Glow work in progress

What the heck does glow work in progress mean? Stay tuned, gentle reader? I hope to share some fun stories and a painting here today. But first, here’s a bit about me. And, if you are seeking weekly, colorful paintings in your world (and why not, right?), you can sign up here.

Onward to take a look at this week’s painting or rather painting in progress.

You Can’t Hurry Glow

Last week I shared that I am working away on a two foot by four foot painting. Well, guess what? The work continues. And, even though I have been painting for awhile, I find part of the allure of it all is learning new ways to approach an idea. In this painting in progress, I am striving to show ‘glow.’

And, building up layers to show glow takes time and patience so I’m not rushing this one. Here’s another detail shot. I’m loving the lusciousness of the layers happening here. The jury is still out, of course, as to whether the whole thing is coming together. Stay tuned on that!

On a Personal Note

I’m excited to share that if you read this on Thursday, July 9, we are celebrating our 27th wedding anniversary. And, I love the number 27. It’s quirky and weird and there’s all kinds of cool references to it’s impact in art, life, design, nature and more. Check out this quirky, illustrated blog showing all the different meanings associated with the number 27.

And, I have been reflecting upon various highlights and low lights of this 27 year adventure. What is it that has carried us through the years. And, how did this happen? And, what does this have to do with a painting blog? Oh and has it been all pink ponies and unicorns?

That Last Question – Answered

First of all, to answer that question-> h-e-double-toothpick no! We, like any two human beings living under the same roof for this amount of time, have had our moments, for sure. But, haven’t we all? If you haven’t, go away! HA HA (just kidding…sort of).

So how about the next to last question above? What does painting have to do with all of these reflections on a life with someone I love? Well, here we go, gentle reader, let’s see if I can make a connection. Ready?

Origin Story

I recently listened to a fantastic lecture by an incredible living painter named Bo Bartlett. He covers a lot of art territory but one of the quotes that sticks with me is from The Cornish Trilogy by Robertson Davies. If I heard Bo correctly (and, if you know me, you know you gotta fact check me…on…everything), he suggests that we artists pay attention to a quote from the second book in the trilogy. That is, “your root is your crown.”

This is excellent fodder for paintings (any art form, right?). But for purposes of reflecting on a marriage, I have to say I can’t help but think of my parents. And, my dad’s green pants with seagulls and my mom’s matching green dress. You think I’m kidding? Check it out:

That’s me on the right next to my dad. But amidst this crowd of siblings, I recall that my parents were pretty good friends.

Here’s a picture of them from years ago that I love. I have no idea where they were but clearly it was a fancy party (away from all of us). And, they look as if they were having a pretty wonderful time. Don’t you think?

The Next Generation

I confess I forgot to get married till I was 41. And maybe that’s because I didn’t want to settle but that sounds a bit too high and mighty. Because honestly, I had no idea what I was doing as I meandered through (miserable) work and fun, reckless social adventures in my 20s and 30s.

What I can tell you is that Mr Himself (David) seemed to pursue me like no one else had and for that I am (incredibly old fashioned) and grateful. Because I can look at this photograph and remember that feeling 27 years later.

Four Things

And, I think I am lucky to have a short memory when it comes to conflict. And, we both are supportive of each other’s interest in learning new things over the years. Such as? We totally nerded out with other nerdy friends for the solar eclipse in 2017.

See?

Openness to Travel and Explore

We have been open to support each other when the urge to explore something new beckons. In fact, we traveled to the Tetons, hiked, camped and eloped on July 9, 1999. Maybe standing in front of a Teepee on your wedding day brings good luck?

Travel, Explore, Repeat

In 2014, we ventured up to Philadelphia, PA. I wanted to study painting and he agreed to (renovate our master bath in our house in Raleigh) and visit me while I was in art school in Philly every two weeks. Woosh those years in Philly flew by!

When we settled back in Raleigh, he started building (beautiful!!) wooden sea kayaks. And, the next thing you know, we gotta figure out where to use these beauties. Camping saved our sanity during the pandemic and so did learning to sea kayak.

As we have met people on the road, we have learned to hear their stories. And that’s why last year, we drove our camper and kayaks allll the way up the east coast. And, then took the fabulous ferry to Newfoundland for four weeks.

Still Processing

Even though I painted nearly everyday on that trip, I am still processing the landscape, the icebergs, the trees, whales, puffins, Northern Gannets, and more. The icebergs were an incredible memory and experience.

See?

Other Adventures

We each have extended families who live far far away from us. So, we do end up traveling to England to see his family and New England to see mine. And, there was that epic museum marathon trip to France, Netherlands and Spain in 2023. I think we went to 14 museums and the Alhambra in three weeks.

It was fabulous! Until it wasn’t. Meaning? Well, we both got sick as dawgs just in time for his big family reunion in Wales. Gotta love this pic, eh?

Love and Loss

And, I would be remiss if I didn’t share our love of dogs. Our beloved Chloe was with us on every single crazy hike we have done over the last 12 years. She was an incredible sport. And, as she aged over the last year of her life, she became my “foil” to slow down as we traipsed up yet another mountain, like this one, called Franey Mountain in Nova Scotia in 2025. Dang I miss that dog (RIP March 2026) and I know David, does too.

What’s the Secret

I confess I have no idea. As we have navigated this world together, the loss, the upheaval of this world, I feel lucky to have this partner here with me. Now, it’s time to sign off and go paint, right?

How About You

What about you, gentle reader? Do you have any pearls of wisdom to navigating this world? If you do, regardless of your marital status, I would really love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts and I will treasure them if you do!