Child's Play

I came to art late in life after years of being convinced by teachers and siblings that I lacked talent. A dear friend Cindy was the first to say otherwise. After admiring one of her paintings, Cindy told me it was easy, that I could paint too. I assured her I had no talent for the visual arts. Determined to prove me wrong and encourage me, she took me to a local art store, told me what to buy and took me home for an impromptu watercolor lesson. 

I HAD SO MUCH FUN!!! My first painting was a little crab for my parents who collect all things crab-related. As loving parents, they treasured it as if it were their first child's refrigerator door offering. They even had it framed. I couldn't believe that I could paint something that actually resembled my subject matter! 

Well, sort of. My crab was yellow and pink. Crabs where I live are blue. But no matter, Cindy didn't tell me it had to be realistic, she merely encouraged me to play, experiment and have fun. 

Just like a child would do. 

Woo Hoo! In this challenge, I get to play with nature, I am Captain of the Universe! Flowers can be green, leaves can be pink and sheep can be blue! (And there is no nay-saying teacher to point out that my art "should" look a certain way.)

This challenge resonates with me on many levels:

• The childlike play that should be a part of our art along with the discipline and development,
• The memory of a friend who encouraged me to believe in myself; to open the door to possibility regardless of my preconceptions, and
• The power of art to change lives.

What a great way to end a wonderful cycle of 9 challenges with 9 talented artists. Thank you Mary.