#97 - "12:01"
Original Oil 6x8"
10/07/16 (10:45pm)
This is my favourite painting, and my favourite story of the project, so it gets its own post.
I had been painting all day just outside of Calgary (#'s 93-96) and was heading out of the city along a fairly major thoroughfare (Sarcee Trail) when I saw this scene. I was SO captivated by it, but it was 10:30 at night, I still had more than an hour drive to get back to the mountains, I'd already done 4 paintings that day, and it was not the ideal painting location. So I almost kept driving. What motivated me to stop was the project, and the fact that it was almost over. It really seemed like a now or never moment, so I pulled over, put on my hazards, and started painting in the front seat of the car, all the while thinking, "It'll be a miracle if I get this finished without a cop showing up"...
Sure enough, 45 minutes in, flashing lights in my rearview mirror. I unrolled my window as he walked up and said, "Bet you're going to tell me I'm not supposed to be here." He said, "No, I'm just concerned, is everything alright?" As I assured him all was well, he looked into the car and said, "Wow. You're painting..." "Yes," I answered, "I really loved this scene. I know it's not a good spot to stop, I can pack up right now." To which he responded, "No, no, you just keep working and I'll sit behind you with my lights on 'til you're done."
Okay, not the answer I was expecting. I said, "Seriously???" He said, "Yup, go for it". I assured him I would wrap it up in 10 minutes or less, and he replied, "No worries, take as long as you need..."
I did wrap it up in under 10 minutes, because honestly it felt a little too weird having my own police escort while I finished my painting, but this ended up being the finished piece, no studio tweaking. It was ready to be done. When I ran back to thank him, he said, "16 years I've been on the job, and this is a first. It's always something wrong. Happy to help out".
So this painting is dedicated to Darrin from the Calgary City Police, car # 1201. Thanks for looking out for me, and for giving me one of the coolest painting memories of my life. You rock!
I love the story and the painting. Nothing like painting under pressure. So funny.
ReplyDeleteOh, how I do love this story as well as the painting! Thumbs up to car # 1201 and Darren. And your last two posted paintings, 95 and 96 have such incredible depth. Do you even realize just how much you have grown as an artist through this project!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Ann!
ReplyDeleteI really hadn't thought there was a lot of growth other than in confidence, but now as I am posting these final few, I do see progress, perhaps most significantly from a design perspective. It was such a wonderful thing to do with my life for 3 months, I would recommend it to any artist. An extended break from commercial output to focus strictly on growth was like a breath of fresh air, and I suspect it won't be long before I feel the need to come up with another project.
What an amazing story! I'm actually really moved by it, I guess by how people respond to art and creativity even though they themselves are not 'artists'. Not just admiration but also respect seem to be the themes of this story. It's a real gem.
ReplyDeleteThis is my favourite of yours yet too, it has atmosphere and mood but both are achieved which such simplicty - something which only comes with knowledge and practise. I agree with Ann that you've really grown. Perhaps after #100 you should post a selection of works whch you think signal some turning point or marker in your development during the project. It'd be great to review this project and digest it before you move on. And I'm sure it would inspire many people to take up the same or a similar challenge...
Well done! I can't wait to see the final pieces.
What a great guy Darren is and what a wonderful painting. You have endurance.
ReplyDeleteI just love this story and the painting is beautiful. I can see the land receding and the sky is so great. What total fun. And wow, 5 plein air paintings in one day, that is something for sure.
ReplyDeletePainting outside is so rewarding and so enjoyable, I'm having trouble thinking about having to paint inside again, now that the days are getting shorter. Are you looking forward to studio painting (and if so, what excites you about it?) or are you, like me, wishing you could paint plein air all the time?
I have eagerly looked for #97 and it is every bit as lovely as I expected it would be.
ReplyDeleteHats off to you and to Darren!
Thank you all so much for your kind comments.
ReplyDeleteCaroline, someone requested a while ago that I post my top 10 once this is done. I will do this, and many of of them are in the top 10 because they were turning points.
Bobbi, I am in the middle of my second studio painting since the project, and I am LOVING it! Who knew? I thought this project had increased my confidence painting plein air, but it turns out I have gained way more confidence in my studio work as well. Yay!
See, you really need a book! lol, great story, gives you faith in mankind again!
ReplyDeleteLOVE that story. And it sounds like it made the officer's night as well. I'm sure he's told it as a story too: "...so I pulled over...and guess what..SHE WAS PAINTING! And it was lovely! Not drunk. Not belligerence. Just a kind woman painting something beautiful she saw... Well don't that beat all..." (lol) Did you give Darren your blog address? Will you send him a pic or anything? I'm sure he'd love to see this post too :)
ReplyDeleteWow, what an amazing story! Thumbs up to Darren, car #1201! Sounds like your painting gave him a much needed break from all the bad guys out there. What an amazing gift to him. You never know when something you are doing will effect another person in some profound way. Love the painting!
ReplyDeleteHey Kim, I did give Darren my card and told him about the project. I asked him to leave a comment so I would know he saw it, but it was a while ago so he may have forgotten. Not me though!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful painting! Feeling of distance in the darkening sky is perfect.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great painting story! I really admire you, Liz, for doing this project. I should really do it..........
ReplyDeleteLiz, what an awesome story! I think it is appropriately dedicated! I can see why this one is your favorite. I absolutely think your paint colors are the best I have ever seen. They are so rich and inspiring!
ReplyDeleteLiz what a fantastic story!! I'm sure Darren is enjoying relating it his friends, as much as you are to yours! Love the painting too. I think all of us have been fortunate to learn along with you as you worked through this project. Thanks so much for sharing all your work and thoughts with us. Now when I plein air paint, I'm always thinking about what I learned from painting this one. Looking forward to your last three!
ReplyDeleteI have been looking in for quite a while at your blog 100 paintings in 100 days project and have enjoyed it immensely. Have been looking forward to No 97 since you mentioned it was your favourite. Who would have thought it would have such an amazing tale to go with it. I'm guessing this one will remain in your personal collection and the story will live on with it. Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteThis will be one of those moments you will never forget - nor will the officer in car #1201! I have been following your challenge since its inception, and have had many 'favorites' along the way. Have to say though that this is my absolute FAVORITE painting of your challenge. The colors in this are stunning. So glad you stopped and started painting, and that you had a kind police officer watching out for you!
ReplyDeleteWow, it's great that so many of you like this one as much as i do, it really was a special experience and I'm glad I didn't wind up with a wiper in the end.
ReplyDeleteThat is so cool!
ReplyDeleteWonderful story and painting. I once did one stopped in a traffic jam on I 10 in Texas for 3 hrs.
ReplyDeleteGreat story, and terrific painting. The painting has such great distance, and warmth. Wonderful.
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