With age does come some tiny shreds of wisdom from time to time. And I had my aha moment for the week. I have always wanted to be an artist. I am just mesmerized by colored pencils, paints, and fancy markers. But in my hands, they all become blunt objects that I drag across a page in a Neanderthal-like manner. I finally came to grips with the fact that the only thing that I should ever paint is a wall and not one that anyone will look at too closely.
But much to my amazement, I have had many people tell me that I have a way with words. And each time I got such a generous compliment, it made me smile. But I still had this yearning to be an artist and paint or draw something breathtaking. It was not until very recently that I had an epiphany. I paint with words! And on my really creative days, I do sit down with a pad of paper and a few pens in bright and happy colors to do my painting with rainbow colored words.
I still appreciate drawings and paintings and the work that goes into creating each one. But I also have a greater understanding and appreciation for the gift that I have been given. My work won’t hang in a museum someday, but I hope that readers enjoy the mental pictures that I paint for them with my words.
Oh, how I love this! Painting pictures with words. Few do it as well as you, Kathy, especially from the heart!!!!! xxxooo
Thank you so much, Pam! I continue to be motivated, inspired and amazed by our conversations and the gift that is our friendship! You are a blessing to so many and I am forever thankful to be one of the lucky ones!
Thank you for sharing this, Kathy. Before I read very far I thought to myself, you are painting with words. Then you said it yourself! And that is just as beautiful as taking paint and a brush on canvas. I have always loved to draw and paint. It was a constant occupation when I was a child. Then I worked for years as a graphic artist. I don’t use my art in any way for income purposes, but I enjoy it. I have only recently begun again to draw after a long stretch of years when I set it aside to write. I didn’t think I could do both, but I am in a FaceBook group of Christian artists and writers and have been challenged to get started again. And I must say I am enjoying it. I use mostly colored pencils and a bit of watercolor now as I have no acrylic paints left, but that’s OK. It’s a new challenge. What is really important is that we recognize and cherish what gifts we do have and not to grieve over what we don’t have.
So true Diane! I already knew that you had many gifts from your warm and kind comments and contributions here, but to paint and write so eloquently is a rare gift. My dear friend Janet was blessed with both talents as well and I am fortunate enough to have some of her original artwork and her writing. Both are treasures! You both have the unique ability to reach those who are drawn to words as well as those who are moved by visual art. I am certain that you are spreading joy and inspiration through both- you were chosen to carry a greater gift and responsibility than most and you have certainly risen to the challenge. Thank you for making the world a better place for all of us!
Thank you for your encouraging words, Kathy. Your responses to my comments always make me feel humble and good. God bless.
Lovely post. Words are powerful tools, but with colors, they become beautiful and more powerful. Keep going, sometimes one smile is enough. But words with colors, will double that smile.