“Why do you paint?”

People often ask me the why of what I do, and I’ve finally found the words to explain—painting lets me communicate when words fail.

When my father was near death I retreated to my studio and poured my grief onto a 24 x 48-inch swatch of silk.

When one of my kids was going through a rough time I created scarf after scarf, the colors reflecting my mood. I used the dark colors a lot during that time.

And when my marriage was strained I found solace in my pastels, rubbing the chalk into the rough paper softly. Sometimes harshly.

No Words Necessary

When I create a painting, I’m expressing feelings that have no words. I pull together colors and tones, lay them out in a pattern, and ta da! A thought, an emotion, a feeling laid out on a canvas.

Fortunately this summer’s emotions have been mostly joy. Although I said goodbye to my dad, I welcomed two grandchildren in February and March. We’ve had lots of good family time, and the weather has been nice and warm here at the creek.

That surplus warmth has led to an explosion of color in my tiny greenhouse. Two weeks of unusually hot weather, desperate and steady watering, and 24-hour sunlight came together to create the most colorful, lush painting ever.

So, when I need painting inspiration I simply go into the yard and spend a few minutes communing with my colorful, petaled friends.

A Dose of Flower Power

Summer is half over, and I hope you take this opportunity to visit me and my greenhouse. If you aren’t anywhere near Chugiak, Alaska right now, I’m bringing the flowers to you in these pictures. Brew yourself a cup of tea, sit quietly for a few minutes, and browse through the photos. Breathe deeply and smell the perfume of sweet alyssum, geraniums and of course, sweet peas. Relax.

Thanks for enjoying my flower painting.