West Rutland Skyline May 22, 2014
Train tracks cut a straight path through the marsh.
Amid the marsh on Marble Street, the Carving Studio and Sculpture Center.
Just above, Pleasant Street climbs to St. Bridget’s high on the hill.
Beyond the towering church treetop sentinels stand against the spring sky.
Beyond this there be Dragons.
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Beyond this there be Dragons…
This dire warning found on Medieval maps indicates areas of unexplored territory.
DANGEROUS TERRITORY.
Most artists know that sailing into uncharted waters is dangerous.
We also know it’s the best way to make new discoveries.
In art there are many opportunities to dance with the dragons.
And as long as you make it home alive, the inevitable burns and bruises are worth it.
But in art and in life, balance is the key.
Sometimes, it makes good sense to stay on the map.
In fact, imposed limitations facilitate creative freedom.
It seems to be a paradox.
The less we have to work with the more creative we become.
Establishing set boundaries opens the door for innovation and invention.
As an artist I learned early on that less is often more.
That is, working with limited tools can facilitate the direct, spontaneous, and sincere form of expression I strive for in my work.
Paul Cezanne said; “If I think, everything is lost.”
If we’re given an unlimited number of choices, it’s all too easy to become tentative and stiff while pondering the limitless options and possibilities.
While we consider the 24 colors on our palette, the child grabs a blunt crayon to create a dozen exceptional drawings.
There’s a substantial bonus to working with less.
It invites two important allies to your creative campaign; Appreciation and Gratitude.
An artist must ultimately accept and embrace the four edges of the canvas.
The writer knows that every sentence, paragraph, blog, and book must end.
But within these apparent limits lie unlimited creative potential.
Beyond this there be Dragons.
You slay me! 😉
I think I feel the start of a book here? Your prose, your pictures, why not?
Thank you Joy. I suppose a book is inevitable….I’ll keep it on the list!
West Rutland is the first town I visited on my first visit to Vermont back in 1965. Thanks for the memories. Have a great Memorial weekend.
You too Brian, all the best from your old friends here in Vermont
This is a wonderful painting. I have the same but in a picture!
Will you be having this for sale as copy at Hallmark in the mall? I would love to have print of it!
Hi Lori, unfortunately Hallmark is no longer in the mall. You can always order any of my prints here on my website, or if you prefer to pick up at my studio or meet to save shipping, just give me a call to arrange…802-235-2328. Thanks!
I so enjoy your art and blog….I don’t comment a lot….but LOVE to read these and admire the paintings !!!!
Thank you Dhyan, I really appreciate the support!
Cool picture and neat poem.
Thanks as always David!
Yes, indeed, a super title for your book! This picture has fond thoughts for me. It’s the view on the way home to NJ-I leave part of my love for VT here.
Thanks Arlene, it won’t be long before I see you at Art in the Park…looking forward!
Well done, Peter, Love that view. Your commentary is always thought provoking….
Thanks very much Sue, it’s amazing what three cups of coffee are capable of.
Awesome blog, Peter! The Painting isn’t bad either! Seriously, I feel exactly the same as you. As a photographer, it is way more fun and challenging to walk around with one lens on my camera and test the parameters I am given. Too many choices and I spend all my time fussing with equipment rather than looking. Excellent writing – I agree with joy about a book with your pictures and blogs. SO glad I signed up for this last year!
Thank you Betsy, as a fellow artist you know how important it is to develop personal convictions about the creative process. It’s nice when other artists validate those convictions….confirmation that if we are crazy, at least we’re not alone!
I always admire this view when driving on rt.4..and perfect timing with your commentary as I was just color planning my next project and as you said I found too that less is more and I was able to move beyond the rigidity of the color wheel..thanks for your insight !
My pleasure Dayle, I’m very glad my Dragon story helped with your project a little bit. Thanks!
THese colors are just so soft and fabulous. Is it me or are you using more of this soft mauve shade in these recent works? They are warm and welcoming.
Hi Sukie, Maybe with the arrival of the spring greens I have also been adding more complimentary red-violet…or mauve. I do use a lot of Cobalt Violet. Too bad it’s the most expensive paint there is., but it’s all worth it when the painting sings. Thank you!
Mettle not in to the affairs of dragons for you are crispy and taste good with ketchup. 😉
Hi Patti, and thanks for the tip. Next time I see one I’ll walk the other way. Have a great holiday weekend!
Durgy Hill, where my family settled when they first came from Poland. Lovely.
Thanks Lisa, glad your family found home!
Your pictures always bring wonderful memories. My 95 yr. old mother in law is a West Rutland native and she loved this! She recalled many stories from her childhood and many fond memories!
Thanks Peter for her walk down memory lane. She lit right up!
Art has a wonderful way of connecting us and bringing out the best in people. One of the things it can bring out (or back) is fond personal memories. I’m grateful to be able to play a small role in that magic.