I haven’t posted on the blog for some months and, actually, I haven’t done much painting. The original intention of this blog was to share the ‘journey’ of taking up painting in retirement, so here goes with quite a personal one.
As those who know me well will already be aware, the wife and I returned from the seeing her elderly parents in the UK, in December 2019. Sadly, we hadn’t been home many days when we heard that her Dad had passed away. So, Christmas Day we were back on the plane, headed for the UK, for the funeral and to help sort out affairs for her Mum there.
Being away for several weeks I had no chance to paint, but I found also that I had no desire to. Even when we got back home in February, it was some time before I went to my ‘studio’ (the converted bedroom!). As I have said many times, I paint for fun … because it makes me smile… and what I’ve come to realise is, that I have to be in that frame of mind, or mood, to do it.
My father-in-law’s surname was Peacock, so it only seemed fitting that my first painting after picking up the brushes again was, of course, ….
It’s clear to me that, even though it was time to pick up the paint brushes again, the ‘fun’ mood hadn’t completely returned. To me, this feels quite a sad painting … it certainly lacks the amusing, or comedic, element that I normally strive for.
However, as anyone that has suffered the loss of a loved one knows, the grieving process takes time and each day you heal a little bit more. I have a corporate commission to do (that I have put off for far too long!) but I think before I do that I must paint an Eric, of something else fun, to get that sense of ‘smile’ back in to my art. I’m confident that the right mood will return, so watch this space.
Wherever you are around the world, stay safe in these troubled times.
Sobering but beautiful. I am sure your father in law would be proud. 💕