Against the Wind

Against the Wind

I wanted to paint a piece with the sea in the distance and lupines in front. This piece had to be adjusted dramatically from the photo I worked from. The houses were made smaller and the sea closer. I first painted the chair as it was in the photo, facing toward the viewer. I just didn’t like it, it didn’t feel right some how. So I took it all out (ouch!) and re-did it, using the pink chair in my studio as a reference, this time I faced the chair toward the house. This piece has areas painted very thinly as well as thickly and an intense sense of drama, unusual for me. I am still trying to get the message of it clearly, as there are several in there. It is clear that there is something going on with that white house, a conversation of sorts, but what does it mean? Are all those lupines representative of family? Is the white house on the edge of the canvas about looking forward to a hereafter? I certainly didn’t expect that to be such a strong element. My title gives a clue as to what I feel. Right from the beginning this piece has been called “Against the Wind” I always see the chair as counteracting the forces that are pushing against it and up the hill. My sister clarified it for me yesterday when I discussed the difficulty of producing a solo show while suffering from chronic pain: “You have a goal in mind and you will reach it!  I know the "where there's a will there's a way attitude".  It came from Mom. (This) attitude has been a big part of my life.  I have thought of her saying that often all my life and often said it to my kids.” Thank you, Georgie. You made that part so clear. But, hmmm, there is still that white house. Ideas welcome!