2013 was a big year for me.
I had been on a hiatus from painting for a few years due to my mom fighting cancer. For two years I took her to oncologists and to one chemo treatment after another. I had 3 young children and she had been the reason I had painted at all for many years. If it had not been for her help, I could not have met clients and kept painting when my kids were young. Once I lost her, I could not paint for a long time. Just walking into the studio left me alone with too many thoughts and I just could not create.
Then one day in 2013 I saw a call for the IAPS (International Association of Pastel Societies) international exhibition and convention. I had never gone and always wanted to attend. I figured this was a good way to force myself to meet a severe deadline (it was in two weeks) and jump back into painting. Many of you may know and have read before about how I set up my easel in the bathroom and bribed my son with candy. It not only got into the exhibition, but won the Gold Medal. After that I started painting again seriously. Entering national and international shows and exactly 2 years later I was back at the IAPS convention and this time won my first “Prix des Pastel” Best of Show in the Masters Circle Division.
So a few months ago I was asked by Anne Hevener, the editor of the Pastel Journal, to write about the most pivotal painting of my career. Of course, I chose this one. My son at age 6 in the bathtub. I have told the story about it before, and I am sure most followers have seen this painting already. It really did feel like it launched my career and from that point on it gave me a confidence that I never knew before. I can’t believe it was so long ago already. It is crazy to think my mom never saw it.
The issue of the magazine arrived yesterday. The same day this little guy with the red ears drove off to college. Life is more than a little ironic. I hope you can catch the article or perhaps enlarge it and read it from the photo below.
I think I might be putting painting on hold again for a little while though. It’s hard to be alone with my thoughts again. Ah, grief. Different this time, but still real. I know new work will emerge. My reality has changed again.
But when I step back up to the easel, look out.
Grief is awful but we do come out better, deeper people. I look forward to what comes next.
Me too!
I always loved this portrait of your son! The backlit scene, and his seeming unwillingness to stand still for very long! So much conveyed through those eyes!
As artists, we can push and paint fast and furiously, but it pays to stop and fill your cup, feel your feelings, and resume when the spirit moves you. I believe I make my best work when I’m not pushing myself when I should take a break. It’s a big life change with your son going off to college. Be gentle with yourself!
Will do! Time for all my favorite things.
This is so relatable. My Mom has been on a lengthy health journey requiring a lot of my attention. In addition, I help out with my granddaughters 3 days a week. This leaves me so little time for myself. Meanwhile, my pastels are collecting dust and I feel I’ve regressed 10 years. But I wouldn’t trade this precious time with my family. Time is fleeting after all. Thank you for your openness in sharing your grief. I sent 3 kids off to college, then my oldest moved from the Midwest to the west coast with his family. Eventually you will get used the the “new” norm.
So hard when we become bookends. Good luck with everything.
You go, girl! I remember the Pittsburgh contingent at IAPS cheering loudly when your award was announced! We were so proud of you.
Hugs
Good times! Can’t believe that was 12 years ago.
What a heartwarming story! I surely do remember seeing this gorgeous painting in person at the IAPS exhibit but didn’t know the backstory so thanks for sharing the details. Your life certainly has had ups and downs, but I admire you for your marvelous strength to keep pursuing your dream through all of it, dear friend!!
Thank you my friend!
I have loved this painting from the first time you posted it on Facebook, so many years ago. Congrats all over again. So deserves.