Fear No Oil

“If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.”  Vincent Van Gogh

I have to say it was a step up from what one might typically find at the always packed to the brim wine and art parties you might happen to notice driving down any street in America today.  Of course, it is possible I am delusional and what we are doing is nothing but another cynical attempt to cash in on people’s innate desire to express themselves in paint.

But honestly, in over thirty years in this business, I have met so many people who are deathly afraid to say, “here I am.  This is who I am.”

It breaks my heart that most people will let their entire life  pass, never having made the attempt.  They are frozen in fear at the very thought of a blank canvas.   As I said the other night, “I think everyone should have the opportunity to experience, even once in their lives, the satisfaction of  slathering a brush-load of paint on a canvas, without apology.”

While we’re at it, why not make art that is beautiful and not just easy.  Why not have your cake and eat it too?  This isn’t rocket science, folks, but it does require a bit of know how.  Most of those pictured have NEVER even picked up a brush, let alone painted in oils.   I’m proud of the result and you can bet they were happy with their experience.

To be in the midst of a human being coming to terms with themselves as a creative force is one of the most thrilling experiences imaginable.  The human drama of helping a person say “I am here,” is one of the most majestic reasons for being one can have.   I was particularly moved how the birthday girl’s 11 year old daughter fought the good fight against her own perfectionism to come out believing a bit more in her own power as a creative force.  Way to go, Amber!

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