The Hawaiian Rooster and the Polar Vortex

Sarah's Rooster  .  8" x 10"  .  oil on panel

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all. . .and as you can see, for me, the painting continues.  And am I glad for it.  This small commission was assigned with a "I'm in no hurry," declaration, but frankly coming back from the holidays and having something to paint is a huge blessing. 

 

WE ARTISTS are constantly creating our own goals - it's a natural rhythm we develop to maintain some sanity!  Putting on the creative hat and finding a theme, a notion, a color, an issue. . .something to be explored in depth, requires thinking, thinking, thinking and planning.  Oh, sometimes (and even often) the painting all happens with supernatural spontaneity - but to keep the dog and pony show going there must be intention.  So to start January off, I basked in this commission that didn't require the neat stacking up of all of my physical, mental and spiritual building blocks.  It was a pleasure to simply paint a beautiful creature.

 

IN ADDITION, the Polar Vortex came wagging its tail into the deep South, throwing all of us into preparation, and some of us former-Florida-folk into a mini-panic.  More than anything the bitter cold serves as a reminder that we are not in control. . .I don't care how high tech we become.  So it was with great pleasure and relief that I was able to settle in and paint Sarah's Hawaiian rooster while the wind howled and the temperature dropped.  Yes, this rooster lives/lived in Hawaii.

 

On a personal note:

I must say that I'm already bored and annoyed at the same time by all the entreaties to change your life, make resolutions, improve yourself, etc., that comes EVERY time we annually pass GO.  Make a secret pledge to yourself if you feel the need, but first simply be human, then perhaps add an E to that to be humane.  In particular, start with being humane to yourself, then spread it like peanut butter or CROW it every morning!  

 

Human:  having or showing qualities, as rationality or fallibility, viewed as distinctive of people.

Humane:  having what are considered the best qualities of mankind; kind, tender, merciful, sympathetic, etc.