"I feel just like a full sponge, having soaked up so much art..."
--postcard to my mom
“Train to Richmond” gouache on a postcard, 4 x 6 inches
I had an amazing art adventure last month. I traveled by train from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., and then a few days later, to Richmond, Virginia. I visited with some good friends in each city, and I spent many long, lovely days wandering in the art museums. Now, back home and settled into regular life again, I feel like my soul is brimming full of art. I am excited to get back into my studio with a renewed spirit.
“Looking out the train window (1)” gouache on a postcard, 4 x 6 inches
One of my favorite parts of the trip was the evening train ride from D.C. to Richmond. As the train sped southward, I felt like I was carrying with me not only my suitcase, but also all of the beautiful paintings that I had seen in the National Gallery the past few days. The luscious and rich imagery was inside of me, riding along at the speed of hte train, as I gazed out the window into the darkness.
Outside the train window, the sun had set, but a vivid pink-red color still lingered on the horizon. The train must have been running alongside a river or some other body of water, because I could see the dark tree branches and the saturated sunset colors were reflected below. As I looked, I was almost surprised to notice my own reflection. My face was translucent; behind my face you could see the sunset and the trees. Suddenly, I wanted to paint it very badly. I was so excited by my urge to make a painting that I could hardly sit still in my train seat.
In the following days, I did a couple of small gouache postcard paintings of this motif, which I am sharing here. And finally, last week I was able to start a large oil painting version in my studio. It’s still in the early stages, but I hope to share it with you soon.
“Looking out a train window (2)” gouache on a postcard, 4 x 6 inches
I am now in the process of slowly journaling and reflecting on my trip. I will continue to share more of my thoughts and sketches in future blog posts. (This is the first in a series.)
I have so much gratitude to everyone who pre-bought my hand-painted and hand-drawn postcards. You all helped make this trip possible for me. Thank you!
Hand-painted and hand-drawn postcards to wonderful art patrons.
Continue Reading “Art Adventure (part 2): Washington, D.C.”