Why painting? Seems like a logical enough question. This question gnawed at me for years. What made it so appealing? I read about other artists, from amateurs to the professionals. all seemed to have the same calling.

 

What was it about this pursuit that seduced so many? Self expression, relaxing hobby ( although I might disagree with this one), therapy?I suppose these are all good reasons, but what about it made it so appealing, and why did I think I could and should pursue this? Why would any sane person want to pursue this?

Wait for it....

 

1. LOVE

2. I Wanted Roots

 

 

1. Love- lets start with this. This is the hopeless romantic in me. These days it sounds silly, naive and pollyannish to still believe in, but I do, I need to- I think we all do. Painting gives me a way to sit with my joy, picking colors that 'feel good"- scenes that evoke some "magical quality to me". Some use art to express darkness, or to shock. Waste of time to me- the world can be dark enough.

I don't understand, why one would choose to sit in discomfort, or want to share their misery with others. Painting for me is a vehicle for me, a way to stop and enjoy. Shut out the "noise", we as humans create- and really spend some time with positive pursuits.

Nurturing something constructive to put out in the world.

 

2. Roots

 

I was born a first generation immigrant kid. We went back and forth to Europe as a kid almost yearly. Growing up, I guess I felt pulled between the US- and family overseas. I lived here on US soil, but my folks raised me steeped in  Scottish roots. I was American born, but never felt a great connection to US tradition.  As I matured, I wanted to get to know a place intimately, that meant spending time scouting, exploring and recording my experiences. Painting gave me a way to feel connected  to where I live. To express how I experienced my world. 

I also wanted to leave a legacy for my daughter, to model for her- that her life can be created, and nurtured by her, She has control to make her decisions of how she wants to spend her time.

 

Long after I'm gone, I want her to be able to have memories of having art in our home- works of places we had visited together. The beaches, town, fields where we walked our dogs- I want her to have those things. In hopes, one day she will see the value and leave a legacy for her own.

 

 

There, I narrowed it down- what other reasons would anyone need?