It’s through story that we understand truth… a truth that is bigger than we are, and bigger than we are able to tell. But various artists try for pieces of it… using the tools of language, or canvas, paper and pigments, or notes, half-notes and cadence, even dance.

Truth often renders such beauty that it catches your breath. The opus performed in full orchestra, for instance. Or an aria building from the first notes to the final one, held in near perfection — these can cause your soul to sob and leap for joy at the same time.

A classic or modern piece of literature that nails your values and elicits an ah-ha! near the end simply satisfies.

And then there’s the painting… you know, the one that says something meaningful to you every time you look at it. I have a print of one like that hanging in my kitchen. I can’t tell you how it feeds me, but it does.

Here’s one I did of my daughter — the photo reference for this was taken 14 years ago. My daughter was going through a rough patch in her life. But here, holding her new niece, she seems to reconnect with what’s precious and normal. What is purer than a new baby? And holding one you love so close is in itself purifying. Or so it seems to me.

I framed the snapshot back then. Two years ago I painted it, using Painter pigments and oil brushes, and had it printed on canvas, 16×20 inches. It’s framed in a wide, rich mahogany frame, and sits on an easel in our home.

Every painting, as good works of any kind of art, tells a story.

How are you telling your stories? There are so many ways to do so…

Coffee’s on… water too. Even lemonade if you call ahead.

Barb

Tags: artists, canvas, language, oil brushes, Painter, painting, paper, pigments, story, truth