Daddy's Christmas Angel

Sunday, February 10, 2013

An Artful Weekend

Sometimes choices must be made between art and writing. This weekend was one of those times.

The Virginia Romance Writers was holding an all-day workshop, "Writing Body Language and Dialogue Cues Like a Psychologist," presented by Margie Lawson, a psychotherapist and international presenter. What an outstanding opportunity for writers! However, it was an all-day commitment. Over many years, I have neglected my art in favor of writing. This year, I have resolved to spend more time painting and selling my artwork.

Jorge Diaz explains his method painting sunflowers ©MMSikes
The Metropolitan Richmond Artist Association had a demonstration by artist Jorge Diaz during that same time period. However, the time commitment was much less, only about two hours. I chose the art presentation.

It always amazes me how connected the two disciplines are--art and writing. Diaz started out talking about his connection with Joseph Campbell. Over the years, I've heard many writers speak of a similar connection. Diaz described the art we make as a "reflection of the light we have inside." How many authors have I known who sign books, "Light and Love"? Many.

I enjoyed watching the Diaz demonstration and learning that he often creates a painting with acrylics and completes it with oil paint. Years ago, I did the same thing.

No title yet...
 Petersburg Regional Art Center also had its open house, and I took advantage of the opportunity to work on a painting. Recently, I've started several paintings using pastels as my medium, then I complete them with acrylic paints in my studio. I especially enjoy working with images that represent outer space to me--especially the circular forms of planets. This painting began as I looked at a portion of a fractal image and grew from there.

As Jorge Diaz noted, "Art is a reflection of the light we have inside." I hope my new paintings will be a reflection of that light.

Sometimes choices must be made. We can only hope, they are the correct ones.

--Mary Montague Sikes


4 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

As you stated, they are still connected, and learning for one will help with the other.
Keep on with the outer space theme, Mary!

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Thanks, Alex, I will. It's a theme I used often over the years.

Chuck said...

Monti, I like your work. Hope to see more of it here in the future...and I agree on keeping with the space theme.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Thanks, Chuck. I love the space theme!