Walker
My painting of Mt. Shasta from photo found on my blog post: The Many Faces of Mt. Shasta
If I were to approach my precious life today as I approach a blank sheet of water color paper, I would think back to what Ken said about art:”The first question we should ask ourselves before starting a painting is: What value is this area?”
I would ask myself what value I want to place in each area of my life. Where do I want to place the bold changes, adding the details that will give my life zest? Where do I want to leave the medium and light values?
Next I have to ask myself if I can drop the fear of ruining my painting long enough to paint the necessary strokes, knowing full well that each stroke may turn to mud.
For someone who has faced her own mortality, it is easy for me to say, “Yes. What do I have to lose?”
Hmmm, I think I’ll go paint a picture….
But before I go, I’d like to ask about you. What are your memorable times: the ones you sing about, write about, paint?
Maybe you’d like to join me in painting a new picture.
If so, consider asking yourself: “What value do I want to place on this area of my life? Am I bold enough to do it?”
Or, maybe it’s time to take a nap….
Gayle, your analogy with Ken’s class was wonderful. Thank you for the insight. I certainly enjoyed sitting next to you, and sharing your joy.
I enjoyed seeing you again, too. And thanks for supplying me with supplies. 🙂
I do so appreciate your posts although I seldom respond. Life is hectic but so grand. Thank you for your creativity.
Hi Jan, I’m happy you enjoy reading my blogs–I love writing them! Your quilts are works of art, too. They would be worthy of a painting!
I really loved reading your comments about painting and about life. I have been thinking a lot about painting; I have even been painting flowers on a rather dull painting that has been hanging around my house for many years…thanks, Gayle, now I think I am begining to get it!
Oh how I do miss you.
Paula, so SWEET to hear from my Mexico City friend. I bet the lights and darks in your great city make quite a statement. I would love to have you visit if you ever make your way to California!
Gayle,
Such beautiful analogies.
I enjoyed the experience with you in the workshop, but even more now.
Next Time I look at that blank white sheet of watercolor paper I will think of all your thoughts as well as Ken Hosmer’s instructions. How fun! I believe the values of my life will now truly come through with transparency of the pigments I choose. I will now choose both light and dark pathways to express the color and energy of my life experiences. The paper doesn’t look so blank any more. I can’t wait to paint again. Thank you Gayle!
Yay! You already paint with lights and darks and I can’t wait to commission you to paint my cats. I will paint them, too, of course, but there’s something about your cat paintings I love! And thanks for autographing your book for me. Some of my Redding readers may want to take a look at it at the North Valley Art League gallery in Caldwell Park. Too good to miss!
I love it and how very true! The edge of change, the bold, medium and light values along with those incredible details certainly add intense color and zing to our lives. Leave it to you to take this wonderful class to a whole new level. I loved sharing the details with you last week!!!
I always love being with you. You bring such light into my life!
As always, you blow me away with your take on life, and your visionary thinking. Thank you so much for being in my life. You have affected me more than you’ll ever know. Francie
How sweet for you to say so, Francie! You are a blessing in mine!
OH Gale how the timing is for you note. I just came back from Boston’s Dana Farber and am prying for a good report from biopsies myslef, I had a heart attacj and 2 stents put in 2 years ago but that was nothing like the things that havae cme up in my mind since this last fall. I now have a keen understanding of the anxiety one goes through with a serious medical diagnosis. It is not that amy heart and tools have not been there for others, but it was much andis much different drumming them up for my self. Your messages have meant so much. thank you for putting them out there with such wisdom.
I am joining you in your prayers! Please let me know your results when you find out. It is such a scary time, and as you have discovered, a time to focus on that part of you that cannot be touched by sickness. Sending blessings your way! Gayle
Phew after reading my last note to you couldn’t believe the typos! Guess I was not very focused but wanted to get a note to you. And, again, got a call from the surgeon and all tissue/cells normal! Hurrah, Thank you for your prayers, I am so greatful. Keep painting and blogging. I just got back on with you. My healing is so much better. Today can not see Mt. Greylock, but I know it is there, here in the valley it is bright and snowy. Hope to hear from you soon in the Sweet Life.
Thank God you are okay. I won’t exactly say normal, but you know what I mean. 🙂 Now, let’s keep you that way.
Hi Gayle, I only wanted to tell you that I so enjoy reading your posts and that I always gain something from them! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Hi Marianne, Hearing from you makes me miss you! Wish we lived a little closer. Chances are Mike and I will make it back to the east coast this year. Look forward to seeing you again.
Sending love and best thoughts your way from the cold East Coast. Continuing to enrich my own life with your wonderful posts.
Gayle-
Another beautiful story! I’m so glad you found a way to write and share without us having to wait for it in book form. Your watercolor is wonderful and evotes so much emotion.
Know that I read your blogs all the time; I may not always comment but I’m always moved!
Give the old man a hug:)
Michole
Wowee-Zowee, thanks for your kind words. I feel the same about your poems. Why don’t you pick a favorite and share it with my readers in this comment section. Hug to you, too. And Ed.