I think art is taken far too seriously in this world, don’t you? I mean, human nature seems to be, that as we look at a piece of art, we judge it. It’s either good or bad. We like it or we don’t. And Heaven forbid if we did the artwork. Criticism takes on a new low! So, let’s change this seriousness, shall we? Let’s look at the joy of art. Joy of creation. Joy of expression. Joy of connection. And let’s begin now. (Especially since I’m about ready to reveal some of my artwork!)
My continuing Swiss series of our trip three years ago….
Elevation wise, the Alps aren’t any higher than our own Mt. Shasta. Yet, there are so many of them, hundreds of miles of them, rising so dramatically they block the sky. For me, this was like a newly discovered natural phenomenon. When I sat down to paint the scenes, I loved how the mountains filled my paper up to the very top, with only a tease of sky winking through. 
My Trinity Alps watercolor paintings happened to be in the same pad, and as I flipped through, comparing my Trinity Alps renditions to my Swiss Alps, it delighted me to see how differently they were painted.
It delighted me even more to discover that my pictures showed what I had felt about each set of Alps. California’s Trinity Alps stood rugged, solid and hard, with a somewhat macho attitude. You do not penetrate the Trinity Alps; the Trinity Alps penetrate you. The Swiss Alps, on the other hand, seem to work slowly, over time, gentle waves flowing tenderly, like a loving woman’s touch, caressing that which needs caressing, lingering. Then ebbing. Then flowing again, a little further this time. Then ebbing. Then flowing. Patient.
You can see, or at least, I can see, how these feelings aren’t exactly my typical first impressions. Or second, third, fourth or fifth. More like sixth sense impressions. Because, as I gazed at my pictures, I realized that these feelings were true. Unrevealed feelings revealed. Gayle revealed. Grace.
Swiss Alps
Trinity Alps
Now, wasn’t that fun? You can see for yourself how much fun it is to paint. You don’t even have to be good at it unless you reside in a world where art is taken far too seriously.
Mike and I are in Switzerland again this very moment, creating new pictures in our minds and hearts. Wish you were here!
Where do you go, or what do you do to create art from your heart? Maybe we should create a new term: HeartArt. I like the sound of it, don’t you! If you agree, paint me a picture, and I’ll see the joy, I promise!
Due to some operating systems (so I’m told) some of the photos and/or captions may show up on your computer slightly askew. But I can’t let that stop me from posting–can I! Besides, isn’t that just like life! Just when you think you have it figured out….
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My brother has painted all his life as a vocation, filling in with architectural design and remodeling homes. Now 71, he still paints but teaching art is now his main vocation. I write and am a photographer, but thought since he got the “artistic talent” I should leave it alone. This spring when we were visiting brother and wife a few days I asked him to show me how to mix watercolors. What a sweet connecting point for us. Now I am in bed a few weeks and off my foot for six after surgery. You have reminded me this is a great time to practice watercolor. I love the medium. When I moved to Utah in 1970 from San Diego I was entranced with the wasatch range and drew pictures of the mts and sent cards to the family. Maybe today I’ll paint some mountains. Thank you.
You couldn’t have shared anything nicer. Thank you! The Swiss Alps inspired me to paint again, too. I painted twice while there. Haven’t had this strong of an urge to paint since before I came down with cancer. It felt so good to paint again. I hope you have painted your mountains.
Beautiful, bountiful Grace! Thank you, Gail, for sharing both your awe in the midst of Nature’s splendor and your art, written and sketched. Blessings–Joyce
Hi Joyce,
Readers like you make it easy for me to share my passions! Thank you!
It is good to hear from you and to follow this new again adventure. I’ll look forward to more and to photos. Love, Peggie
Hi Peggie,
The trip was magical. I’m certain some future posts will once again visit those magnificent Alps–God willin’ and the creek don’t rise!
Love the term HeartArt. We are so lucky to see & experience so much HeartArt in each & every day. Keep painting those HeartArt masterpieces. They are priceless & precious keepsakes. Love, Helen
Hi Helen,
It is amazing what happens when one paints. (Do you?) If you do, then I don’t need to tell you how well one comes to know the subject. I can look at the same mountain for years without seeing it–until I draw or paint it. I love that!
Very nice Gayle, but who is the long legged guy in the photo? hahahahahaha.
He’s the one who is afraid of the dark!
Dear Gayle, you are truly a work of art yourself. Love and prayers. S
Hi Sharon,
Sweet! You speak from experience!
Awesome! The contrasts are so wonderful – thank you Gayle!
Hi Marianne,
You are so easy to please! My kind of gal! Thanks.
These are so purely joyful!
Love your attitude about art….I so agree. Remember when we talked about going to my sister’s art studio together in Nashville? I still think that would be a really cool thing to do together!
Paint your art out, Gayle! Love you so, Francie
Hi Francie,
Paint my art out–you clever girl! Yes, I remember about visiting your sister in Nashville. I’m glad you do. When the time is right–let’s go!