Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Inspiration and grief

Yes, I am still here. We have had a tough time these past few months with my father-in-law's illness and passing a couple of weeks ago. I did manage a few sketches but have found it difficult to return to a working rhythm due to the sadness overshadowing our days. I know some artists are able to find solace in their art but I couldn't seem to get there. Yet when I think about the kind of person my father-in-law was, I know I should look to his influence for guidance. He wasn't one to sit around. He was always on the go, always busy, out there doing. I feel privileged to have had him in my life.
So here are a couple of sketches from my spring journal, although I haven't been happy with any of them so far. The top sketch is of a jade plant that belonged to my mother-in-law and stayed in her lovely sunroom, cared for after her passing for years. It lives in my house now, in a brand new flowerpot. And a trip to the grocery often results in subjects for inspiration, as with the peppers above. Spring is coming slowly to our southern mountains. I am so looking forward to warmer days with loads of blooming inspiration.

30 comments:

Liesl said...

Sorry for your sadness and loss Ann. Hope you find comfort in your drawing and painting.
Going through this as well, it is hard to be joyful - but I know at the appropriate time, joy will return.

Best wishes to you and your family.

Barbara B said...

Everyone finds their own way through these times, what is a solace for one person is a burden for others. It's so hard to lose the ones we love...I hope you find comfort in the memories.

The sketches are lovely. I recognized the jade plant instantly and of course the peppers as well.

Sandy in Michigan said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your father-in-law. He sounds like a wonderful man who will live on in your memories and in your heart.

Anonymous said...

I am saddened to hear of your father-in-law's death. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss Ann. Your father-in-law was obviously an important and vital person in your family and he will be missed.
Take care of yourself and hold your loved ones tight.

Dan Kent said...

I am so sorry. My father-in-law is ill with advanced stage prostate cancer, fortunately pain-free and able to do quite a bit, but it is only a matter of time. I only say this to show that I can so relate to your loss as we are dreading our own. When you speak of him always doing, always busy, and of the privilege you feel to have had him in your life, I think of my father-in-law. I feel for your loss, and hope you find solace in painting and in the love of your family. I do love the colors and brush strokes in the red pepper, by the way.

Vicki Holdwick said...

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father-in-law and hope your grief doesn't last too long. I like how you have such good thoughts and memories of him.

I look forward to more of your art.

xoxo

Anonymous said...

Hi Ann - so sorry to hear of your loss: your father-in-law sounds like a lovely man. I lost my father-in-law last year and he leaves a big space in our family. Look forward to more of your lovely sketches when you're ready :)
Sue

Autumn Leaves said...

Dear Ann...please pass on my sorrow and condolences to Gary. I am so sorry for your loss, my friend. Your FIL must be a wonderful man to inspire such love from his daughter-in-law. I love the sketches and am so glad to know your MIL's lovely plant will continue to be cared for by you. The peppers are quite a beautiful "sketch."

nanke's stuff said...

Oh Ann, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. He sounds like a very special man and I know he will be missed by many. I will hold you in my thoughts and hope that the spring will bring comfort and healing to you. Your paintings are lovely in their simplicity. It's nice to have you back. nancy

K said...

Oh Ann, big hugs to you and Gary. Even though dealing with grief is different than struggling to heal after an illness, I know exactly how you feel about the loss of inspiration and unable to seek solace in art. You'll get back into it when you're ready. Until then, love your family and remember and love those who have passed on. Hope you are all coping well.

Ellen Burkett said...

My condolences to you and Gary and the rest of your family. No matter how we think we'll be ready we rarely are. I hope you all feel better soon, but we all know it will take as long as it takes. My best to all of you. PS: I love jade plants and yours is grat!

Cathy Holtom said...

A sad time for you, my condolences to you and your family.

Sandra said...

My sympathy over your loss. When you were ready, you did come back with lovely drawings.

bettyfromtexas said...

My deepest sympathy, Ann. I am so sorry for your loss.

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry for your family's loss, Ann!

Sara Light-Waller said...

I'm so sorry for your loss Ann. I too have lost many family members over the past few years and I know what a horrible toll it takes. Your art will always be there for you and Spring is already starting to appear. Hugs.

debra morris said...

So sorry for your loss Ann. I'm sure that your flow will come back with time. My husband was very seriously ill a few years ago and I couldn't create a thing.(He's still here 4 years on) I think that part of the brain is needed for other things but it does come back and sometimes helps with the healing process.

Alex said...

My deepest condolences to you and your family Ann. My little stoppage is nothing compare to yours, and I find it very inspiring that you're able to get back up in such short period of time. I hope that things will get better from now on.
The sketches are beautiful by the way, and hopefully we'll see more to come soon too.
Thanks for your comments as well Ann, I really appreciate it.

Nancy said...

I think these paintings are lovely! Don't be so hard on yourself. My thoughts are with you in this time. I lost my mother almost 3 months ago, and it's been very difficult. But, just know that the tears turn to sweet memories at some point. If we didn't love so much, it wouldn't hurt. Know that this paint you loving and missing him!

Please take care...everyone goes through their grief in their own way--my art has been my solace, but everyone has to find their own way.

Timaree said...

So sorry for you loss. I think it's hard to create too while under the shadow of sorrow. The jade is a great thing to paint since it reminds you of those gone yet it's finding it's place in life with you now. You did a great job on both pictures. Hope sunnier days are ahead.

Revelle Taillon said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. It's impossible to say words that will bring you comfort. Stay strong. I hope you can find solace as the days go by. Lovely sketches!

Kate (Cathy Johnson) said...

What a difficult time for you and for your family...your paintings have helped you in ways you can't yet, discern, I think, as did sharing them. Finding a few moments of normalcy is always a step in the right direction.

Lynn said...

I'm sorry for your loss, Ann. I hope you can find solace in the memories of the good times.

Ann said...

Thank you all for your kind words. They really mean a lot to me and our family.

Anonymous said...

Just a note of comfort...in time, sadness will lose a bit of it's sharpness, and though you still wipe tears...you'll find your face is holding a wee smile as you think back to your loved one. I lost my Mom in Nov 2010. I still cry. Yes I do...but also find that drawing comforts me. She loved to watch me. Best wishes to you. BJR

Anonymous said...

Ann - Very sorry to hear about your loss...

On another note... what beautiful, luscious, Alive peppers you have painted! Lovely!

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear that you are having such an unhappy time - I do hope that things feel lighter soon.
You have posted lovely pages - the colours are beautiful.

DALowe Artist said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of your father-in-law. Your sketches are beautiful and happy! Full of life and color! Spring is coming and our energy will return! Love your blog, your work, thank you for the inspiration! Blessings, Deborah

Teresa said...

I'm behind in reading blogs so I just now read this post. So sorry to hear about your loss. Thoughts and prayers your way.

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