A students "Summer Sky Cloud", June 14, '14, acrylics on masonite
This week my students and I began to paint a picture of a summer sky. We had a wonderful time together, doing and learning. I tend to just keep jabbering about matters of art and life as I know that these students can multi-task. I know this for it seems that no matter what is happening, they are moving and doing something on several levels all at the same time. There is the I-phone, wires to their ears, talking, snacking on something etc. So I know they are hearing me blathering on about life and art as it relates (or doesn't relate) to whatever is the subject of the class.
It occurred to me that the whole world of painting is an amazing metaphor of life and living...really living. Living with (or without, sigh) light in one's eyes. For one, our lives are a painting in the making. Now, we can paint on practically anything, so the question is, on what is our life painting being done? Also, how is the surface of our panting being prepared? This base and it's preparation to receive the paint our life will require are two of the most important aspects of the painting itself. It will influence everything and anything done on the painting. For if the base is not prepared or is not long lasting in itself, the whole painting and thus our lives will be influenced.
It occurred to me that the whole world of painting is an amazing metaphor of life and living...really living. Living with (or without, sigh) light in one's eyes. For one, our lives are a painting in the making. Now, we can paint on practically anything, so the question is, on what is our life painting being done? Also, how is the surface of our panting being prepared? This base and it's preparation to receive the paint our life will require are two of the most important aspects of the painting itself. It will influence everything and anything done on the painting. For if the base is not prepared or is not long lasting in itself, the whole painting and thus our lives will be influenced.
The Last Supper was painted by Leonardo da Vinci on the wall of a building in 1498. It was not a good long lasting surface and so this amazing painting began to suffer and
deteriorate within 20 years of it's completion. Ever since there have been what someone called "ham-fisted" attempts at repairs. Notice at the bottom centre of the painting, see the arch there. Well, at one point the painting was so far gone that they even punched a door through the wall. Then later closed it up again, filling it with brick and mortar, defacing the painting. Eventually repairs had to be made, not only to the painting but the very building and the wall it was painted on. Despite all of this, it is today one of the most scrutinized, well known and loved paintings of the world.
deteriorate within 20 years of it's completion. Ever since there have been what someone called "ham-fisted" attempts at repairs. Notice at the bottom centre of the painting, see the arch there. Well, at one point the painting was so far gone that they even punched a door through the wall. Then later closed it up again, filling it with brick and mortar, defacing the painting. Eventually repairs had to be made, not only to the painting but the very building and the wall it was painted on. Despite all of this, it is today one of the most scrutinized, well known and loved paintings of the world.
Whatever the base is, it will become the major influence as to the quality longitude and character of our painting of your life.
So we move now to the actual surface of
the painting. What in fact will it be and how will this surface receive the paint? In other words will the paint "stick" to the surface? If it is a very hard smooth surface or an unstable surface, the paint will not adhere well. In a short time, it will begin to peel and actually fall off. So, to prevent this and to make sure we won't "fall apart" so to speak, the surface on which we paint our lives must be prepared in such a way that the life we live will last and stand the test of time. The surface must have what is called "tooth." It must be roughened so the paint will have something to "grab onto" as it is lived and applied.
It is very sad to see sections of paint peeling away from a good painting. How do we deal with that? Sandpaper! Yep, we need to give that surface a good rough scrub. The scrub can be shallow or deep, no matter, it must be roughened up so the paint stick.
Wow, that sounds like "life" doesn't it? What is the foundation of our lives? What basic beliefs do we believe in and follow? What is our real "higher power?" Is it something sure and unmovable or is it something rather shaky and unsure?
There are some things we have no control over when it comes to life. Did we grow up in poverty or wealth? It will not be up to us, but we will have to deal with it. Do we have our health or not? Again, often we have no choice in such matters. Here, our painting will again be affected, but in what way? Will these situations make us better or will they make us angry and frustrated? The painting will reveal these things. With the right truth as the bases of our life painting, we can, despite circumstances, convey a message and life of the courageous overcomer. There are many who have experienced amazing pain, suffering and reversals in life and have become an incredible inspiration to the world.
In fact, the luster and beauty of Leonardo's Last Supper, despite it's deterioration cannot be hid.
So we move now to the actual surface of
the painting. What in fact will it be and how will this surface receive the paint? In other words will the paint "stick" to the surface? If it is a very hard smooth surface or an unstable surface, the paint will not adhere well. In a short time, it will begin to peel and actually fall off. So, to prevent this and to make sure we won't "fall apart" so to speak, the surface on which we paint our lives must be prepared in such a way that the life we live will last and stand the test of time. The surface must have what is called "tooth." It must be roughened so the paint will have something to "grab onto" as it is lived and applied.
It is very sad to see sections of paint peeling away from a good painting. How do we deal with that? Sandpaper! Yep, we need to give that surface a good rough scrub. The scrub can be shallow or deep, no matter, it must be roughened up so the paint stick.
Wow, that sounds like "life" doesn't it? What is the foundation of our lives? What basic beliefs do we believe in and follow? What is our real "higher power?" Is it something sure and unmovable or is it something rather shaky and unsure?
There are some things we have no control over when it comes to life. Did we grow up in poverty or wealth? It will not be up to us, but we will have to deal with it. Do we have our health or not? Again, often we have no choice in such matters. Here, our painting will again be affected, but in what way? Will these situations make us better or will they make us angry and frustrated? The painting will reveal these things. With the right truth as the bases of our life painting, we can, despite circumstances, convey a message and life of the courageous overcomer. There are many who have experienced amazing pain, suffering and reversals in life and have become an incredible inspiration to the world.
In fact, the luster and beauty of Leonardo's Last Supper, despite it's deterioration cannot be hid.
This is good. Gives me something to think and talk about as we paint the rest of our painting next week. Thank you for helping me think through this metaphor. I'll report in again next week.
Have a great long weekend.
Have a great long weekend.
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