Heartfelt

Certainly some of you will take more comfort in this piece than others. I grew up in a home where thinking was very important and no one ever had any feelings, so for me now I have to make more of an effort to value feelings and to actually feel them. Thoughts come naturally. But as I age, I find that feelings ring true deep in my gut in a place that thoughts never reach. Feelings happen in a part of my soul that really matters. Thoughts seem more like crossword puzzles. A way to pass the time. I remember feelings long after I have forgotten thoughts.

This painting has really deep, beautiful color. Color that grabs you and sings. It is a very rich painting and I am just thrilled with the way so many hues mingled in this piece without mixing too much and turning into gray mud. (Mud happens a lot with these knife paintings.) There are tiny sparks of red and yellow and magenta hidden in those cool, cool blues and purples. It is all very satisfying to see.

I am hopeful that Heartfelt will brighten your home and offer you some exciting moments spent feeling (not thinking!)

How Heartfelt was created..... This is mainly a palette-knife painting. Thick layers of blue and purple paint were applied first and allowed to dry. Then thinner washes of warmer blues leaning toward teal were smoothed across the top. Tiny flecks of brighter colors were carefully added to the mix - some staying on top of most washes some hiding beneath. I used a dental scraper tool "excavate" the heart shape. Then I finished the piece with small paint brushes, creating that glowing warm heart and adding the words.

(The image continues around the sides of the board. This is a digital photo. The scans above are more accurate.)

Heartfelt was painted on a wooden board created specifically for use by artists. It has a recessed slot in the back allowing you to hang it flush with the wall. The sides of the board have been painted as well so that this piece would look wonderful displayed unframed either directly on the wall or on a small, decorative table-top easel. It is also very stable standing on edge and can be displayed that way on a shelf or table.