All the gear, no ideas
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I've been flat out busy lately. Which is lovely, I'm not complaining. But I needed a break from the screen and from deadlines. So last week, inspired by the Big Painting Challenge, I decided to get my paints out and have a play. But because I have a squirrel for a brain I forgot that I was having a break from deadlines and I set myself a challenge to paint something within 2 hours.
I'd love to show you what I achieved. But I couldn't find a canvas knocking around and I didn't have any ideas. None. I had nothing to say and no canvas to say nothing on. But what I did have is a beautiful art kit and I spent a lovely hour rearranging my brushes and paints. A tried and tested method for protecting myself from failure.
I inherited this easel/toolbox from BM. I was privileged to meet B at St. Johns Hospice where I volunteer. He was a patient and we became friends. We enjoyed talking about art - he was a member of a local art club and prior to becoming ill, he really enjoyed painting.
I was beyond moved when he asked if he could leave his art kit to me when he passed - I really can't express how honoured I felt. This was around four years ago and it took me a while to mix my own collection of art materials in with B's. I'm not sure why. I think it was out of respect. But then it dawned on me that he didn't leave it to me for it to be preserved as a museum piece. He left it to me because he wanted me to use it. So these days this beautiful wooden easel is a wonderful mixture of mine and B's art tools. Paint daubed brushes old and new. Well worn pencils and small gadgets with no name; I will never know what he used them for, but hopefully they will reveal their uses to me over time. Thank you B wherever you are, it really is one of my most treasured possessions. And I'm hoping to find some time, some canvases and most importantly some ideas soon.