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I recently finished a few new paintings and as I considered the inspiration for each, I was reminded of another art blog that I recently read. The writer talked about his neighbor who spent lots of money on cars and technology, but who gave little thought to the value of art and, therefore, missed an opportunity of buying a portrait of his daughter.  Of course as an artist, I give lots of thought to the value of art.  I was also reminded of a conversation I had with my sister about the amount of money a woman might spend on having her nails done or buying new shoes.  I don’t spend on manicures (Don’t examine my nails, please!), but I collect art supplies like a junkie.  

We pursue with our dollars what we treasure in our hearts. (Luke 12:34 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”).  

So what does that have to do with inspiration? One of my recent paintings, “Papa’s Portrait,” came from what I treasure, the memories of my Dad—specifically how his many hats and his jackets  were a kind of portrait of where he went and what he did, what he liked to wear and what he thought was worth dressing up for.  

Another recent painting, “Gifts of Christmas Past and Present” also came from what I treasure, the memory of people who either gave gifts to me or people whose  Christmas gifts I inherited when they left this temporary home on earth.  The real treasure of each tangible gift is the intangible love it represents—something far greater. 

And somehow I have the great pleasure of painting these tangibles and the very process increases the joy of the intangible!  Art has more value than the pragmatic. 

Then I considered that maybe my pleasure in painting these tangible things that hold memories of  the more precious might be of benefit to others.  If you or someone you know has a collection of things that are rich in  sentimental value, but too temporary to keep stored away on a shelf or in a box, maybe turning them into a still life painting would be a way to make them a more meaningful treasure, a work of art to cherish for a lifetime.     If you are interested in commissioning such a project, let me know!  [email protected]