Alchemy of Art: Creative Seasons in The Shire
When I encountered my mountain man in the brisk chill of January 2023, little did I know it would shepherd me into the warm embrace of a close-knit group of artists for weekly painting sessions. This serendipitous meeting didn't just reintroduce painting into my life; it brought with it the tranquil and restorative embrace that only art can provide. Amidst the whirlwind of establishing my own marketing agency, navigating the waters of a new relationship, relocating, and the joyful chaos of new canine companions, I found myself in dire need of a sanctuary - painting swiftly became that sacred retreat. In a year brimming with wondrous, transformative change, painting emerged as my serene haven, allowing me precious hours to delve into my inner world and momentarily cast aside the hustle and bustle of life.
Enveloped by the countryside's embrace in The Shire, we gather around a grand table, bathed in the soft caress of morning light that pours through expansive windows. The gentle patter of three to five dogs frolicking around the house and into the garden accompanies our creative symphony. As the sunlight kisses my face, urging me to inhale deeply, I bask in its warmth, allowing a profound calm to wash over me. Surrounded by nature's majesty, with minimal human intrusion, a unique sense of peace envelops us, a testament to nature's healing powers.
Three seasons have passed with me at that table, and now, as I stand on the cusp of my fourth, with steaming cups of tea and delectable pastries for companionship, a profound sense of gratitude envelops me. To merely say I am lucky feels like an understatement - there are no words to fully encapsulate the tranquillity and belonging that seep into my soul with that first sip of tea, the ambient chatter about our weeks, my nascent painting before me, and the vibrant dabs of fresh paint adorning my canvas. This moment of absolute stillness is my prelude to weekly therapy, a deeply therapeutic ritual that has taught me the art of deceleration, the importance of truly SEEING my subject, and the joy of leaving a piece of my essence on every canvas.
The Gifts of Artistic Fellowship
Beyond providing a haven for my spirit, this assembly of men and women has instilled in me the courage to venture beyond my comfort zone. It's illuminated the paradox that by slowing down, one can indeed traverse greater distances. In our nurturing space, we don't just share techniques and insights; we share our very canvases, allowing our comrades to contribute strokes as we learn and grow together. Discussions meander from paint selections to colour theories, from the nuances of framing to the profound impact of a well-placed brushstroke. Each gathering is an opportunity to absorb a new facet of this incredible art form that I've committed to mastering for life.
I've discovered my affinity for Winsor & Newton's Indian Yellow, my palette's natural inclination towards earthy tones like Sap Green and Burnt Umber, and the intriguing technique of creating black without using the colour itself. I've explored the strength and adaptability of a limited palette and found joy in its simplicity and challenge.
As I anticipate the onset of this fourth season, with Scottish winter storms orchestrating a dramatic backdrop and fleeting moments of deep pink sunsets, my excitement for the artistic journey ahead is palpable. I'm eager to interpret and recreate the dynamic hues of the sea's fury against the shore, to capture the subtle dance of green and gold in my dogs' eyes. This is more than a hobby; it's a lifelong odyssey in colour, light, and expression, and I stand ready, brush in hand, for wherever this journey takes me next.
