One of the questions I hear the most is ‘Where do you get your inspiration for paintings?” and ‘Do you take your own pictures?’ I explain to people that most of the pictures are my own, but sometimes I paint images that belong to other people, either through contests or just by asking the photographers permission.
Come along on a journey and I’ll tell you about how one of my favourite pieces came to life…I’ll share with you the story of Chelsey’s View.
Chelsey is the daughter of my first cousin, Dawn. Dawn was a few years ahead of me (She would kill me if I said older ) , and had moved out on her own by the time I was just starting to think I was an almost adult. I had the pleasure of enjoying Dawn and Mike’s (Dawn’s Hubby) company on an occasion or two, but eventually they moved to NS, where they raised two beautiful girls, Ashley and Chelsey
Fast forward a few years and Chelsey is ready to strike out on her own, she’s off to MUN (Memorial University of Newfoundland) to study Biology. Up until now, I only know Chelsey through pictures and stories, but she’s still a part of my family and my heart..and so she becomes a part of my FB world.
As her education continues, Chelsey’s schooling takes her to Terra Nova National Park where she spends the summer working in the field in all things biology.
Chelsey Lawrence quote via email Sunday November 11th 2012
“I was out doing my field research and the woman I was with, (who works with the park) owns a cabin out in Glovertown that’s only accessible via boat.After we were done visiting my sites for the day, we wanted to take the boat there and have a cup of tea and enjoy the afternoon…
CHelsey continued on to say…
“She showed me these maple trees and I fell in love with them. Glovertown is covered in trembling aspen which turn a bright yellow in the fall. So to have this one small section of maple trees in pretty interesting biologically! Especially where there were no others in sight for miles. Not to mention a beautiful contrast from the yellow aspen. I actually crawled into the area by squeezing my body through the tightly packed trunks. Then held the camera over my head and looked up to get the shot. Getting in was easy…out on the other hand….not so much”
She posts the photo on FB, where I see it and immediately fall in LOVE. I email Chelsey via FB and ask permission to paint her picture and I get an immediate ‘YES!’ At this point in my career, I’m a brand new painter who hasn’t even begun to think of herself as an ‘artist’. I’m entranced with the world of art, but still felt like I was on the outside looking in. In other words, I was as green as the day is long. As much as I loved her picture it scared the crap outta me too.
Chelsey emails me the picture and I get to work, this is my first big piece..one that I can really sink my teeth into. I start with the bigger components and work my way back to the smaller , wee little branches and leaves….and then slowly but surely start working on the finer details. I may not be doing this painting thing ‘right’ in the school of art way of painting, but I’m enjoying every second of what I’m doing.
At the end of the day ‘Chelsey’s View’ was born. The art critics of the associated art folk of the province might turn their noses up at what I did/do, but people seem to love it and I do too. I guess at the end of the day that’s what matters most.
I’ve had so many art conversations with so many people over the past two and a half years and I’ve heard it said over and over again.
“I don’t know anything about art, but I know what I like.’
That strikes soundly with me. I may not have the art education of some, and I may not know the proper techniques to make me accepted by the official ranks. However, I confess to being totally content with being self taught and doing things my way…..and that’s good enough for me.
Epilogue- These days, Chelsey is working for herself as a successful photographer and she still loves taking pictures. Word is, she’s upgraded to a bunch of fancy smancy camera and has a handful of lenses that most photogs. would drool over.
She is out all hours of the day capturing pictures of the gorgeous province that we live in as well as breathtaking wedding and family pictures . Check out Chelsey’s work HERE and make sure to tell her that cousin Bobbi sent you!
**End note– Chelsey’s view remains to this day, one of my most popular pieces, and I thank Chelsey every day for granting me permission to create my own version of her beautiful photo.
That’s it for this time, if you have any questions, or comments, I’d love to hear them. If you’re really enjoying the BPA blogging adventures and don’t want to miss out, click follow me and add your name/email to our growing list of blog subscribers.
We’ll email you when a new blog post happens, then you can read them all at your own leisure…..and remember, I’m no expert, I’m just a painter gal with some thoughts to share.
Did you enjoy this back story? Do you like Chelsey’s View? Do you have any favourite fall pictures that you can share?
