Monday, November 24, 2008

Gratitude in Turbulent Times


        
Early December
Oil on Canvas
16x20

As Thanksgiving Day approaches, I'm reminded of all the bounty in my life.  It's been a turbulent year for this nation but not one without hope.  Some days it's hard getting through the morning newspaper reading about the stressful economic pressures that people are experiencing.  Of course, this affects the art world too.

My husband and I are not wealthy, by any means, but we have our health, close relationships with family and friends, a cozy modest home and a certain degree of stability in our lives.  Our children are at a point in their lives where they are trying to establish themselves in their chosen careers.  My son has a good job.  My daughter decided she needs her Master of Library Science degree to get the kind of job she wants, so she's going back to school.  

The point is...we have have more than enough.  

I plan on putting in a lot of studio time in 2009.  I'm grateful to be an oil painting artist.  I can't imagine wanting a different career.  Lately, there has been all kinds of advice to artists on how to survive the economic downturn we are all experiencing.  Mostly the advice has been to use this time to improve on the art we are making.  I believe this is sound advice.  Because when things get better, the world have have even more beautiful art to view.

Happy Thanksgiving! 

5 comments:

Cara said...

Wonderful post and fantastic painting -

Anonymous said...

Janelle,
Lovely painting!
It’s as bad for doom and gloom over here in the UK too….so I have stopped reading the newspaper and do not listen to the news on the TV that often. Some people say I bury my head in the sand…but for me it is self-preservation from negative energy!
(lol)
I never used to think twice about buying art supplies or frames….but decided today to use up a lot of what I have before I buy anything new.
Maggie

Celeste Bergin said...

well said..
Beautiful snow scene!

Ed Terpening said...

These are tough times. I hope the art we create is just enough diversion to remind us how important the simple, beautiful things are.

Jeffrey W. Phillips said...

I so enjoy this piece, Janelle. I can almost smell the crispness in the air, feel the sun on my face and see my long shadow.