May we be blessed to understand how we are all artists
as well as canvases…incomplete
How we paint a little of ourselves on everyone we meet
And how everyone we meet…
paints a little of themselves on us as well.
sometime the strokes are bold and colorful…
sometimes they’re so subtle it’s difficult to tell.
And how it doesn’t matter if they are family , friends
or people we meet in passing and have long ago forgot their names
once we’ve painted on each other…
we will never be the same
I reach for fluorescent pink paint
My go-to favorite color of the hour
It looks more like neon orange thank pink
I slather it lavishly onto the canvas
It makes me smile, so I add more.
Pretty soon the canvas has it in five places.
It brings me artistic joy
Enthusiasm rises up from the canvas
The faeries like it as much as I do.
I begin to paint the dragon….
Pirate woman slashes through the canvas, jumping into my lap.
Her fiery red and pink hair rivaling the flash of her gold and silver jewelry.
A caramel skinned ebony queen riding a polka dot dragon raised her sword.
They are mighty, assertive, powerful, and ready to take on all comers.
Never annoy women who carry pointy swords or daggers with spikes.
Women who assert themselves have the best lives. I add more color.
In neon acrylics, the fearsome two take on a life that rivals all the others.
A diamond tiara appears on warrior women, surprising even me, her creator.
The background is filled with a pirate ship, castle, and magical forest.
Imagination on fire, I grav up glitter paints, to enhance these formidable two.
My muses throw down pinks, greens, oranges, purples and reds, scaring me.
They have taken on a life of their own, I am a mere observer.
Sure, they are using my hands, but this creation goes well beyond my ability.
Entities I do not recognize are now in charge,
giving this canvas enthusiastic life!
I applaud their finished product, taking full credit.
Four canvases at a time
Is how I paint
So while three are drying
I do not have to wait
I use acrylics
Because oils take too long to dry
They are more vibrant but I have no patience
Neon colors are my favorites; especially neon pink
I buy neon pink leather paint.
Glitter paints add a certain vibrancy
That makes me think of fairies,
So yes, oh, yes, I use lots of that.
Sometimes I get an inkling to throw
Something extra on the canvas.
So I do.
I am a painter,
Four canvases at a time.
And I love it.
Those leaves, like fire before our eyes,
fell down as flames from autumn skies,
then twirled like feathers to the ground
to weave a blanket wrapped around.
Like a chameleon, fall leaves turned,
from scales of green to crimson-burned.
With brushstroke blends of orange-gold,
Bright autumn paintings did unfold.
And like Monet's bold stippled hues,
fall gifts her canvases of views.
May 9, 2019
~2nd Place~
Contest: Still Life Autumn
Sponsor: Eve Roper
Judged: 10/25/2020
~6th Place~
Contest: Objectifying A Season
Sponsor: Sheri Fresonke
Judged: 0/02/2019
Living Canvases
by Odin Roark
It hangs with the galleries
Where unlimited art museums
Await your approach
Your stopping
Your willingness
So often
It patiently bides its time
Knowing frequently
You’re concerned more
With who’s watching you
Watching the painting
Watching your illumination
Move its way
A painting’s nourishment
Comes in many forms
A child’s giggle
A lean into the details
The finding of the viewing bench
The sit
The sigh
The appreciation of magic
Your eyes provide the means
Your imagination the transport
Your subtle nod
The reward
A painting knows well
The containment of joy
Always aware
Always with gratitude
The chaperon of light
Senses how grateful
Your envisioning a brush stroke’s feel
A layered color’s purpose
An artist’s commitment to discovery
How delicate and fine such moments
When paintings and illumination
Make love