You know right away when it happens. You hear a song that speaks so true to your heart that you have to close your eyes to take it all in. Whether at a concert or in your car listening to the radio, you immediately want to know who the artist is so you can hear it over and over again. Various forms of art are like that. That intense feeling is how we determine what kind of art we like. I often think about why we attend the Nutcracker ballet, the broadway production Wicked, purchase song after song on iTunes, and why we buy art. That’s when I discovered that I’m in the business of making people happy.
People choose to have art in their lives because it makes them feel good. We have a need to balance the giving with receiving and art can be so receiving. I definitely have paintings that speak to me in that way. Just by walking by & viewing the painting for a few seconds, I’m instantly uplifted. The art on your walls should tug at your heart strings, make you smile, and be something you love to look at every single day.
People choose to have art in their lives because it evokes memories and reminds them of something. Sometimes, it’s a place or landscape, while other times it’s an animal, a symbol, or an abstract thought they want to be reminded of. The painting above reminds me of going to the lake often, as a child. We had a ski boat, not a sail boat, but the exact representation doesn’t matter. I still love being on the water, whether at a lake on a paddle board or in the Caribbean on a Catamaran, this painting reminds me of those times when I feel the freedom of a boat and the wind in my hair.
People choose to have art in their lives because it represents a time, a setting, or idea. I remember early in our marriage, I always chose Steve Hanks art prints. It was partly because of the way he painted light and partly because his prints were about kids, women, and family. I only have a couple of them left, but when I see them, they still remind me of those early marriage days when our kids were so little. When a piece of art can transport you to a favorite time or place, it’s magical.
The blues guitar painting above is one I sold this past weekend. I remember the man and his son coming by a couple different times, looking at it. It was on an outer wall in my booth, so they’d stand back and take it in. The third time he came by, he bought it. I asked him if he played guitar and he said no, but that he really wanted it for over his fireplace. He knew just where he was going to put it. I don’t know exactly why he bought this painting of mine. I’m not sure if it created emotion for him, reminded him of an old memory, represented a time or idea for him, or maybe something entirely different. It doesn’t matter. It warms my heart because it touched him in some way and he knew he had to have it. Art is beautiful like that.
That is why I say I’m in the business of making people happy. As much as I love to have art in my life, I love to create art even more. The process is magical for me, so when I’m able to share it with someone and I see that it makes them happy, there’s just nothing better. Do you have art in your life that creates emotion, reminds you of a good memory, or represents something for you? I’d love for you to browse through my art and let me know which pieces speak to you. If you don’t find one, then let me know what kinds of subjects you’d like to see. Please leave your comments below. I can’t wait to hear your feedback! Paintings & Prints
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