It was an amazing day yesterday at the Philadelphia Flower Show. I was invited by Ken Greene of the Hudson Valley Seed Company to do a demonstration so the public could see a painting in progress and to answer any questions they might have. The company’s booth was filled with beautiful seeds, prints from the artist-designed seed packs and tools to delight any gardener. I demonstrated acrylic painting in the area reserved for their featured artists.
I set up a still life with citrus and did 2 shifts of 3 hours. The positive feedback that came from the audience was wonderful, but the treasure from the experience was interacting with the kids, some very young indeed. Their fascination with the process, their simple questions and their genuine awe about painting helped me appreciate this gift of attention as if I were young again myself! “How did you do that?” Trying to answer that simply and in a way they could understand was such a good challenge. I wanted to create “a way in” for them to have as much joy as I have in this process. They made me feel pretty important, as if I were a magician pulling rabbits out of my hat! It was an experience I won’t soon forget!
To the adults who were there and who took the time to watch and who complimented and purchased my work, I extend my thanks. As an artist, I spend much time alone in the studio. It’s heartening to know the work is well received.
And to those who had started painting and who were regretful that they gave it up, I encourage you all to pick up your brushes. Elizabeth Cady Stanton said, ” Nature never repeats herself and the possibilities of one human soul will never be found in another.” (Solitude of the Self, 1892) This means that your creativity is unique to you and the only way for the world to appreciate it is for you to get moving:)!
This is where I left the painting yesterday at 5PM when it was time for us to leave to get home to Buddy and Pongo. I’ll finish it hopefully this week and post the final result.
