I suppose it's unusual, and maybe not so business-savvy for an artist to start an art blog with a photograph of her dad rather than one of her paintings. When I tried picking out a painting, I couldn't decide. Then I ran across this photo of my dad that I put together with this quote awhile back. It struck me as a perfect way to start out on another new adventure, that of blogging.I look at my dad standing there, such a symbol of strength and hard work - He's truly an inspiration in my artwork and my life. And I know that he's my guardian paint angel, sitting on my shoulder with each brushstroke, cheering me on.
When he was a young boy, his mother wanted him to be an artist and she wanted to preserve his hands from the harsh ranch work. His father thought otherwise and said that if he could sell a few paintings then he would consider allowing him to stop his farm work. Poor guy - needless to say, not too many people were buying paintings during the Great Depression. He may have not had the opportunity to sell his paintings, but 70+ years after the Depression, here I am, creating and selling my paintings. We may not always have the success we desire for ourselves, but sometimes we pave the road for our children. Thanks, Daddy!
"...The stout heart stays trying by night and by day!"
3 comments:
MaryJean, What beautiful words! Your dad was a great man and fun to be around. I'm proud to call him father-n-law!
Hi Mary Jean,
Your work is stunning,and your writing makes me feel that I am already your friend/neighbor. You are as talented a writer as painter! "Nearby" and "Fresh from God" are my favorites--keep up the good work.
And thanks for visiting my blog. I am honored.
Faye (a fellow cloud-lover)
Thank you for your kind words, Faye - I felt the same when I was viewing your blog. It's wonderful to know there are fellow sojourners out there whose dreams and thoughts reach out over the miles in encouragement and friendship.
~Mary Jean
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