The Art of Life
Photobucket I'm so glad you're here! "The Art of Life" is where I share my journey as an artist & Momma. It's a place where I hope to encourage other women that they are artists too. In this small little space I seek to share, document, and be reminded of God's wonderful grace, all around us. ....And I would be so happy to have you journey alongside me! So grab a cup of coffee and linger for a while. I hope you leave feeling refreshed. Photobucket

Monday, April 21, 2008

"Rain Buddies" Acrylic on Watercolor Canvas




"Rain Buddies" Acrylic & Watercolor on Watercolor canvas~20" x 16"~Copyright 2008 & Beyond~Kasie Sallee

~~This might sound a little "hokey" or "artsy-fartsy," but that's okay. I'm still going to put it out there.
~~I've heard other artists say before that sometimes the meaning of a painting doesn't come to them until they're working on it. That usually isn't the case for me. Most of the time I have a clear-cut idea of where I'm going before I even start out. But this painting was different for me.
~~My Nana passed away in early March; right after I had finished the first Angel painting. The next couple of weeks passed in a haze. After the funeral was over and my family had all gone back to Alabama, I was having trouble getting back into a normal life routine. I knew that I really needed to start another painting to give myself something to focus on. I had some ideas but hadn't been able to get the sunny reference photos I needed since we had been having day after day of rainy, dreary weather. Life was feeling a bit like a rainstorm to me during this time. We were going through a lot of sickness and some other difficult things. I was just ready for a sunny day. On a whim I took Sierra outside one morning and took some pictures of her in her fun pink rainboots.
~~I was first drawn to the idea of this painting because of the challenge it offered; all of the unique textures like the rain on the sidewalk, the slick shiny boots, the jeans. It was nice to get lost in the process. But as I worked I began to think of my daughters and the lessons that children teach us.
~~As adults, we tend to focus on the storm, but children see the puddles to jump in. I saw another dreary day, but my daughter saw a chance to wear her favorite pink rainboots. And I was reminded as I worked that, just like my daughter always has a favorite "stuffed animal lovey" with her, I too am never alone in the storm. My family was showered with so much love during our difficult time and it truly warmed my heart. And though at times things felt a little upside down, I was reminded that I am loved by a God who has promised never to leave me or forsake me.
~~So this painting that started without a lot of direction has come to be very meaningful to me. And it's my hope that it might give a little comfort to anyone else out there who's going through a rainstorm of their own.

**I just realized that I'd forgotten to sign this. Ooops. Off to do that. Also, the skin is looking much darker on screen than it is in real life, but the rest is pretty close to actual colors. (At least on my screen, lol.)



12 comments:

Anonymous said...

You've done an excellent job with this! It almost looks like watercolor, I think.

I plan on trying more acrylics in the future. The last one I did was a nice change.

I too usually have to have that feeling before I start. I have been ruminating on a few and then some I've developed a wall towards and will have to put it away before I begin.

mornin'lady said...

Thank you for sharing that Kasie, It is amazing how we learn so much when we open up our hearts to God and who He is during our storms. The picture is indeed a very special one. You did good!!

Rose Welty said...

Nicely done Kasie...sophisticated painting, simple subject...well done.

Shalet said...

I wish I knew how to paint. I love what you've done here!

Elise said...

Perfect - in every sense.

You certainly tackled the challenges this painting had to offer head on and the result is amazing.

The meaning behind the painting is beautiful. I love what this painting has come to mean to you. The lessons our children teach us are so valuable. To see them interpreted by you and represented in this way through your creative artwork is just beautiful.

Ann said...

Beautiful painting Kasie!
I really like how you have a sharper focus on the subject and the background in more loosely interpreted. Those textures on the various surfaces are amazing! Thanks for sharing your story with this one too. Very inspiring.

APO (Bem-Trapilho) said...

hello! lovely painting! loved it! :)

Anonymous said...

How sweet! I really like the thoughts behind this painting! Adorable painting!
~Angela

Valerie Jones said...

Another beauty! I love the pink rainboots!

Joyce said...

The painting is so sweet and the meaning behind it gives it so much more charm.

Alisha K. Ard said...

I LOVE this painting!! And thank you for sharing your lessons learned during the painting process as well - what great insight :-)

I haven't checked in on the blogs I usually read in a couple of months now, so I'm catching up. I'm sorry to hear about your loss and your daughter's digestive problems. I will be praying for your family :-)

Anonymous said...

Been away from blogs for awhile but just checked in and I LOVE the pink rainboots and the fabulous analogy of storms...and can so relate to your thoughts. I was just listening to that song today by Plum, "safe in my arms". The storms will rage, and we have a good God through it all.
blessings-
Sophia