She Cast a Colorful Shadow
January 9th, 2013
I haven't painted since I painted the 20 Little Lights piece the evening of the Sandy Hook shooting. I think I poured a lot of myself into that piece and the printing of prints of it as I've been raising funds. It took a lot out of me. Plus, it's holiday season and the darkest time of the year. This is definitely not my favorite time of year. I want to hibernate. But, I'm glad I have the Challenge to remind me to be creative in all the little ways (like the cardboard forts I've been making, new recipes, holiday decorations, and silly dances with my daughter.) And I'm also glad I got back to making some art.
I know some people were scared or even turned off a bit by the dark theme. I get it, I do! But the dark also has beauty. In the darkest places, the stars are brightest! The darker times of year are wonderful for hot chocolate, warm blankets, snuggling with cats, and cozy slippers. Dark times are a good time to go within, to dig deep. One of my favorite quotes is: In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer. -Albert Camus.
The piece above is acrylic and ink on watercolor paper. It was inspired in part by the quote above and in part by all the potential that is quiet and underground, but still pulsing and ready to transform once Spring arrives.
12 Responses
It’s definitely my time of year to hibernate, which is why I believe bears are my animal totem!
Creativity and art making has a way of shining light into the winter darkness! It is a blessing. I love this new work!
Posted by: Indigene Theresa Gaskin | Jan 9, 2013 at 4:35 am |
Oh I love this! I am drawn more to dark colors and actually have been trying to go a bit more bold and bright in my art.
Posted by: Danielle | Jan 9, 2013 at 7:39 am |
Leah, I really like this painting. There is something about that bird sitting above her that just calls to me.
As for the Dark Theme… It’s a good one.. it made me stretch which is my Word for 2013.
Posted by: Boo | Jan 9, 2013 at 10:22 am |
Wonderful creative and with such depth of meaning ~ Brava ~
(A Creative Harbor) aka ArtMuseDog and Carol ^_^
Posted by: artmusedog and Carol | Jan 9, 2013 at 10:28 am |
This is lovely Leah, and I love the Albert Camus quote – fantastic – I have been hibernating and digging deep, so it’s nice to have s confirmation that summer is still inside!
Posted by: Rachel | Jan 9, 2013 at 12:32 pm |
Hello Leah, this is a lovely piece. I personally love the Winter, the dark can be so beautiful and peaceful. The evening dusk has such poetry to it, but it is a quiet time, a slow down time and a lot of folk can find this hard in such busy times. Your creations are filled with poetic beauty, thanks for sharing with us.
Posted by: kat | Jan 9, 2013 at 2:42 pm |
She’s lovely Leah and I hear you on the dreary part of this time. I think it’s especially tough for creative souls as we tend to feel things so much deeper and more intensely. The great part about darker moments is they certainly help us appreciate the brighter times; past, present and in the future.
Best~
♥Sharon
Posted by: Plumrose Lane | Jan 9, 2013 at 4:45 pm |
this is beautiful, Leah! i am learning to enjoy turning into the dark, snug, cozy, inward time of winter, and your image beautifully expresses the radiance that we can find there. many blessings,katy
Posted by: Katy Taylor | Jan 9, 2013 at 9:59 pm |
I love this painting! And that quote is one of my favorites as well. I have it framed and hanging on my living room wall.
Posted by: Stacie (The Happy Hermit) | Jan 11, 2013 at 3:05 pm |
There are joys to be found in the slower pace of the winter. The darkness can be a downside, but then many winter days are bright & sunny. Look at what I wrote, I sound like an optimist (which I really am not)
Love your latest painting.
Posted by: Sherry | Jan 11, 2013 at 4:52 pm |
This is a beautiful piece of artwork and can I just say your blog design is wonderful!
Always nice to meet a fellow LD Affiliate too – I am loving the Incredible Year workbooks. This year is my first year with them
Sarah @ A Cat-Like Curiosity
Posted by: Sarah | Jan 13, 2013 at 8:18 am |
Leah, I am drawn to your paintings, themes. I feel the emotion underlying your works. Love it!
Posted by: Zafaran | Jan 13, 2013 at 10:49 am |