Week 84

Months prior, we committed to a live demo for an art group. Little did I know, it would be the week our baby boy was due! As we approached the date, I was feeling that the baby could come anytime... and standing in front of a crowd painting seemed foolhardy and well, uncomfortable. We asked James Stupfel, Laert’s apprentice and friend, to join us in my stead. It was interesting how jealous I was feeling about that. Who knew that Laert painting with someone else in the way that only we do would feel like a very intimate betrayal. On the day of our demo, baby boy had yet to make his debut. I didn’t want to be left out, so I joined the guys at the last minute. Our daughter was with us, but tucked in the back safely with yummy snacks and Elsa and Anna. So we began our first live demo of our ‘quickies’ process. 

It’s not the first time we have painted quickies with James. We did a series of them last summer with him in Colorado. He is skillful and a lot of fun to be with. He began while Laert addressed the crowd. I didn’t want to overstep since I had originally bowed out, but the questions were so relevant and plentiful and Laert so adept (ie. occupied!) in answering, that I, itching to paint the lacy fabric, finally joined in at the end. 

The three of us danced with the subject as she grew in form. In the background the water of the fountain shimmered. Her hair started to weave and curl in the sun and the lace waved gently in the breeze. Under the warm sunlight she gazed into the wishing fountain and made her request. The lively, engaging members at the demo joined in with their hearts as we explored, painted and learned. Then we all made a wish. 

The Wish

24” x 30” | Oil on panel