|
|
Artist Statement I have been painting most of my adult life. The experience is as fresh and exciting today as it was when I first started. I love the process and physical activity of it. I never take for granted the extraordinary privilege of being a painter. When Paul (our son) invited us to Cartagena, Colombia for three weeks, Norm immediately booked our flight! I packed enough pain and canvas for the duration of our stay. I now know why our son loves South America! It’s an enchanting combination of beautiful country, friendly people and stress free simple way of life. Outside of a short trip to Medellin (pronounced me-de-ging) to visit Selma’s (Paul’s wife) family. I painted everyday and brought back twenty two paintings. All of the paintings in the show were done on location, an adventurous and stimulating way to paint – known as “Alla Prima”. Everyday I woke up wondering what new adventure awaits me, not long after I started painting, an audience surrounded me, consisting of small children to armed guards, with real rifles slung over their backs! I didn’t have to travel far to find good subject matter – It was all around us. Our accommodations were right on the beach. Every morning about seven, the fishermen pulled in their nets. To watch them bring in the catch of the day was always exciting! The same method was used for thousands of years! Then there was the fruit lady, whose stand was set up right on the beach. She got very upset me with me because I wouldn’t sell her a painting for $10. We made amends before we left. I gave her a donation for allowing me to paint her. We are friends for life! A quote from Richard Schmid:”If you want to be rich and famous get into politics, show business or sports. If you paint just to get rich shame on you! If you paint because you must do it or die, you are my kind of painter!” |
