Kevin McPherson painted the pond out his back window, everyday for a year. I tried to paint the scene from my home on the beach everyday, but gave up after about six weeks. I tried taking photos and painting from the photos so I would have a painting from every day. I realized quickly that this was quite the undertaking.
I was lucky to live on the waterfront for fifteen years and every day was a miracle to view. I often painted the different views from my home, but 365 days in a row was just too much. Even though Kevin McPherson’s paintings were only six by eight, he did one every day for a year.
As you can see it was an amazing place to live, especially if you are an artist. I miss it every day. But, I don’t live there anymore. I may paint a few of these for old times sake.
One my friends from my home town recently took a class from Kevin McPherson at his home. She posted a photo of his pond on Facebook. I thought it would be fun to paint my version of his pond. I have a couple copies of his book: “Reflections on a Pond”. I actually have two copies, if anyone wants to buy one. Ha Ha
I decided to leave out the tree and the painter in the photo. First, I put in the small tree at the front of the painting. I moved it over to the left, then I left it out totally.
Looking through his book, I enjoyed many of his interpretations of the pond. I wish I had had the resolve to paint the my view every day. I should have created a different version of it each day. I had the good fortune of living there for fifteen years. It would have been amazing to have had the free time to do that.
I look back at this wonderful time. I am reminded of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote. He said, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us”. It is much easier to look back and wonder why you made a decision at a point in time. At the time, it seemed like the right choice. As time moved forward, I often wondered why I did not rent it out. The rent from the two separate spaces would more than cover the mortgage and taxes. It would still have made a profit. Now I have to take Emerson’s advice. I need to look within. I must find what makes me as happy as enjoying my former view.
Many of us have lived many lives or lifestyles. I grew up on a farm and always worked. Now I am retired and really don’t need to work. Within me are many more paintings to be painted. I try to have my time painting, fill me with the same joy I gained by waking up early and taking photos of my past view.
What lies within you?
What brings you joy?
What makes your heart happy?