Dove Blue

Acrylic landscape paintings

We do not just love or practice art out of nowhere.  Even when our natural talents are embedded in our genes, it takes a nurturing hand to mold our creativity.  Professional artists graduate in classes of their mentoring professors – mastering the technique, but even more so, developing their own artistic personality.  It can change dramatically with time and maturity; but the foundation is laid down in early years. 

For many of us who chose other professional careers but still yearn to paint or sculpt, it is a different journey; we are so-called ‘self-thought’ through our own practice and explorations to painstakingly improve our techniques and build our aesthetics. It is our inner need, and struggle, and fulfilment, and joy…On this journey, we sometimes encounter encouragements of gentle mentors, in a classroom, at a course, in passing, by accident…they guide us with praising words or measured critique to help us find the balance and direction… We can create and live of these words for a long time, they are important and cherished. 

In this session, we give our thanks to some of these transient teachers who motivated us to embrace our creativity – sometimes they are mothers, or school professors, sometimes soulmates with whom we accidentally crossed the path…

And, in return, we hope to give similar encouragement to the young. Our youngest ‘official’ member of the group is Sophie – she is 7 years old and has already made two presentations in our Friday meetings (with a little help from her mom).  She pours acrylic paintings and gifts them to friends and neighbors; and then passes the art skill to her classmates. She presents her techniques and embellishing innovations very eloquently and earns applause each time.

The following presentations illustrate how we, without thinking, carry on the legacy of our teachers through generations.