Okay – I am sorry to do the blogging equivalent of leaving the fairy lights up a week too long…
We took down the exhibition (see Prepping) on Sunday December 22nd. In some ways it was a relief, since thinking about and feeding the “beast” had been a time-consuming endeavor. But it had also been exciting, gratifying and gave a sense of purpose to painting – go on, I will admit it – I enjoyed having an audience! Mark’s wistful photo says it all!
I had noticed a tailing off of my own activity in the couple of weeks before closing the show and by the 23rd I was convinced I had “painter’s block”. Why bother if the destination is a cupboard?
Then, on Christmas Eve, the sun was out and it felt right and I think I did one of my better paintings of the year.
A great, optimistic way to end 2019, even if on so many other levels the new year did not seem so bright. Here is hoping that, in this little corner of my life, 2020 is positive and productive, and in the bigger picture, much, much better than anticipated.
I really love your Christmas Eve painting Mike!! Hope 2020 is a good year for you and Mark xx
Thanks – Is that you Pete? Same to you and Chris. Mx
No that wasn’t me but I do love your Christmas Eve painting Mike and do hope you and Mark have a great 2020.
However you do have someone else to thank!!!!
What a beautiful picture – creating this was the perfect way to round off the year. I must also say that I love your red hat – it’s very jolly!
Thank you – not sure who I am writing to but glad you like the hat!
The caption of you leaving the gallery at the end of the exhibition could be the last line of the classic children’s book Madeleine by Ludwig Bemelmans: “…and [he] turned out the light, and closed the door. And that’s all there is. There isn’t any more.”
A Christmas miracle!
Hope you were well wrapped when you painted it.
Xox
CBB
I hope 2020 is a beautiful and inspiring as your work!
Thank you Yassana! xxx
The light is gorgeous in the Christmas Eve painting. It’s been a joy following your work—exhibition and otherwise—here in 2019. Looking forward to more beautiful paintings in the new year!
Thank you Gerrit! Hugely appreciated.
That Clinton Corners painting just shows what some good light can do – helps create some arresting art and lifts the midwinter spirits.